Microsoft is working on a faster and more customizable Windows 11 context menu

Microsoft is making changes to its Windows 11 context menu system, but it’s not yet clear when users will see them.

Microsoft is working on a new context menu system on Windows 11 that would have a faster response time. The changes would also allow users to customize what appears in the right-click menu.

The aim of the overhaul is to provide Windows 11 users with a smoother and less cluttered menu design.

The issue with the current context menu is that, with time, it has become filled with apps and actions from Microsoft and third-party developers.

As a result, the menu also became slower to respond.

To fix this problem, Microsoft is now working on a new context menu design that would include only the most essential elements.

It’s expected that the new menu will respond much faster, as it will not need to load all available third-party applications, which currently cause the menu to take a moment to load.

The new design will allow users to show and hide actions and apps, and change their order.

The menu will also include a “customize” option that allows users to make changes at any time, according to Windows Central.

It’s not yet sure when this update will see the light of day, but it’s been reported that it could be released sometime this year.

Users want changes, and they want them now

The news about the revamped Windows 11 menu sparked an online discussion, with many netizens skeptical of Microsoft's changes.

“Make it instant like it was in Windows 10. There's a micro delay in W11P every time you right-click on a file,” wrote one user.

“Why is making the context menu fast so hard? macOS and Linux distros had this figured out in 2001. And Microsoft had it figured out until 2021,” added another user.

Some users were also critical of the company taking its time to implement these changes.

“Eight months of ‘Windows is adding this and fixing that,’ without a single improvement making to the stable release,” shared one Redditor.

“Plans, plans, plans. I've heard the taskbar can be set anywhere I want for 3 years now. Where is my update? Third-party tool, one person devs can do it and deliver software in a week, whats Microslop doing for years now?” wrote another user.

Microsoft plans to fix Windows 11's slow context menus with major overhaul designed to improve performance and reliability: New compact menu design will be faster and user customizable
by u/ZacB_ in Windows11

Going against Windows 11?

The frustration among Windows 11 users stems from various instances of “Microslop” they’ve noticed over time.

At first, users opposed the company’s plan to incorporate AI into its operating system. Due to this backlash, Microsoft decided to reduce AI-powered features, found in Notepad, Photos, Snipping Tool, and Widgets.

It was recently reported that a bug in Windows 11 has caused storage space issues. The problem was related to the Capability Access Manager service, responsible for app permissions in Windows.

While the company has been encouraging its users to update to Windows 11, many still use Windows 10.

Microsoft warned that the older version of the operating system will no longer provide new features, security updates, or technical support.

However, some users say they’re avoiding the update because it would mean they also need new hardware and because they don’t want the AI-powered features that come with Windows 11.

Because of this, Microsoft had to extend the Windows 10 update program for another year to ensure users receive at least critical security updates.