23 Daily — Microsoft started rolling out a Windows 11 preview update (KB5127936) on October 29, 2026, that addresses longtime power user complaints about the right-click menu, while also introducing a cloud recovery feature to enhance system restoration. This news comes according to arstechnica.com.
Customizable right-click menu aims to restore user familiarity
The cumulative preview update targets Windows 11 versions 26H2 and 25H2 and will be rolled out gradually before becoming generally available across all Windows 11 devices. The key improvement is a new “customize menu” button letting users toggle built-in commands like Send To or Create Shortcut on or off, rearrange main menu items, and control which third-party extensions appear in the main or submenus.
Previously, Microsoft had hidden many familiar commands behind a top icon row or within a “Show more options” submenu, disrupting users’ muscle memory. The update lets users fully personalize their right-click context menu according to their habits, addressing a longstanding usability grievance.
Cloud Rebuild enables system reinstall directly from the cloud
The update also introduces a new Windows feature called Cloud Rebuild, a recovery option that can reinstall Windows 11 using the cloud even if the system fails to boot. It downloads the Windows 11 image and necessary drivers directly from Windows Update, removing the need for custom recovery images or external media.
However, Cloud Rebuild acts more like a fresh Windows install than a repair process — user applications and files are not preserved. Users concerned about data security can sanitize the entire system drive before reinstalling. This feature strengthens system recovery options available to Windows users.
Windows OEM revenue declines amid shifting PC market; cloud services buoy Microsoft
This update announcement coincided with Microsoft’s quarterly earnings report showing continued declines in Windows OEM revenue, dropping 27% to 28% due to Windows 10 end-of-support demand fading, inventory adjustments by OEMs and channel partners, and weaker PC market demand. The broader Windows OEM and devices category decreased by 22% year-over-year. CFO Amy Hood indicated these trends are expected to persist through the fiscal year.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform revenue jumped 48%, and Microsoft Cloud revenue grew 30%, making cloud services a significant growth driver in the company’s $92.3 billion total quarterly revenue.
Editor's take: Cloud recovery and customizable menus breathe new life into user experience
The update’s customizable right-click menu reflects Microsoft’s response to advanced user feedback, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on third-party scripts. The cloud recovery feature offers faster, more secure system restoration without external media, benefitting both end users and IT administrators.
For entrepreneurs, these changes highlight Microsoft’s strategic focus on deeper OS customization and cloud integration, suggesting opportunities to develop new solutions around Windows optimization and recovery. Verification could focus on measuring improvements in right-click menu usage efficiency post-update and the usability and success rate of cloud recovery in real-world failure scenarios.