Microsoft continues to fine-tune Windows 11, and the latest Insider Preview Build 22635.4445 (KB5046745), rolling out to Insiders in the Beta Channel, is stirring the pot yet again—especially in the realm of File Explorer's context menu. Released on November 11, 2024, this update adds several enhancements and bug fixes, but not all of them are hitting the right notes with users.
Source: Windows Report KB5046745 to the Beta Channel further clutters the Windows 11 File Explorer's context menu
New Features and Changes
Context Menu Consolidation
One of the standout features of KB5046745 is the introduction of a new "New Folder" option directly in the context menu of the File Explorer navigation pane. This makes it easier for users to create new folders with a simple right-click, providing a more streamlined experience. While on the surface this may seem like a helpful addition, it comes on the heels of other recent changes that have cluttered the context menu, prompting mixed reactions from the Windows community.What Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among users is a blend of confusion and frustration. With Microsoft seemingly committed to evolving the context menu, some users question whether these changes are genuinely beneficial. The idea of too many options making the context menu unwieldy has been echoed across forums, leading to a conversation about the balance between functionality and simplicity. Is a single-click folder creation worth complicating a once straightforward interface?Bug Fixes and Improvements
Beyond the new features, KB5046745 addresses various stability issues that have plagued the File Explorer. These include:- Fixes for Explorer.exe crashes when right-clicking taskbar apps.
- Resolved overlapping text issues in the taskbar for users employing a left-aligned layout across multiple monitors.
- Corrected anomalies in file date and time properties post-copying.
- Improved responsiveness of Details Pane icons to theme changes.
Rolling Out Features Gradually
The update process for the Beta Channel is of particular interest. Microsoft employs a staggered rollout method through its Control Feature Rollout technology. This means features and fixes are first introduced to a select group of Insiders, gradually making their way to all users within the channel. It’s a strategy designed to minimize widespread issues before final releases, but it does leave some users feeling like they’re missing out on immediate enhancements.What's Next?
Windows Insiders looking to receive these updates can do so through the Windows Update in the Settings app, provided they are part of the Windows Insider Program. As always, for those keen on testing new features at the earliest opportunity, enabling the switch for immediate update notifications is an appealing option.Conclusion
As KB5046745 makes its presence felt in Windows 11 Beta Channel, users find themselves in a familiar debate—how much is too much when it comes to interface adjustments? While the new “New Folder” context menu option may streamline some tasks, the added clutter continues to provoke discussions about usability. Windows users, what are your thoughts? Is Microsoft making improvements where they are needed, or is it time to advocate for a simpler, more refined file navigation experience? Share your views and comments below!Source: Windows Report KB5046745 to the Beta Channel further clutters the Windows 11 File Explorer's context menu