Despite Microsoft’s tireless efforts to make Windows 11 more upscale and swanky, the OS still harbours traces of the past under its surface. For instance, there are two types of context menus: legacy and modern. Here is a small open-source app (via OnMsft) that uses the Acrylic effect to make the legacy menus in Windows 11 (and Windows 10) look a little fancier if you don’t like the way they currently look.
A small programme called TranslucentFlyouts can add translucent effects to solid backgrounds to make them look more appealing. You can choose which components of the system receive fancy treatment, alter the style (Acrylic, Aero, Transparent), and add more borders or shadows. The app is only 80KB in size, supports both light and dark modes, and doesn’t need to be installed.
You should be aware of the potential risks when using third-party tools for more extensive Windows customization even though TranslucentFlyouts is an open-source app that is available for free on GitHub. Be sure to carefully read the program’s warnings regarding the actions it takes to improve Windows 10 and 11’s initial launch aesthetics. Context menus similar to those found in Windows 2000 cannot be recreated by TranslucentFlyouts (which is why, to no one’s surprise, they still exist in Windows 11). As a result, some components of the operating system will not change.
Speaking of attractive things, take a look at the recently released fan-made Windows 12 concept. The taskbar, quick settings, Windows Widgets, File Explorer, and other components of Microsoft’s operating system are all given some great ideas for improvement.
Do you prefer the original Windows context menus’ Acrylic effect? Post your comments with your ideas.
