The Context Menu in File Explorer has undergone a significant transformation with the release of the latest Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 for Windows 11. Microsoft has effectively made the menu more compact, previously taking up nearly 75% of the vertical screen space.
This redesign involved reorganizing and consolidating similar functions to bolster user coherence. A new flyout menu labeled “Manage file” now conveniently groups infrequently used actions like “Compress file” and “Copy as path.”
Enhancements to the File Explorer Context Menu
Historically, the Context Menu in Windows 11 has been expanding significantly, particularly when using screen scaling of 125% or more, especially on 16:9 aspect ratio displays. Even laptops with a 16:10 aspect ratio are not spared, as they too observed the menu consuming approximately 75% of vertical real estate.
The context menu became particularly lengthy for image files due to additional options such as “Edit with Clipchamp, ” “Edit with Paint, ” and “Photos.” Although these features remain, Microsoft has acknowledged in their Windows Insider Blog that refinements aim to minimize the space consumed by less frequently used actions while maintaining accessibility.
This effort to declutter mirrors standard practices of organization by grouping similar items. Actions such as Compress to ZIP file, Set as Desktop Background, Rotate Right, and Rotate Left are now situated under a nested menu titled Manage file. Notably, this name is not yet confirmed and could be altered in future updates.
This adjustment has effectively shortened the menu by four lines, given that previously these five options each had individual entries. The nested menu approach aligns with the anticipated Split Context Menu feature that Microsoft is also developing for WinUI applications.
In addition to these enhancements, users with files synced to OneDrive or other cloud services will find that options like “Always Keep on this Device” and “Free Up Space” are now housed within a corresponding cloud provider’s submenu. The new arrangement places “Send to My Phone” adjacent to the previously existing “Open with” options for improved accessibility.
Testing the Updated Context Menu in Windows 11 Preview Build
Upon installing the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) in a virtual environment, Windows Latest discovered that the new context menu was readily visible, deviating from Microsoft’s typical approach of concealing new features. Upon exploring File Explorer and right-clicking an image, it was evident that the context menu now offers a cleaner and more streamlined appearance.
The promise of “reducing space taken” has been fulfilled, presenting a noticeably shorter context menu. The arrangement not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also exhibits improved order among the options. Notably, the right-click context menu for PDFs appears even more compact than before, reflecting similar streamlined functionality across different file types.
However, the main draw remains the new “Manage file” option, featuring submenus that adapt based on the file type selected. While actions associated with non-image files generally include just two options—Compress to and Copy as path—the image file context menu continues to provide a wider array of functionalities.
A standout update is the pioneering use of tertiary submenus for compression formats, allowing users to select between ZIP, 7z, and TAR file types—an exciting first for the File Explorer.
As for OneDrive-synced files, actions such as “Always Keep on this Device” and “Free Up Space” have also been repositioned to display as secondary options beneath their respective cloud provider’s menu, enhancing clarity and usability.
Moreover, the previously located “Open Folder Location”command, now sensibly falls under the “Open with” header, enhancing logical flow within the menu.
Potential Improvements for File Explorer
While we commend Microsoft for advancing the functionality of Windows 11, notably with the revamped Context Menu in File Explorer, other performance-related issues persist. For instance, the preload feature intended to enhance File Explorer’s opening speed may instead have adverse effects.
As observed in the accompanying video, certain actions—including Ask Copilot, Edit with Clipchamp, and Photos—take longer to load during right-click operations. Eliminating these less frequently used actions from the menu could enhance overall responsiveness. If deemed necessary, these features should ideally reside under the “Manage File” submenu.
Interestingly, the “Edit in Notepad” option appears across all file types, rather than being confined to text files. While some users may find utility in this, it presents a minor inconsistency in functionality. Nonetheless, sluggish response times remain an issue for many users.
The discrepancy in speed between the context menus of Windows 10 and Windows 11 is stark. Windows 10’s context actions unveil almost instantly, providing a smoother user experience compared to the lagging performance observed in Windows 11.
The comparative performance indicates that, despite technological advancements, Windows 11’s File Explorer lags behind its predecessor in operational efficiency. This begs the question—why has a newer OS rendered a robust File Explorer less efficient?
While the updated context menu presents a visually appealing design, there remains significant potential for optimization. Microsoft must prioritize improving File Explorer to reinforce its reputation rather than divert attention toward other initiatives like Copilot, which may not wholly resonate with developers.
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