Microsoft Admits Windows 11 Context Menu Failed, Revamps Experience Again
Microsoft has finally admitted that Windows 11's right-click menu became 'cluttered and sluggish' after its release in 2021, a problem it said would be fixed by moving common actions next to where the menu was invoked. However, the company now says the redesigned context menu developed similar issues, including a long list of commands, rare items mixed with common ones, and poor performance.
In a significant U-turn, Microsoft is rebuilding the experience with a faster default layout and control over what appears when you right-click a file. The new customizable context menu has already started rolling out to Windows Insiders in Experimental Build 26340.9212, released August 17, 2026.
The redesigned context menu now includes a 'Customize menu' option that allows users to switch on or off individual built-in actions like Send to, Print, Create shortcut, Copy as path, and Rotate image. Users can also choose whether app extensions are shown directly in the main menu, tucked into a submenu, or hidden altogether.
Microsoft's decision to revamp the context menu comes after years of criticism from users who felt it had become cluttered and difficult to use. The company is bringing back parts of the Windows 10 right-click menu, including the ability to arrange primary actions vertically instead of horizontally.