Microsoft finally working on a fix for Windows 11’s cluttered right-click menu

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Windows 11 is finally coming with a redesign for the Context Menu (also known as the right-click menu), which is mostly used convenient shortcut for common actions, by adding context-aware, nested, streamlined menu options, based on the type of file. Since its inception about four years ago, many Windows 11 users have complained that the Context Menu has grown cluttered and unusable, with overpopulated menus. However, it seems that Microsoft is aware of this mess and is committed to rectifying it.

Windows 11 to get a streamlined right-click menu: Key details

According to a Windows Latest report, a change to the Windows 11 right-click menu that offers a bunch of context-sensitive options is coming soon for certain apps. The concept was recently shown off in a WinUI Community call on YouTube on November 5. There, Microsoft software engineer Harshit Mishra explained how the current right-click layout shows almost too many options, with numerous buttons and AI options to choose from.

However, a new control called SplitMenuFlyoutItem will soon be introduced, supporting ‘context-aware groupings and customisations’ of the commonly used menu options, which allows the Context Menu to adapt to user selections. This means that all Photos app-related options will now be grouped under the ‘Open with Photos’ tab, and the secondary menu will allow users to select all the available apps to choose from.

Unfortunately, since this was just a brief showcase of this upcoming tool, we didn't get any confirmation on its release date or when it will be made available to the public. Currently, the WinUI video suggests that this idea is still in the development phase, and we can expect some positive changes through future Windows 11 updates.