Windows 11 Context Menu Upgrade: ‘New’ Feature Returns to File Explorer

In a significant move that will please long-time Windows users, Microsoft has announced an enhancement to the File Explorer context menu in Windows 11, aiming to reinstate a feature that many will remember fondly from previous versions of the operating system. This nostalgic upgrade allows users to directly create new folders or files, a capability that was mysteriously absent since Windows 11 first launched.

What’s Changing in the Context Menu?​

The specific feature making its return is the ‘New’ option within the right-click context menu of File Explorer. Previously, users could easily generate new folders or files by right-clicking in the File Explorer; however, upon the release of Windows 11, this functionality was stripped away, leaving many scratching their heads and longing for the efficiency they once had.

A Long Wait​

Reportedly, this feature was buried in the complex layers of Microsoft’s transition to a revamped File Explorer context menu. While the ‘New’ option is not totally gone from Windows 11, as it still exists in the classic context menu, its absence from the modernized version created a bit of a usability gap. Thankfully, revelation came recently from tech enthusiast @phantomofearth, who highlighted that this beloved feature would be added back.

How to Enable the New Feature​

Currently, in the latest Canary, Dev, and Beta Insider Channels, the ‘New’ option is disabled by default. However, determined users can utilize ViveTool, a third-party application, to enable it using a specific command:
This command opens up the possibility of using the 'New' option in the modern context menu; however, users should proceed with caution, as this feature, while currently functional in the preview channels, may still undergo further testing before being officially released.

Implications for Daily Usage​

Imagine needing to organize your files on Windows 11—simply right-clicking and having the ability to create a new folder instantly can save valuable time and eliminate frustration. As numerous users continue to navigate through File Explorer's new quirks, such changes signal Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining Windows 11 based on community feedback.
In tandem with this update, other features are rolling out as well, such as Microsoft’s latest 24H2 update, ensuring that the operating system continually enhances user experience.

A Nod to Usability​

While many users may feel slightly frustrated that it took Microsoft over two years to bring back such a straightforward feature, the initiative reflects a larger trend of responsiveness towards user feedback. As development gathers pace, Microsoft is not just pushing updates but is also listening to the power users who rely on efficiency within their systems.
What does this mean for everyday Windows users? Aligning Microsoft’s path with user expectations could take some time, but continuous tweaks like this abandoned feature’s return are steps in the right direction.

Conclusion​

In sum, the reintroduction of the ‘New’ option to Windows 11’s File Explorer context menu marks a welcome return of user-friendly functionality that many will be glad to see revived. As users await its final rollout, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance Microsoft places on refining their product. Will the 'New' feature return soon to a stable release? Time will tell, but there's hope on the horizon that these updates will enhance the Windows experience for everyone.
As technologies evolve and community standards shift, this adjustment could very well symbolize a new chapter of usability in Windows 11. Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft continues to enrich the user experience!
Source: Windows Report After 3 years, Windows 11 will finally bring back a beloved File Explorer setting