The Windows 10 context menu was a model of simplicity. It had a clean design that made it easy to find what you needed. Copy, paste, and properties were right at your fingertips. The menu’s consistency across applications and file types made it intuitive for everyone. With minimal visual clutter, you could work efficiently without distractions.

Windows 11’s misstep: Form over function

Windows 11’s updated context menu may look modern, but it’s cluttered with extra icons and rearranged options that most people won’t use. Consequently, this visual complexity can slow down users who rely on the context menu for quick actions. Furthermore, sub-menus intended to clean up the main menu add extra navigation layers, making it less efficient. As a result, users now have to click through more levels to reach common functions, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Ultimately, the new design sacrifices practicality for aesthetics, impacting overall usability.

Third-Party integration: Where Windows 10 shines

Windows 10’s context menu worked seamlessly with third-party apps. These integrations let you customize your experience and work more efficiently. However, in contrast, Windows 11 presents some users with issues regarding third-party extensions, making it harder to access the tools you need. Consequently, this has reduced the menu’s overall utility and made it harder to get things done quickly.

Familiarity matters: Windows 10’s edge

For many, the Windows 10 context menu was second nature. However, Windows 11’s changes disrupted this familiarity, creating a learning curve and frustration. Consequently, you have to adapt to new placements and extra steps to do the same tasks. While Windows 10’s context menu was efficient and satisfying, Windows 11 struggles to match it. Indeed, the consistent design of Windows 10 played a crucial role in productivity, and Windows 11 has yet to achieve that.

User Control: What the Windows 10 context menu got right

In Windows 10, you had complete control over your context menu. For example, you could add or remove items to tailor it to your needs. Consequently, this flexibility let you optimize your workflow and focus on the functions you used most. Conversely, Windows 11’s context menu offers less customization, thereby limiting your ability to personalize your experience. Unfortunately, this lack of control can be a major drawback for power users.

Listening to users: A key difference

Windows 10’s context menu evolved through extensive user feedback and real-world use. Consequently, Microsoft incorporated suggestions and improvements based on this input, making the menu more user-friendly over time. In contrast, Windows 11’s context menu, while visually appealing, prioritizes design over user input. Therefore, this shift in focus can alienate long-time users who value efficiency and familiarity.

How to change back to the Windows 10 context menu?

Open a command prompt and past the following command: reg add “HKCUSoftwareClassesCLSID{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}InprocServer32” /f /ve

Restart your computer and that is it.

Conclusion: The Windows 10 context menu rules!

In summary, Windows 10’s context menu excelled in simplicity, usability, and familiarity. Its seamless integration with third-party apps and high degree of customization made it a powerful tool. On the other hand, Windows 11’s context menu, while visually appealing, falls short in practicality and user control. Therefore, Microsoft needs to address these issues to regain the balance between design and functionality that Windows 10 achieved.