Right-click menu gets a new look

Microsoft has described the right-click menu in Windows 11 as "cluttered and slow" and has now made it manually sortable. The feature is included in the KB5127936 update released on October 28 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 26H2. Previously, users had to rely on third-party tools to clean up the menu.

New customization options

A new button at the bottom of the context menu opens a customization page in Settings. This allows users to show or hide commands like "Send To" or "Print," choose which application extensions appear in the main menu, and replace icons with text as in Windows 10. The change was tested by the website Windows Latest, which noted the menu opens faster with default settings.

Tilde key gets a new role

The tilde (~) key, previously with limited use in Windows, now opens the user's folder when typed directly. Typing ~\AppData opens the hidden folder where applications store settings. This shortcut works in the Run window and can be accessed on AZERTY keyboards with AltGr + é followed by Space.

Search results now more consistent

The search results page now displays the name, location, and date of files in a uniform way, regardless of whether the search is initiated from a drive, This PC, or the Start menu. Additionally, the Folder Options window has switched to dark mode, though the Properties window has not received this change yet.

Improved recovery options

When a PC cannot start, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can now connect to registered Wi-Fi networks automatically. This allows for online repairs without entering a password. A new "Cloud rebuild" option reinstalls Windows 11 from Windows Update, even if the system won't start, and can be accessed via Settings or the WinRE Troubleshoot menu with a network connection.

Memory integrity now optional

Memory integrity, also known as HVCI, ensures only trusted code runs at the system's core. Microsoft now allows it to be enabled during updates on compatible PCs. However, it may slow down gaming performance slightly, and gamers are advised to disable it if they notice stuttering. It can be toggled in Windows Security settings.

Microsoft Edge launches faster

Microsoft Edge now opens almost instantly when it is already running in the background, which is common after closing it. This improvement requires Edge 150 or newer and is available to other developers for use in their applications. Other changes include improved accessibility features and minor usability updates.

Update rollout timeline

The KB5127936 update is optional and considered a preview, even though it is a final release. It installs only if the "Receive the latest updates as soon as they are available" option is enabled in Windows Update. Otherwise, its features will be included in the mandatory security update on November 10. Some features may take several days to appear after installation.