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Microsoft begins public testing of a fully customizable context menu in Windows 11, aiming to reduce clutter and improve user experience

Microsoft has begun public testing of a fully customizable context menu in Windows 11, aiming to enhance user experience by reducing clutter. The redesigned menu allows users to arrange primary actions vertically, making it simpler and faster to navigate, according to the latest preview builds released in August.

Windows Latest Windows Latest+1 source20 August 2026 · 01:46 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 introduces a fully customizable context menu, enhancing user experience by allowing users to arrange primary actions vertically. This change aims to reduce clutter and improve navigation speed.2

The new context menu is part of a series of updates released in August, which also includes improvements to the desktop background experience and enhanced photo backup options. On Windows 11 build 26340.9212, users will find new entry points in Settings > Home and Accounts for setting up Camera Roll, which automatically backs up photos and videos from mobile devices.

Additionally, Microsoft is streamlining recovery workflows, enabling features like Quick Machine Recovery and cloud rebuilds to operate online without manual intervention. The company has also decided to discontinue the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) and the Drag Tray feature, responding to user feedback.45

“The redesigned context menu is now fully customizable, simpler, and faster,” a Microsoft spokesperson stated, highlighting the focus on user-centric design. The vertical arrangement of primary actions, such as cut and paste, is expected to significantly enhance usability.3

Overall, these updates reflect Microsoft's commitment to refining the Windows 11 experience based on user feedback and technological advancements.

Key Insight
“The latest Windows 11 preview builds include a redesigned context menu that allows users to arrange primary actions vertically, enhancing usability. Additionally, Microsoft is discontinuing the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) and Drop Tray features based on user feedback, signaling a shift towards a more streamlined interface.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
Windows LatestWindows Latest
“Amazon is trying to boost adoption of their signature AI assistant as they have just announced that Alexa+ is now free for all Fire TV device owners that are compatible with the service.”
Windows Latest →
2
Windows CentralWindows Central
“In early August, Insiders didn't get off to a good start with previews, as the company didn't release any builds in the main testing channels, including Experimental and Beta, for more than 15 days.”
Windows Central →
Ask CuriousCats
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EARLIER IN THE STORY:
Microsoft updates Windows 11 File Explorer context menu; users can customize commands and reduce clutter.
makeuseof.com
Microsoft updates Windows 11 File Explorer context menu; users can customize commands and reduce clutter.

Microsoft acknowledged that the Windows 11's right-click menu has become cluttered and sluggish.

Customizable MenuMicrosoft Corp.Microsoft News
2026-08-18
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Microsoft acknowledged that the Windows 11's right-click menu has become "cluttered and sluggish."
  • Microsoft is touting its new customizable right-click context menus.
  • Users will be able to tweak the menu by adding and removing commands.
  • Microsoft aims for this feature to reach all Windows users by year's end.
  • "Today, we're excited to announce an updated context menu that delivers a faster, simpler, and more customizable experience," Microsoft said in the blog.
  • The new design reduces top-level clutter, keeps commonly used actions easy to access, and introduces a new Settings experience that gives you more control over what appears in the menu.
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