After revamping the taskbar, Microsoft is finally redesigning the Windows 11 context menu

We’re still a long way from a revolution, but the first customization options are finally appearing.

Two months ago, Microsoft finally responded to requests from Windows 11 users by allowing more advanced customization of the operating system’s famous taskbar. This is a new feature and, more importantly, a new direction for Microsoft, which has never been particularly fond of options that allow users to adjust the appearance of their OS. However, following this revamped taskbar, Microsoft seems set to do the same with another sensitive—and often heavily criticized—aspect of Windows 11 compared to Windows 10: the context menu.

As the Clubic website explains, Microsoft is finally allowing users to customize this menu, which is activated by right-clicking the mouse. With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft aimed to make the Windows 10 context menu simpler, more intuitive, and less cluttered. In reality, many users quickly complained about having to perform multiple steps to access a feature that previously required just a single click. Last June, Microsoft promised to address this shortcoming “soon,” but, as you can see, weeks have passed without any new features being introduced.

Microsoft is finally adding a few customization options to its context menu. © Clubic

Released on October 28, the optional update KB5127936 finally marks a first step in the right direction. So, as Clubic explains, when you right-click on a file or in File Explorer, a new option lets you “Customize the menu.” This option takes you to a new settings page where you can choose which commands to display or, conversely, hide. Thus, the much-criticized “Send To,” “Print,” “Create Shortcut,” and “Copy as Path ” options can be removed. In addition, Clubic notes that it is “also possible to change the layout of common actions—including cut, copy, paste, rename, share, and delete—to display them directly in the menu rather than in a row of icons.”

Note, however, that update KB5127936 is currently optional. It is therefore not automatically rolled out to all devices. Logically, the features in this update should be included in the broader security update scheduled for November 10. So you can certainly wait a few more days to take advantage of it, but Clubic also explains how to use ViveTool to enable it right now. The process isn’t very complicated.