Microsoft is rolling out meaningful updates to Windows 11's File Explorer that aim to solve two long-standing annoyances. First, file sizes will finally be displayed in human-readable units like megabytes and gigabytes instead of massive kilobytes. Second, the right-click context menu is regaining two frequently used options: Refresh and Print. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to polish Windows 11's user experience. Below, we answer common questions about what's new and when you can expect these improvements.
What are the key improvements coming to Windows 11's File Explorer?
The most noticeable update is the way File Explorer displays file sizes. Instead of showing a large file (e.g., 8 GB) as a cumbersome number like 8,388,608 KB, the system will now automatically use MB or GB for larger files. Smaller files will still show in KB. This makes scanning through folders much faster. Additionally, two important options—Refresh and Print—are returning to the modern right-click context menu. These features had been removed in earlier updates and were only accessible via the legacy menu. Their return simplifies common tasks like refreshing a folder view or printing a file directly from File Explorer.
Why was the file size display a problem, and how is it being fixed?
In earlier versions of Windows 11, File Explorer always displayed file sizes in kilobytes, regardless of the actual size. For example, an 8 GB file would appear as 8,388,608 KB, which is hard to interpret at a glance. This forced users to mentally divide by 1,024 (or use a calculator) to understand the true size. The fix is straightforward: File Explorer now shows file sizes in the most appropriate unit—kilobytes for tiny files, megabytes for medium files, and gigabytes for large ones. This change addresses a long-standing user feedback request and aligns with how other operating systems and file managers have handled sizes for years.
Which right-click menu items are returning, and why does it matter?
Two essential context menu options are making a comeback: Refresh and Print. When Microsoft redesigned the modern context menu for Windows 11, these options were omitted, forcing power users to open the legacy menu (via “Show more options”) to use them. This extra step disrupted workflows. The Refresh option lets you immediately update the file listing to reflect changes, while Print allows you to send a file directly to a printer without opening the application. Their return streamlines everyday tasks, especially for users who rely on quick file management. The change is currently being tested in Windows Insider builds and is expected to roll out widely soon.
When can users expect these changes to be available?
All the mentioned features are part of Windows 11 preview build 26300.8376, currently under testing with Windows Insiders. Microsoft typically releases such improvements to the general public after a few weeks of testing, assuming no critical bugs are found. According to Windows Latest, the company aims to ship these updates in an upcoming cumulative update or feature drop. Users running Windows 11 Home or Pro will receive the change through Windows Update. If you're keen to try it early, consider enrolling in the Windows Insider Program, but be aware that preview builds may contain instability.
How does the new file size display improve readability?
The improvement is about cognitive efficiency. Instead of interpreting a long string of digits, you instantly see “8 GB” or “1.2 MB.” For example, a 2 GB video file previously appeared as “2,097,152 KB.” Now it displays as “2.00 GB.” The change uses the standard IEC prefixes: KiB, MiB, or more commonly KB, MB, GB. The system automatically chooses the unit that keeps the numeric value between 1 and 999 for easier scanning. This is especially helpful when sorting files by size; you can now quickly compare magnitudes without mental math. It also reduces errors when estimating storage needs.
What other enhancements are planned for the right-click menu?
Microsoft is also working on simplifying and speeding up the entire modern context menu in future versions of Windows 11. While the return of Refresh and Print addresses immediate pain points, the company has indicated plans to reduce latency when opening the menu and to better organize options. For instance, third-party shell extensions may be better integrated. Additionally, users may see a more consistent layout across File Explorer and the desktop. These ongoing tweaks aim to make the right-click menu a powerful yet unobtrusive tool. Feedback from Insiders will likely shape these future refinements, so users are encouraged to submit suggestions via the Feedback Hub.