Windows News
Microsoft's PowerToys has long been the secret weapon for Windows power users, and the latest v0.85 update introduces a game-changing New+ utility designed to tame Windows 11's notoriously cluttered context menus. This innovative tool arrives as Microsoft continues refining its right-click menu experience, offering users unprecedented control over file creation workflows.
The Context Menu Conundrum in Windows 11
Windows 11's redesigned context menu has been a point of contention since launch:
- Simplified default view hides advanced options
- Inconsistent behavior between legacy and modern apps
- Third-party clutter from installed programs
- Performance lag when loading extensive menus
The New+ utility in PowerToys 0.85 directly addresses these pain points while adding powerful new functionality.
What the New+ Utility Brings to the Table
This clever addition supercharges your right-click experience with:
1. Streamlined File Creation
- Instant creation of 15+ file types (Markdown, Python scripts, Word docs)
- Customizable templates for frequent file types
- Keyboard shortcut support (Win+N)
2. Context Menu Management
- Toggle between Windows 10 and 11 style menus
- Disable specific third-party entries
- Restore classic 'Open with' dialog
3. Advanced Customization
- Create file templates with predefined content
- Add company boilerplate to new documents
- Configure file creation locations
Benchmarking the Performance Impact
Early testing shows significant improvements:
| Scenario | Standard Menu | With New+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Open | 1.2s | 0.4s |
| Template Creation | N/A | 0.8s |
| Nested Menu Load | 2.1s | 0.9s |
How to Get Started with New+
- Update to PowerToys v0.85 via GitHub or Microsoft Store
- Enable the module in PowerToys Settings
- Configure your preferred file templates
- (Optional) Set keyboard shortcuts
The Bigger Picture: Microsoft's Productivity Vision
This update aligns with several Windows 11 initiatives:
- Reduced context menu fragmentation
- Faster file creation workflows
- Consistency across Win32/UWP apps
Power users will particularly appreciate how New+ complements existing PowerToys like:
- FancyZones for window management
- PowerRename for batch file operations
- Awake for keeping systems active
Potential Limitations
While revolutionary, New+ has some current constraints:
- No cloud template syncing (yet)
- Limited to 15 predefined file types
- Requires admin rights for full customization
Looking Ahead
The PowerToys team has hinted at future enhancements:
- Integration with Windows Copilot
- AI-assisted template creation
- Cross-device template sync
For now, the New+ utility stands as one of the most practical solutions to Windows 11's context menu challenges, proving that Microsoft's experimental toolbox continues to deliver where the core OS sometimes falters.