August 18, 2026, 2:35 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Windows 11 aims to make working with files more organized. Microsoft plans changes to the context menu of File Explorer, which appears when right-clicking on files and folders. The goal is to better structure the list of functions and app extensions that have grown over the years and tailor them more to the individual needs of users.
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According to Microsoft, the context menu will be more simply organized in the future. Frequently used functions will remain directly visible, while other entries can be shown or hidden as needed.
For this purpose, a new “Customize Menu” option will appear at the bottom of the menu. It leads to a settings page in the “Personalization” section, where various Windows functions can be managed.
There, entries such as “Send to,” “Create shortcut,” or “Print” can be activated and deactivated. Users can thus determine which functions are displayed directly to them.
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App Extensions Move to Their Own Submenu
Entries from installed programs will also be displayed more clearly in the future. Microsoft envisions a separate submenu for app extensions.
Frequently used functions of applications can still appear directly in the main menu. Less important extensions, on the other hand, will be displayed in a bundled manner. Those who do not need the additional menu can hide it completely. This will reduce the main menu to the most important actions.
Improvements for File Explorer and File Display
Additionally, Microsoft is making adjustments to the default functions of the context menu. Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, and Share can once again be displayed as text options in a list. Until now, these functions have been shown only as icons by default in Windows 11.
The “Properties” menu item can also be moved back to the end of the context menu. This partially aligns the display with earlier Windows versions. Furthermore, File Explorer is expected to start faster and work more stably when navigating, renaming, and selecting multiple files. Microsoft also aims to reduce short delays and visible reloads.
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Another change concerns the display of file sizes. Instead of long sequences of numbers, sizes will automatically be shown in KB, MB, or GB. The innovations will initially be available to participants in the Windows Insider Program. A date for general release has not yet been set.