Confusing context menu in Windows 8.1 File Explorer

anon31522

New Member
Messages
2
Hello,

Has anyone else found right-clicking in the file-list in Windows 8 File Explorer confusing? Despite the file under the cursor clearly highlighted, the right-click context menu is for the containing folder - but a left-click at the same spot will select the highlighted file. It works as expected if you right-click on the text, but not if you right-click in the highlighted row.

I've written up a description and set of screenshots here to show the problem:

anon31522: Confusing context menu in Windows 8.1 File Explorer

I can't remember if this was how it worked in 8.0, but I think they've got this wrong.

Unless I have some flag set somewhere or something....? Don't think so.

-anon31522
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
my 8.1 is the same ,and I would assume it because they don't want you to cut the download folder from the list .

if my take on what you are saying is correct, i will say this ,the download or picture or documents folder in the list is not reoffered to as a file ,its a Folder [shortcut of sorts]to the original folder in you user folder in the root of C:\,that is why it will not show the cut option,
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
I don't have 8.1, just 8.0 and it doesn't work that way. When I right click on a folder or file under Downloads and select Properties, I get the properties dialog for what ever file or folder I clicked on.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Confusing right click in Windows 8.1 File Explorer

OK, I have revised my description at the original link to try and be clearer.

anon31522: Confusing right-click in Windows 8.1 File Explorer

The confusion happens because the whole row is highlighted under the mouse cursor when using the file list in Detail view (as a list with file name, date, size type etc). Right clicking the file's name (or any text such as size, date, type etc) selects the file and shows the correct context menu as expected, but right clicking in the space on the row for an unselected file - even though it is highlighted - will show the context menu for the containing folder instead.

Seems pretty unintuitive to me, and keeps catching me out.

Did they add the highlighting in 8.1? Anyone know if it can be turned off?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Back
Top