Five years ago, Microsoft launched a new right-click menu design in Windows 11, focusing on a simpler and more modern visual style, but the actual experience has long been criticized. Many users complained that the menu responded slowly and was stuck in expansion. At the same time, a large number of commonly used options were folded under "Show more options", and the operation path was artificially lengthened. As time goes by, the right-click menu continues to be filled with various application extension entries, making it increasingly bloated and messy.
After optimizing interface elements such as the Start menu and taskbar many times, Microsoft has not made fundamental adjustments to the right-click menu, which has become one of the most controversial parts of Windows 11 design. Now, Microsoft has finally confirmed that it will address this issue. Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s head of Windows design and research, recently responded to users on X (formerly Twitter) and said that the team is improving the right-click menu of Windows 11.
According to Marcus Ash, the new right-click menu will focus on three major directions: the first is "faster", which means improving the performance and smoothness of calling and expansion; the second is "simpler by default", which reduces redundant information and visual burden while ensuring that core functions are accessible; the third is "can be configured according to your most commonly used operations." However, it is not yet clear in what form the so-called "configurable" will be presented, such as whether it will provide a graphical configuration interface, or support automatic adjustment of the menu layout according to frequency of use.
In addition, Microsoft has not clearly stated whether the traditional "classic menu" will be retained in parallel with the modern menu, or whether it will be replaced by a new solution. Marcus Ash only said that he will "share our specific plans soon," which means that the detailed design and interactive form may be gradually revealed in subsequent preview versions.
According to the past rhythm, the revamped right-click menu is expected to be launched in the preview version of Windows 11 first, and will be pushed to the Experimental Channel first for testers to experience and give feedback. Before the official solution is implemented, users in need can temporarily improve the current experience through third-party tools. For example, a small tool called "Windows 11 Context Menu Manager" recommended by Neowin can be used to disable unnecessary menu items, thus reducing the clutter of the right-click menu to a certain extent and improving the opening speed.
Over the past period of time, Microsoft has made a number of adjustments to the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar, including adding more customization options, improving layout and interaction logic, etc. Based on these changes, the system-level transformation of the right-click menu is regarded as a key step in responding to user feedback. Neowin also reminds users to pay attention to the subsequent Windows 11 preview builds released every week, usually on Fridays, to get the latest progress on right-click menu improvements.