[Windows Customization] Ability to customize the File Explorer context menu

[ethanfangg]

Suggested new feature or improvement

The context menu in Windows File Explorer is a critical tool for developers working on Windows. It's the gateway to essential actions, providing quick access to file operations, debugging tools, and integration with third-party software. However, the current context menu should do more to meet the evolving and fast-paced needs of developers.

Developers want the ability to customize and adapt their tools to the needs of their workflows and personal preferences – the context menu within File Explorer is no exception to this rule. Lack of single/low-click access to frequent developer tooling & actions, vague icons, and inconsistent UI suggestions are all sources of developer dissatisfaction that we have the ability to fix.

I suggest accomplishing the following goals through Dev Home's upcoming Windows Customization work:

1. Users can access the context menu customization options within the Advanced Settings in Dev Home.
2. Users can select from predefined context menu presets (i.e. frequently used shortcuts/items that developers would be likely to use) optimized for common developer workflows.
3. Users can add new items or actions (including third-party applications/tools) to the modern (Windows 11) context menu to tailor it to their specific needs.
4. Users can hide context menu items from the modern (Windows 11) context menu that they do not use or want to appear
5. Users can revert to the default context menu settings if they wish to undo their customizations.
6. Users can back up their custom context menu settings/customizations to their MSA (achieved via Dev Home’s “Advanced Settings” architecture)

Scenario

• Adding or removing built-in presets to the context menu (e.g. "Share", "Add to Favorities"", "Properties")
• Controlling app-provided verb visibility in the context menu (e.g. "Open with Visual Studio")

Additional details

No response

[Aaron-Junker]

xref: microsoft/PowerToys#33