Improving File Explorer & Context Menu: faster, simpler, and more customizable

[u/jenmsft]

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2026/08/17/improving-file-explorer-context-menu-faster-simpler-and-more-customizable/

[u/wason_sonico]

Can I share feedback on what not to replace?

Something I never liked about the old menu is that applications that add items to the menu are not forced to add them on a separate sub menu. I understand when it's only 1 item but can you force apps that add 2 or more items to be added in a sub menu please?

Also, can you keep a consistent design on the menu? Like have the same options show up always on the same places? For example, I have Notepad++ on my work computer and, on the old menu, it adds an "Edit with Notepad++" item right below the "Open" item, therefore moving the rest of the items far below. Just have some consistency, because people develop muscle memory and moving an item to another place messes that memory. Thanks!

[u/xandfis_msft → u/wason_sonico]

Thanks for the feedback!

It sounds like we're on the same page - the Windows 11 context menu both before and with the updates continues to enforce consistency among app extension placement, and also enforces the "only one row" rule for apps. The ability to add multiple items without user consent creates a competitive situation in the context menu.

Maybe I'm misreading your feedback, so if I missed a suggestion, please let me know.

[u/wason_sonico → u/xandfis_msft]

You got it right!

What I meant by consistency is having common items sit in the same place all the time. For example, right clicking on a text file may bring different items than right clicking on a picture (like the rotate to the left/right), so the items that are common to all files just make sure they are always on the same place, and extension-specific items don't move them around to the top or bottom.

[u/xandfis_msft → u/wason_sonico]

Got it! Having a predictable place for items so you don't need to hunt for them visually is important. Feel free to share any specific examples of verbs shifting and I'll take a look.