Microsoft has recently recognized the challenges associated with the right-click context menu in Windows 11, describing it as becoming "cluttered and slow." This acknowledgment comes after the company initially redesigned the menu to address similar concerns present in Windows 10.
Context Menu Issues Acknowledged
In a recent blog post, Microsoft stated, “When we launched Windows 11, we introduced a new context menu with a modern design, improved organization, and a new approach to application extensions.” However, as time progressed, users found the menu performance lacking, which prompted the need for significant adjustments.
Testing New Designs
The rework of the context menu is currently being tested through the Windows 11 Insider Preview Experimental Build 26340.9212, released on August 17, 2026. This update aims to bring a fresh design to the right-click menu within File Explorer, allowing users to customize which commands and application extensions they wish to see.
Performance Concerns
The issues with the context menu extend beyond mere aesthetics. Users have reported that the right-click menu is slow to open, with some elements only appearing after the menu has been displayed. This delay can lead to user errors, as the positions of elements may shift when new items appear.
Initial Changes and Their Impact
When Windows 11 was first introduced in 2021, Microsoft made changes to the right-click menu with the goal of creating a more streamlined experience. The previous Windows 10 context menu was criticized for being overly long and disorganized, with frequently used commands like Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, and Rename positioned far from the cursor. Rarely used commands were intermixed with common functions, creating confusion.
The new menu aimed to fix these issues by placing primary commands closer to the cursor and grouping related functions, while also establishing a more consistent structure for application extensions. Unfortunately, over time, the menu has once again become cluttered, negatively affecting its performance.
This update represents an essential step towards improving user experience and aligning the menu with the needs of modern users. Microsoft is committed to refining the menu further to ensure it is both functional and efficient.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/22/08010037/microsoft-akui-windows-11-bikin-repot-menu-populer-ini-akhirnya-dirombak
