Observation: Windows 11 and W10 slow when using context menu

I first noticed this with Windows 8.1

Whenever I right click on an item or any time I use the right-click context menu, the wheel spins for several seconds before the context menu appears. I have a new and speedy system. But each time I do this after a boot, it's dang slow. Depending on how long I leave my PC idle, it occurs again. But most of the time, after the initial boot and I use the context menu at least once, it's not (as slow) but certainly not snappy compared to Windows 7.

I don't know about anyone else, but I find this really annoying. Like I said, with Windows 7, it was always snappy. Is there a reliable workaround for this?

Hello Sammy,

You can use the method in the tutorial below to see if you may be able to ID a context menu item that may be causing the delay.

Hi Brink,

Thanks for the suggestion. I have disabled all unnecessary context menu items even after a fresh Windows installation (beginning with Windows 8.1).

Cough ... Defender. Try to temporarily install 3rd party AV like Adaware for comparison.

My first right click needed almost 2 seconds but after that instant 3 times in a row.

Do you run SFCs after every update? Or any time recently?

TairikuOkami said:

Cough ... Defender. Try to temporarily install 3rd party AV like Adaware for comparison.

Click to expand...

I've done that. I know what you mean about Defender. From what I read, Defender is still the most lightweight AV out there.

The Pool Man said:

My first right click needed almost 2 seconds but after that instant 3 times in a row.

Do you run SFCs after every update? Or any time recently?

Click to expand...

Ditto here. My experience is the same as yours, about 2-3 seconds.It's not instant I(to me). I'm one of those oddballs who are sensitive to screen flickers, lags, etc. Others don't always see what I do. So what may seem quick to you, is not to me. But W7 was instant.

I run SFC regularly.

As a test, you could see if turning off animation effects may help. It can sometimes cause a split second or so delay while opening a context menu with animation effects.

Brink said:

As a test, you could see if turning off animation effects may help. It can sometimes cause a split second or so delay while opening a context menu with animation effects.

Turn On or Off Animation Effects in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off animation effects for your account in Windows 11. Windows 11 uses animation effects for controls and elements by default. Reference: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/signature-experiences/motion Your animation effects...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

That's a good suggestion. These are my "performance" settings below. I also disabled the animation settings (when I first found out about them).

But it's ok, at least someone else has acknowledged what I'm seeing. That's somewhat comforting because it seems gaslighting is the norm now.

The Pool Man said:

My first right click needed almost 2 seconds but after that instant 3 times in a row.

Click to expand...

As another test moments ago. I went and right clicked on a desktop folder. It took 5 seconds for the context menu to appear. Afterwards, it took about .7 seconds (700 milliseconds),

Other icons such as Firefox or Chrome took ~1+seconds (1000+ milliseconds) after subsequent openings. First time it's always delayed quite a bit.

Looks like things have slowed down after a few updates. Now after initial start-up many folders, files, etc. take about 7 seconds. Interestingly, some random files when right clicking take less time. But right now, the slowest right click takes about 7 seconds then about 1.5 seconds afterwards eg. Chrome bookmark icons saved on desktop. But if I use the Chrome bookmark as an example, right clicking about 8 times brings the lag to about a second. But then it eventually slows back down to about 1.5 seconds. The longest delay for bookmarks are the ones that are saved to launch in in-cognito.

And of course the other frustrating experience is when you use an application to select your SAVE TO or OPEN location it doesn't appear in the Quick Access menu or if it does, you can't access your favorite folders from there. I think Brink has a quasi workaround but it's still not good enough for me like with what I had in W7 which was efficient in opening files and locations.