Windows 11 preview update addresses right-click menu concerns
A new Windows 11 preview update is available, aimed at improving the operating system's right-click menu functionality.
Microsoft has started rolling out a Windows 11 preview update aimed at addressing a long-standing issue with the operating system's right-click menu.
The update, which will initially be available to a limited number of users before expanding to all devices, comes as Microsoft releases its quarterly financial report showing a decline in PC sales and revenue from Windows licenses.
Notably, this development coincides with the company's quarterly financial report that highlights an ongoing trend of decreased demand for new PCs running on Windows. The update addresses a key concern raised by power users who have long been frustrated with the operating system's right-click menu, which has been criticized for hiding command locations and disrupting user habits.
The preview update, KB5127936, is cumulative for Windows 11 versions 26H2 and 25H2, indicating that it will cover multiple aspects of the operating system.
Windows 11 users have long been able to customize some aspects of their right-click menu, but now they can take their personalization further. The latest preview update allows them to toggle on or off built-in commands such as Send To and Create Shortcut, which had previously been hidden behind a top row of icons.
Additionally, users can rearrange the main menu to suit their needs and preferences. This means that frequently used commands are now more easily accessible, rather than being buried under a "Show more options" submenu. This change should make it easier for users to work efficiently with their files and applications.
A new feature in the preview update is Cloud Rebuild, a recovery option that enables users to reinstall Windows 11 directly from the cloud. When an existing installation fails to boot, Cloud Rebuild can be used to pull the necessary system drivers and Windows 11 image from Windows Update.
However, it's worth noting that Cloud Rebuild behaves more like a fresh install than a repair, as existing applications and files will not be included in the process. This means that users who rely on specific software or data may need to take extra steps to preserve their work before using this feature.
Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows users to sanitize their entire system drive prior to reinstalling Windows 11, providing an added layer of security for those concerned about data protection.
This new functionality is part of a broader set of improvements coming to the operating system, which can be viewed in Microsoft's official release announcement. The announcement highlights various changes and updates across different aspects of Windows 11, including Xbox mode and settings.
The recent quarterly report from Microsoft paints a less optimistic picture for its Windows OEM business, with revenue declining significantly. According to CFO Amy Hood, Windows OEM revenue fell by 27% and 28% in constant currency due to several factors, including the end-of-support demand for Windows 10 in the prior year and inventory drawdowns by OEM and channel partners.
The broader Windows OEM and devices category, which encompasses Microsoft's own Surface lineup, also experienced a decline of 22 percent. The company expects further drops before new hardware can potentially boost its numbers, with recent releases like the Surface Laptop Ultra and RTX Spark platform arriving too late to have an impact on the current quarter's results.
Facts based on reporting originally published by Ars Technica.
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