One of the most criticized aspects of Windows 11 was the right-click menu, which has been forcing users to make a second click since 2021. Microsoft's November update allows the user to organize this menu as they wish and brings a total of 11 innovations. Another feature that stands out on the list is reinstalling Windows directly from the cloud, without a USB stick.
Right-click menu changes in Windows 11 November update
The new context menu reduces clutter by moving app add-ons into a separate submenu. The "Customize menu" option at the bottom of the menu opens a separate Settings page. Here you can turn the built-in commands on or off. For example, you can also add options such as "Print" and "Send to".
You can also show cut, copy, paste, rename, delete and share commands as individual icons. You can also move the "Properties" option to the bottom of the menu, just like in Windows 10. Therefore, all you have to do is access the menu by right-clicking on the file, folder or desktop. The Settings > Personalization > Context menu path also leads to the same page.
If you want to keep the default layout, you don't have to do anything. Moreover, holding down the "Shift" key while right-clicking continues to bring up the old menu. Therefore, the Windows 11 November update does not forcefully change your habits.
No USB memory required with Cloud Rebuild
Cloud Rebuild allows you to reinstall Windows 11 from the cloud. So no bootable USB stick or custom recovery image is required. Even if the computer does not turn on, it can be started from the Windows Recovery Environment.
You start the process with the "Rebuild this PC" option under Settings > System > Recovery. After Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, the system displays the target version, version type and language. There are two disk cleaning options, but they don't do the same job. "Remove files" reformats the drive. "Remove and sanitize files" uses the deletion feature of the storage unit; This process cannot be undone and can take hours.
On the other hand, there is an important limitation. The process finds the necessary drivers through Windows Update. So it may not work in every configuration. If the network or storage drive is not found, manufacturer recovery media or installation USB may be required.
Administrators can remotely start Cloud Rebuild via Recovery CSP and determine the target version. When the installation is completed, the device returns to the OOBE screen. Thus, managed devices can be reconfigured with Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune.
What are the other innovations?
Xbox mode: Gaming Task View gets a navigation bar that provides easy access to "Exit to Desktop" and "Power Options" via the controller.
The Settings: Privacy and security page groups location, microphone, and camera controls more clearly. "Device Info" card expands to more markets.
Phone Link: You can preview the content by hovering over the last message in the Start menu.
Magnifier: Individual zoom, viewport lock and new dark contrast theme are coming to each monitor.
Screen reader: Narrator can now read and navigate math equations. It supports six languages.
Recovery environment: WinRE is able to reuse appropriate Wi-Fi profiles saved on the host system.
Edge: Thanks to Accelerated App Launch, startup speeds up by approximately 15 percent and up to 33 percent in heavy multitasking. Edge 150 and later required.
Battery: On modern Standby supported devices, hibernation decreases when the battery is above 80 percent. If it is below 10 percent, it comes into effect earlier.
Security: Memory integrity (HVCI) can be turned on automatically on more suitable devices.
Memory integrity protects the kernel from malicious code with virtualization-based security. Microsoft turns on the feature after checking hardware, driver compatibility and performance. However, if you have previously closed it manually, the system does not reopen it. Virtualization-based security may impose a performance overhead. Therefore, if you have problems, update the drivers first.
For accelerated Edge startup, Windows 11 November update must be installed on Windows 11 26H2, 25H2 or 26H1 versions. Additionally, the per-monitor zoom feature in Magnifier is on by default. However, this feature requires the screens to be in "Extend" mode. Finally, since the Windows 11 November update is distributed gradually, the arrival of innovations may vary from device to device.
