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I tried Windows 11’s customizable right-click menu – and it’s a much-needed change
Tech > Services & Software > Operating Systems > Windows > Windows 11
The latest Windows Insider build lets you add, remove, and manage commands in the right-click menu so it's less crowded and confusing.
The right-click menu in Windows seems like a great idea. Quickly access different commands, settings, and apps by right-clicking a folder, file, or other item in File Explorer or on your desktop. But as you install more applications, the menu gets more disorganized and difficult to navigate.
Also: 9 free Windows apps I can’t live or work without – and 8 work on Mac and Linux, too
With Windows 11, Microsoft revamped the menu with a smaller and simpler layout. But this approach doesn’t work well either, as it often excludes commands and apps you frequently use. With another mouse click, you’re able to view the older-style menu, but that brings us back to the original problem.
Now Microsoft has introduced a customizable right-click menu that finally gives you control over the items that appear.
With the latest Windows 11 Insider Beta preview, you can try out the new customizable menu for yourself. You’re able to add or remove specific commands. You can move certain items to different spots. And you can include entries for certain actions, such as editing a text file with Notepad or opening an image in the Photos app. The goal is to reduce the clutter and confusion of the current menu.
To try this yourself, you’ll need to join Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program if you haven’t already done so. Choose the Beta channel and then just download the latest updates. Since these Insider builds can be unstable, don’t set this up on your primary PC. Instead, use a spare computer, a dual-boot setup, or a virtual machine. I run the Insider builds in a VM through VMware Workstation Pro.
With the latest update installed, open File Explorer and right-click on a folder or file. You’ll now see a new entry to customize the menu. Select that to tweak the context menu. Otherwise, go to Settings, select Personalization, and then click Context menu.
Also: Microsoft reveals customizable context menu for Windows users – how to try it out