Customizable context menu in beta

The customizable context menu in Windows 11 is now available in beta version. Users can add or remove items from the menu to make it clearer.

New menu aims to improve usability

The new menu could be officially launched before the end of the year. The context menu in Windows allows quick access to different commands, settings, and applications by right-clicking on a folder, file, or any other element in File Explorer or on the desktop.

Old menu becomes disorganized with more apps

However, as more applications are installed, the menu becomes increasingly disorganized and difficult to navigate. With Windows 11, Microsoft has redesigned this menu, giving it a more compact and simple layout.

New design has its own issues

However, this approach also does not work well, as it often excludes commands and applications that users frequently use. An additional mouse click allows displaying the old-style menu, but this brings us back to the initial problem.

Microsoft introduces customizable options

Microsoft is now offering a customizable context menu that finally allows users to control the items that appear in it. To test the new customizable context menu of Windows 11, users can use the latest Insider beta version of Windows 11.

How to access the beta version

Users can add or remove specific commands. Users can move certain items to other locations. And users can include entries for certain actions, such as editing a text file with Notepad or opening an image in the Photos application.

Testing the beta safely

The goal is to reduce the clutter and confusion of the current menu. To try it yourself, you will need to join Microsoft's Windows Insider program if you have not already done so. Choose the "Beta" channel, then simply download the latest updates.

Important considerations for testing

These Insider versions can be unstable, so do not install them on your main PC. Instead, use a backup computer, a dual-boot setup, or a virtual machine. Once the latest update is installed, open File Explorer and right-click on a folder or file.

Accessing the customization settings

You will then see a new option to customize the menu. Select it to modify the context menu. Alternatively, go to Settings, select Personalization, then click on Context Menu.

Customizing specific actions

With this new menu, users can enable or disable certain actions on files, such as "Send To," "Print," "Create Shortcut," "Copy as Path," and "Rotate Image." As always, the actions that appear depend on the context.

Controlling application visibility

Thus, the "Rotate Image" command only appears if you right-click on an image file. Then, users can choose the applications that always appear, either in the main menu or in a sub-menu. These include Copilot, Clipchamp, Notepad, OneDrive, Paint, and Photos.

Managing standard commands and cloud storage

However, the list will also include all third-party applications that you install; you can then easily decide whether they should appear or not. Finally, in the additional options, users can choose to display standard file commands (Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete) either at the top of the menu or inside it.

Personalizing the menu layout

Users can choose to group cloud storage actions in a separate section, display the "Customize" command in the menu itself, and move the "Properties" command to the bottom of the menu. Users can also display a command that allows access to more options, which displays the old-style menu.

Microsoft's vision for the new menu

"We are deploying a new context menu experience in File Explorer, designed to be faster, cleaner, and easier to adapt to your way of working," Microsoft said in an article about the latest preview version.

User feedback and future plans

"The new design reduces clutter at the top level, allows easy access to frequently used actions, and adds a new settings experience that gives you more control over what appears in the menu. As we continue to refine this experience based on Insider feedback, our goal is to make the right-click more responsive, more predictable, and more personalized."

User reactions and concerns

A welcome change was reported by some users who tested the new menu, which brings a welcome change to this previously cluttered and complicated context menu. However, some users would like Microsoft to eventually completely eliminate the old menu, which is not very practical.

Remaining challenges with the dual menu approach

Otherwise, users will be stuck with this "double personality" approach that prevents using the current menu more smoothly. Since the new customizable menu is currently in the Beta channel, it has taken another step toward its official launch.

Feedback and potential release timeline

This timeline will partly depend on feedback from Windows Insiders. To share your opinion on this feature, open the Feedback Hub in Windows and select the "My Feedback" option. If the feedback is generally positive, the new menu could well be deployed to all Windows 11 users before the end of the year.