KB5070307 Update Enhances File Explorer Context Menu & Lets You Uninstall Store Apps from Library

Microsoft has rolled out a significant update, KB5070307, for Windows 11, targeting users in the Dev and Beta channels. This update introduces several key enhancements designed to streamline user experience and improve system management. Notably, it brings a redesigned File Explorer context menu, a more robust system recovery option, and the ability to uninstall Microsoft Store apps directly from the user’s library.

These changes are part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to refine the Windows operating system, making it more intuitive and efficient for everyday users, gamers, and IT professionals alike. The update focuses on reducing clutter, enhancing functionality, and providing more control over installed applications and system stability.

File Explorer Context Menu Revamp

The File Explorer context menu, which appears when you right-click on files or folders, has undergone a substantial redesign in KB5070307. This overhaul aims to declutter the menu, making it more organized and easier to navigate. Microsoft has grouped similar actions together, often under new submenus, to reduce the visual noise and make frequently used options more accessible.

For instance, actions like “Compress to ZIP file,” “Copy as path,” “Set as desktop background,” and image rotation options have been consolidated into a new “Manage file” flyout. This approach ensures that less frequently used commands are still available but do not dominate the primary context menu, leading to a cleaner and more streamlined experience. This redesign addresses long-standing user feedback regarding the ever-growing and sometimes unwieldy nature of the traditional context menu.

The visual impact of this change is a more compact menu that occupies less screen real estate. Previously, the context menu could take up a significant portion of the vertical screen, especially at higher display scaling settings. The new design aims to reclaim that space, making interactions within File Explorer more efficient. Microsoft has also indicated that they are exploring preloading File Explorer in the background to improve its launch performance, further enhancing the overall user experience.

Uninstalling Microsoft Store Apps from Library

A significant quality-of-life improvement introduced with KB5070307 is the ability to uninstall Microsoft Store apps directly from the application’s library page. Previously, removing certain Store-managed apps could be a cumbersome process, often requiring workarounds or specific command-line tools.

With this update, users can now easily manage their installed applications by navigating to their library within the Microsoft Store. By locating the desired app, clicking the three-dot menu associated with it, and selecting the “Uninstall” option, users can remove unwanted applications with just a few clicks. This streamlines the process of decluttering a user’s digital space and maintaining a more organized system.

This enhancement is particularly beneficial for users who wish to remove pre-installed bloatware or applications they no longer use. It provides a more intuitive and user-friendly method for app management, aligning with Microsoft’s goal of giving users greater control over their Windows environment. The change is available for users with Microsoft Store version 22510.1401.x.x or higher.

Point-in-Time Restore Feature

KB5070307 also introduces a preview of the “Point-in-Time Restore” feature, a powerful new system recovery mechanism. This advanced tool is designed to help users recover their entire system to a previous stable state in the event of critical issues like driver failures, malware infections, or problematic updates.

Unlike traditional System Restore points, Point-in-Time Restore aims to capture a more comprehensive snapshot of the system. This includes the operating system’s state, installed applications, user settings, local files, passwords, and system configurations. This holistic approach allows for a more complete rollback, minimizing downtime and simplifying troubleshooting when disruptions occur.

The feature is being rolled out to Windows 11 Home and Pro (unmanaged devices) and is enabled by default on computers with at least 200GB of storage during the preview stage. For managed devices (Pro and Enterprise), administrators will control its implementation through management policies. The configuration is accessible within the modern Settings app under System > Recovery.

Xbox Full Screen Experience for PCs

The update brings the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to regular PCs, a feature that was previously exclusive to handheld devices. This enhancement transforms the traditional Windows desktop into a streamlined, controller-friendly, console-like interface.

The primary goal of FSE is to strip away the complexities and resource overhead of a standard desktop operating system, offering a dedicated gaming environment. By removing the Explorer shell and closing unnecessary background processes, FSE can free up system resources, potentially leading to a more direct and faster gaming experience. It is designed to be operated comfortably with a controller.

Accessing the Xbox Full Screen Experience can be done through Task View, Game Bar settings, or by using the Win + F11 hotkey. While the feature is gradually rolling out and may initially require registration in the Xbox Insider program, it is expected to become available to all users on the Dev and Beta channels in the coming months without this prerequisite.

Underlying System Improvements and Fixes

Beyond the headline features, KB5070307 includes numerous under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes across various components of Windows 11. These refinements are crucial for maintaining system stability and performance, ensuring a smoother overall user experience.

The update addresses known issues within File Explorer, Task Manager, and the Settings app, among other areas. These fixes aim to resolve unexpected behaviors, crashes, and performance degradations that users may have encountered in previous builds. By continuously patching and refining these core components, Microsoft works to enhance the reliability of the operating system.

These ongoing improvements are a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to iterating on Windows based on user feedback and telemetry. The inclusion of these fixes, alongside new features, ensures that Windows 11 evolves into a more robust and user-friendly platform over time.