Microsoft fixes problem with Windows 11 as PC revenue declines

Microsoft begins rolling out a preliminary Windows 11 update that finally addresses a persistent complaint power users have about the operating system: the context menu that erased years of muscle memory about command locations and hid others behind an extra click. The timing of the release is notable, as the announcement comes alongside Microsoft’s quarterly financial report which notes a continued decline in Windows licensing sales activity for new PCs.

The preliminary update, KB5127936, is cumulative for Windows 11 versions 26H2 and 25H2. The update will be a phased rollout before eventually moving to a normal rollout for all Windows 11 devices once it becomes generally available. The highlight of the new update should calm annoyed users who have spent years with custom scripts and services in an attempt to shape Windows the way they would prefer. Users will receive a “Customize Menu” button that controls the commands that appear when they right-click their mouse. Users can enable or disable built-in commands like Send To or Create Shortcut, rearrange what appears in the main menu, and control which third-party extensions appear in the main menu or submenus. The problem with the context menu was that Microsoft hid familiar command locations behind a top row of icons while moving other familiar commands to the “Show more options” submenu. Now Windows users will have the ability to customize everything according to their habits.

The new preview also highlights a new Windows feature called Cloud Rebuild, a recovery option that can reinstall Windows 11 directly from the cloud, even when an existing Windows 11 fails to boot. Cloud Rebuild will extract the Windows 11 image and necessary system drivers directly from Windows Update. Users will not need a custom recovery image or external media to reinstall Windows. There is, however, an important distinction to note. Microsoft has classified Cloud Rebuild as a recovery option, but it behaves more like a fresh installation of Windows than a repair, as existing applications and files will not be included. Those who are concerned about data security have the option of cleaning the entire system drives before reinstalling them. For a full list of improvements coming to Windows 11, including changes to Xbox mode and settings, you can check out the official Microsoft release announcement.