● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
Microsoft tests faster File Explorer and customizable context menu in Windows 11 preview
Key points
- Faster File Explorer and customizable context menu in Windows 11 preview builds.
- Changes focus on speed, performance, reliability, and user-reported issues.
- New context menu includes a "Customize menu" shortcut to Settings.
- Microsoft also removes WMIC tool from Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 builds.
- New context menu is for Windows 11 Insiders.
- Users can add and remove commands from the context menu.
- Microsoft hopes to roll out the customizable menu to all Windows users by year's end.
File Explorer Performance Improvements
Microsoft has begun testing a faster File Explorer in Windows 11 preview builds. These changes are designed to enhance speed, performance, and reliability, addressing issues reported by users. Specific improvements include preventing file renames from being interrupted by background synchronization and ensuring case-only filename changes appear immediately.
Redesigned Context Menu
Alongside File Explorer updates, Microsoft is rolling out a redesigned context menu. This new menu aims to be faster, less cluttered, and more customizable. It includes a "Customize menu" shortcut directly within the right-click menu, leading to Settings where users can adjust preferences.
Broader Performance Initiatives
These updates are part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve Windows Explorer performance for Windows 11 users. Previous initiatives include File Explorer improvements rolled out in April and an optional feature introduced in November to preload File Explorer in the background for faster launch times. This preloading option can be disabled by users.
WMIC Tool Removal
In a separate but related announcement, Microsoft confirmed the removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool. This tool, identified as a living-off-the-land binary (LOLBIN) often abused by cybercriminals, will be removed starting with Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, as well as the beta builds released this week.
Updates
- New context menu is for Windows 11 Insiders.
- Users can add and remove commands from the context menu.
- Microsoft hopes to roll out the customizable menu to all Windows users by year's end.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Microsoft is rolling out a new customizable right-click context menu for Windows 11 Insiders, allowing users to add and remove commands to reduce clutter. This update addresses previous attempts to simplify the menu by providing direct user control over its contents. The change aims to improve user experience by making frequently used actions more accessible without reverting to older menu versions.
Microsoft is testing a faster File Explorer and a redesigned, customizable context menu in Windows 11 preview builds. These updates aim to improve performance, reliability, and user experience by reducing clutter and offering more control over menu options.