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Microsoft to overhaul Windows 11 context menu and File Explorer
Microsoft is implementing a major overhaul of the Windows 11 File Explorer and context menu to address user criticisms regarding speed and clutter. The update focuses on three primary goals: speed, simplicity, and customization.
Key improvements to the context menu include a new customization section within Settings, allowing users to toggle specific actions such as ‘Send to’, ‘Print’, ‘Create shortcut’, and ‘Refresh’ on or off. To improve performance, Microsoft is reducing the number of items displayed at the top level of the menu, which aims to drastically reduce the delay between a right-click and the menu becoming usable. Users will also have the option to revert to a vertical list layout for common commands like Cut, Copy, and Paste, similar to the Windows 10 design.
Beyond the menu, File Explorer is receiving stability and performance enhancements. These include faster startup times, reduced freezing, and improved reliability during file renaming and selection. Other updates include better handling of file size units (KB, MB, GB), improved address bar support for various path formats, and a more organized details pane. These changes are currently being tested through the Windows Insider Program, with a broader rollout expected later this year.
Entities
File Explorer · Microsoft · Windows 10 · Windows 11 · Windows Insider Program
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Microsoft has optimized File Explorer to reduce lag, flickering, and navigation interruptions.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Users will be able to hide specific context menu items, such as 'Print' or 'Send to', to simplify the interface.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Microsoft is implementing a multi-phase plan to improve Windows 11 quality, focusing on performance, reliability, and user experience. www.appinn.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A low-latency mode that increases CPU frequency to improve system smoothness is now enabled by default. www.appinn.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The new context menu allows users to switch from the current icon row to a vertical list layout similar to Windows 10.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Microsoft is adjusting its AI strategy to reduce intrusive Copilot entries and focus on more purposeful use cases. www.appinn.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Updates to Windows Update aim to reduce user interference by allowing longer pause periods and skipping initial setup updates. www.appinn.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A redesigned right-click context menu is being tested in the Windows 11 Experimental channel, offering increased speed and customization.