Windows 11 KB5127936 Brings Faster, Customizable Right-Click Menus

Microsoft released KB5127936 on October 28. It’s this month’s optional non-security preview update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 26H2, moving them to builds 26200.9818 and 26300.9818 respectively. Its headline feature is a reworked right-click context menu.

A faster, customizable context menu

Microsoft says the new menu in File Explorer and on the desktop is “faster, simpler, and more customizable,” opens more quickly and has less clutter. Windows Central reports these options are coming with it:

• Turn built-in commands like Send to and Create shortcut on or off.
• Add commands such as Print.
• Choose whether app extensions appear in the main menu or a submenu, or hide the app extensions submenu entirely.
• Show Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete and Share as regular entries in the list instead of a row of icons along the top.
• Move Properties to the bottom of the menu.

Windows Central says the change is part of Microsoft’s “Windows K2” effort to fix long-standing complaints about the OS.

Gaming Task View in Xbox mode

The update brings a refreshed Gaming Task View to Xbox mode, with a new navigation bar for quick access to Exit to Desktop and Power Options. VetTV covered the feature when it first appeared in Insider builds.

Cloud Rebuild and more

KB5127936 also adds Cloud Rebuild, a new recovery option that reinstalls Windows 11 using a Windows image and device drivers downloaded from Windows Update. It doesn’t need an ISO image or a USB recovery drive. Other changes, according to Thurrott.com:

• Dark mode for the File Explorer Folder Options dialog, among other File Explorer improvements.
• A Privacy & security page in Settings that groups Camera, Microphone and Location controls on the main page.
• Phone Link improvements in Start, including the ability to learn more about a recent message or notification by hovering over it in the sidebar.

When you’ll get it

Because KB5127936 is optional, you need to install it yourself from Windows Update, and the new features roll out gradually. Turning on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” puts you earlier in line. Thurrott reports the features will roll out to everyone starting November 10, that month’s Patch Tuesday.