Microsoft Edge's settings interface has expanded to an extent that it exceeds the boundaries of a single display screen.
In the realm of web browsers, Microsoft Edge has been a staple for many users, offering a seamless browsing experience. However, one area that has remained a source of frustration for some is the customization of context menus within the browser.
Since as early as 2015, the inconsistencies in the context menus of Windows have been highlighted by tech journalist Zac Bowden. As of now, Microsoft Edge does not provide a built-in way for users to customize or remove individual context menu items, making it difficult to create a more consistent user interface experience. The menus have grown in size over time, and user configuration options are limited, preventing the menus from being slimmed down.
This limitation applies to the right-click context menus within the browser, which are largely fixed by design. Despite enterprise policies existing to control and configure many aspects of Microsoft Edge, none specifically address context menu customization or the removal of individual menu items.
For developers embedding Edge content in applications via WebView2, there is an option to programmatically customize context menu items using the WebView2 API. However, this is targeted at developers embedding Edge content, not end users of the browser.
On the Windows OS side, third-party utilities like ExplorerPatcher can customize Windows shell elements, including context menus in File Explorer or Start menus. Yet, these tools do not modify Microsoft Edge's browser context menus. They may help for wider Windows UI consistency but fall short of addressing the issue at hand.
For everyday users seeking to reduce or rearrange the clutter in Microsoft Edge context or dropdown menus, no official or straightforward option exists currently. The best option may be to provide feedback to Microsoft or use specific developer APIs (like WebView2) in custom apps.
Another issue that has been raised is the placement of the "Settings and more" menu within Microsoft Edge. On some laptops, including a 16-inch workstation, scrolling is required to select options like "Settings" or "Help and Feedback" from the Edge menu. This can be inconvenient for users with smaller screens who need to scroll to access these options.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft does a good job of keeping its various apps and services in line with each other visually. However, the inconsistency in the user interface remains a common issue with Windows due to its support for a large number of programs and apps. A visual overhaul of the operating system might be necessary to address this issue effectively.
In recent news, Microsoft Edge has added a shortcut to create tab groups within its dropdown menu. This small addition might go unnoticed or be added with little fanfare, but it's a step in the right direction towards improving the user experience.
As always, user feedback is crucial in driving change. If you find yourself frustrated with the current state of context menus in Microsoft Edge, consider sharing your thoughts with Microsoft to help bring about a solution.
- Users struggling with customizing context menus in Microsoft Edge have been voicing their concerns since 2015, as highlighted by tech journalist Zac Bowden.
- While enterprise policies allow for control over many aspects of Microsoft Edge, they do not address context menu customization or removal of individual items.
- For developers working with WebView2, there is an option to programmatically customize context menu items using the API, but it's not directed at end users of the browser.
- On the Windows OS side, third-party utilities can customize some context menus, but they do not affect Edge's browser context menus.
- Currently, there is no official or straightforward method for average users to reduce or rearrange clutter in Microsoft Edge context or dropdown menus.
