Microsoft has finally accepted that right-click menu Windows 11's setup had become a bit of a headache for many users, and the company is already working on a redesign that seeks order, consistency, and fewer unnecessary steps.
The company has introduced an approach called Split Context Menu It promises a shorter, clearer menu, with grouped actions and immediate access to what really matters, without constantly resorting to "Show more options".
Why the current menu is not convincing
The attempt to simplify Windows 11 resulted in a confusing experience: a minimalist main menu and, behind it, the classic Windows 10 menu when you press “Show more options”, creating duplications, two distinct aesthetics and an extra step that cuts off the flow.
That mix of repeated entries and mismatched extensions has led many to use registration tricks or third-party utilities to recover the old menu, a clear sign that something wasn't working as it should.
This is how the new split context menu will work.
The key to change is a system of intelligent grouping: a main action visible and, when you hover the mouse over it, a small side submenu with related options, avoiding endless lists and keeping everything just a click away.
In an image, for example, instead of seeing “Open with PhotosIf you add “Edit with Photos” or “Set as background” separately, a unified entry (like “Photos”) will appear with a flyout that deploys secondary actions instantly.
According to data shared by Microsoft, this approach significantly reduces the overall height of the menu: by up to 38%. In some cases, with cropping of around 35% in images and around 30% in text files.
The idea also extends to Explorer commands that often clutter the view; in the demonstrations, you can see how "Pin to Start," "Pin to Taskbar," or "Quick Access" are consolidated into a single command. “Anchoring to…” with organized options.
Default context: only what is relevant in each file
The system will apply a contextual filtering To avoid clutter: if you select a photo, you'll see actions for images; if it's a .txt file, text editors and related utilities will appear, without tools that are irrelevant in that scenario.
This resolves the paradox between showing everything (and overwhelming the user) or hiding too much (and forcing users to search): the main menu remains clean, while at the same time, the advanced functions follow a gesture away.
The technical component: SplitMenuFlyoutItem and WinUI 3
The change relies on a new API called SplitMenuFlyoutItem, exposed through WinUI 3 within Windows App SDK, which allows you to define a primary action and group secondary actions without breaking existing flows.
For developers, this means a more predictable menu: they can decide what appears by default and what remains in the submenu, maintaining the direct accessibility to the functions that users use daily.
What has Microsoft said and where is it at?
The announcement came in a WinUI Community Callwhere Microsoft engineer Harshit Mishra detailed the approach and showed practical examples of the new menu's behavior with different file types.
It's a work in progress: for now, it hasn't reached the channels. Windows Insider And there's no confirmed release date for the general public, so it's best to temper expectations.
Where will it be seen first and what remains to be clarified
The rollout will begin with applications created with WindowsUI 3 (like Microsoft Photos), and from there it should gradually extend to more areas of the system as apps adopt the new API.
Microsoft has not yet specified the exact scope of the changes in File Explorer or how they will affect support for third-party extensions, a sensitive point for those who rely on them. accessories in their daily lives.
Practical impact for users and businesses
For routine tasks such as rename filesCopying paths or opening with a specific tool, simplification should translate into less scrolling and fewer clicks, with a consistent interface throughout the system.
In professional environments in Spain and Europe, where every second counts, a more predictable and consistent menu can reduce errors, facilitate remote support, and improve... productivity without changing habits.
Why is it happening now?
Since Windows 95, the context menu has been the universal shortcut; with Windows 11, the mix of old and new layers created an uneven experience that the community has criticized. forcefulness.
This adjustment doesn't mean going backwards, but rather integrating the best of both worlds: a clear main menu with immediate access to advanced options, without the cost of loading legacy interfaces or extra dialogues.
With the new Split Context Menu, Microsoft seeks a balance between modern design and efficiency: less clutter, more context, and fine-tuning control for developers that should translate into a uniform experience when it reaches the general public.
