diff --git a/.github/workflows/main.yml b/.github/workflows/main.yml
index 18facf0c2..eba3db1d7 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/main.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/main.yml
@@ -79,11 +79,8 @@ jobs:
             conda-standalone: conda-standalone
           - os: windows
             python-version: "3.11"
+            # conda-standalone: micromamba
             conda-standalone: conda-standalone-nightly
-          # Micromamba doesn't support Windows yet (menuinst features missing)
-          # - os: windows
-          #   python-version: 3.11
-          #   conda-standalone: micromamba
 
     env:
       PYTHONUNBUFFERED: "1"
@@ -133,7 +130,6 @@ jobs:
       - name: Run examples
         env:
           CONSTRUCTOR_EXAMPLES_KEEP_ARTIFACTS: "${{ runner.temp }}/examples_artifacts"
-          # signtool only exists on Windows, but doesn't cause errors on unix when absent
           CONSTRUCTOR_SIGNTOOL_PATH: "C:/Program Files (x86)/Windows Kits/10/bin/10.0.17763.0/x86/signtool.exe"
         run: |
           rm -rf coverage.json
@@ -144,10 +140,6 @@ jobs:
         with:
           token: ${{ secrets.CODECOV_TOKEN }}
           flags: integration
-      - name: Test with conda-libmamba-solver
-        run: |
-          conda install -yq conda-libmamba-solver
-          CONDA_SOLVER=libmamba CONDA_VERBOSITY=1 pytest -vv tests/test_examples.py -k noconda
       - name: Check docs are up-to-date
         if: matrix.check-docs
         run: |
diff --git a/CONSTRUCT.md b/CONSTRUCT.md
index f737677a3..ccb36a91e 100644
--- a/CONSTRUCT.md
+++ b/CONSTRUCT.md
@@ -128,9 +128,16 @@ _required:_ no<br/>
 _type:_ list<br/>
 
 A list of packages with menu items to be installed. The packages must have
-necessary metadata in `Menu/<package name>.json`). Menu items are currently
-only supported on Windows. By default, all menu items will be installed;
-supplying this list allows a subset to be selected instead.
+necessary metadata in `Menu/<package name>.json`). By default, all menu items
+found in the installation will be created; supplying this list allows a
+subset to be selected instead. If an empty list is supplied, no shortcuts will
+be created.
+
+If all environments (`extra_envs` included) set `menu_packages` to an empty list,
+no UI options about shortcuts will be offered to the user.
+
+Note: This option is not fully implemented when `micromamba` is used as
+the `--conda-exe` binary. The only accepted value is an empty list (`[]`).
 
 ### `ignore_duplicate_files`
 
@@ -220,12 +227,12 @@ name) to a dictionary of options:
   an empty list.
 - `user_requested_specs` (list of str): same as the global option, but for this env;
   if not provided, global value is _not_ used
+- `menu_packages` (list of str): same as the global option, for this env;
+  if not provided, the global value is _not_ used.
 
 Notes:
 - `ignore_duplicate_files` will always be considered `True` if `extra_envs` is in use.
 - `conda` needs to be present in the `base` environment (via `specs`)
-- support for `menu_packages` is planned, but not possible right now. For now, all packages
-  in an `extra_envs` config will be allowed to create their shortcuts.
 - If a global `exclude` option is used, it will have an effect on the environments created
   by `extra_envs` too. For example, if the global environment excludes `tk`, none of the
   extra environments will have it either. Unlike the global option, an error will not be
diff --git a/constructor/construct.py b/constructor/construct.py
index 55d19f861..1de1dd1ef 100644
--- a/constructor/construct.py
+++ b/constructor/construct.py
@@ -83,11 +83,18 @@
 is contained as a result of resolving the specs for `python 2.7`.
 '''),
 
-    ('menu_packages',          False, list, '''
+    ('menu_packages',           False, list, '''
 A list of packages with menu items to be installed. The packages must have
-necessary metadata in `Menu/<package name>.json`). Menu items are currently
-only supported on Windows. By default, all menu items will be installed;
-supplying this list allows a subset to be selected instead.
+necessary metadata in `Menu/<package name>.json`). By default, all menu items
+found in the installation will be created; supplying this list allows a
+subset to be selected instead. If an empty list is supplied, no shortcuts will
+be created.
+
+If all environments (`extra_envs` included) set `menu_packages` to an empty list,
+no UI options about shortcuts will be offered to the user.
+
+Note: This option is not fully implemented when `micromamba` is used as
+the `--conda-exe` binary. The only accepted value is an empty list (`[]`).
 '''),
 
     ('ignore_duplicate_files',  False, bool, '''
@@ -152,12 +159,12 @@
   an empty list.
 - `user_requested_specs` (list of str): same as the global option, but for this env;
   if not provided, global value is _not_ used
+- `menu_packages` (list of str): same as the global option, for this env;
+  if not provided, the global value is _not_ used.
 
 Notes:
 - `ignore_duplicate_files` will always be considered `True` if `extra_envs` is in use.
 - `conda` needs to be present in the `base` environment (via `specs`)
-- support for `menu_packages` is planned, but not possible right now. For now, all packages
-  in an `extra_envs` config will be allowed to create their shortcuts.
 - If a global `exclude` option is used, it will have an effect on the environments created
   by `extra_envs` too. For example, if the global environment excludes `tk`, none of the
   extra environments will have it either. Unlike the global option, an error will not be
@@ -599,9 +606,7 @@
     "channels_remap": (list, tuple),
     "user_requested_specs": (list, tuple),
     "exclude": (list, tuple),
-    # TODO: we can't support menu_packages for extra envs yet
-    # will implement when the PR for new menuinst lands
-    # "menu_packages": (list, tuple),
+    "menu_packages": (list, tuple),
 }
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -766,7 +771,7 @@ def verify(info):
             sys.exit(
                 f"Environment names (keys in 'extra_envs') cannot contain any of {disallowed}. "
                 f"You tried to use: {env_name}"
-                )
+            )
         for key, value in env_data.items():
             if key not in _EXTRA_ENVS_SCHEMA:
                 sys.exit(f"Key '{key}' not supported in 'extra_envs'.")
diff --git a/constructor/fcp.py b/constructor/fcp.py
index bb888db91..74d36dc3d 100644
--- a/constructor/fcp.py
+++ b/constructor/fcp.py
@@ -56,6 +56,8 @@ def getsize(filename):
 
 
 def warn_menu_packages_missing(precs, menu_packages):
+    if not menu_packages:
+        return
     all_names = {prec.name for prec in precs}
     for name in menu_packages:
         if name not in all_names:
@@ -236,7 +238,7 @@ def _precs_from_environment(environment, input_dir):
 
 
 def _solve_precs(name, version, download_dir, platform, channel_urls=(), channels_remap=(),
-                 specs=(), exclude=(), menu_packages=(), environment=None, environment_file=None,
+                 specs=(), exclude=(), menu_packages=None, environment=None, environment_file=None,
                  verbose=True, conda_exe="conda.exe", extra_env=False, input_dir=""):
     # Add python to specs, since all installers need a python interpreter. In the future we'll
     # probably want to add conda too.
@@ -376,7 +378,7 @@ def _fetch_precs(precs, download_dir, transmute_file_type=''):
 
 
 def _main(name, version, download_dir, platform, channel_urls=(), channels_remap=(), specs=(),
-          exclude=(), menu_packages=(), ignore_duplicate_files=True, environment=None,
+          exclude=(), menu_packages=None, ignore_duplicate_files=True, environment=None,
           environment_file=None, verbose=True, dry_run=False, conda_exe="conda.exe",
           transmute_file_type='', extra_envs=None, check_path_spaces=True, input_dir=""):
     precs = _solve_precs(
@@ -408,7 +410,7 @@ def _main(name, version, download_dir, platform, channel_urls=(), channels_remap
             channels_remap=env_config.get("channels_remap", channels_remap),
             specs=env_config.get("specs", ()),
             exclude=env_config.get("exclude", exclude),
-            menu_packages=env_config.get("menu_packages", ()),
+            menu_packages=env_config.get("menu_packages"),
             environment=env_config.get("environment"),
             environment_file=env_config.get("environment_file"),
             verbose=verbose,
@@ -462,7 +464,7 @@ def main(info, verbose=True, dry_run=False, conda_exe="conda.exe"):
     channels_remap = info.get('channels_remap', ())
     specs = info.get("specs", ())
     exclude = info.get("exclude", ())
-    menu_packages = info.get("menu_packages", ())
+    menu_packages = info.get("menu_packages")
     ignore_duplicate_files = info.get("ignore_duplicate_files", True)
     environment = info.get("environment", None)
     environment_file = info.get("environment_file", None)
diff --git a/constructor/header.sh b/constructor/header.sh
index 48db69a8f..d35bab72b 100644
--- a/constructor/header.sh
+++ b/constructor/header.sh
@@ -46,6 +46,9 @@ KEEP_PKGS=1
 KEEP_PKGS=0
 #endif
 SKIP_SCRIPTS=0
+#if enable_shortcuts == "true"
+SKIP_SHORTCUTS=0
+#endif
 TEST=0
 REINSTALL=0
 USAGE="
@@ -70,6 +73,9 @@ Installs ${INSTALLER_NAME} ${INSTALLER_VER}
 -p PREFIX    install prefix, defaults to $PREFIX
 #endif
 -s           skip running pre/post-link/install scripts
+#if enable_shortcuts == 'true'
+-m           disable the creation of menu items / shortcuts
+#endif
 -u           update an existing installation
 #if has_conda
 -t           run package tests after installation (may install conda-build)
@@ -80,7 +86,11 @@ Installs ${INSTALLER_NAME} ${INSTALLER_VER}
 # However getopt is not standardized and the version on Mac has different
 # behaviour. getopts is good enough for what we need :)
 # More info: https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/62950/
+#if enable_shortcuts == "true"
+while getopts "bifhkp:smut" x; do
+#else
 while getopts "bifhkp:sut" x; do
+#endif
     case "$x" in
         h)
             printf "%s\\n" "$USAGE"
@@ -104,6 +114,11 @@ while getopts "bifhkp:sut" x; do
         s)
             SKIP_SCRIPTS=1
             ;;
+#if enable_shortcuts == "true"
+        m)
+            SKIP_SHORTCUTS=1
+            ;;
+#endif
         u)
             FORCE=1
             ;;
@@ -391,7 +406,7 @@ cd "$PREFIX"
 unset PYTHON_SYSCONFIGDATA_NAME _CONDA_PYTHON_SYSCONFIGDATA_NAME
 
 # the first binary payload: the standalone conda executable
-CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/conda.exe"
+CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/_conda"
 extract_range "${boundary0}" "${boundary1}" > "$CONDA_EXEC"
 chmod +x "$CONDA_EXEC"
 
@@ -399,6 +414,11 @@ export TMP_BACKUP="${TMP:-}"
 export TMP="$PREFIX/install_tmp"
 mkdir -p "$TMP"
 
+# Create $PREFIX/.nonadmin if the installation didn't require superuser permissions
+if [ "$(id -u)" -ne 0 ]; then
+    touch "$PREFIX/.nonadmin"
+fi
+
 # the second binary payload: the tarball of packages
 printf "Unpacking payload ...\n"
 extract_range $boundary1 $boundary2 | \
@@ -445,14 +465,31 @@ test -d ~/.conda || mkdir -p ~/.conda >/dev/null 2>/dev/null || test -d ~/.conda
 
 printf "\nInstalling base environment...\n\n"
 
+#if enable_shortcuts == "true"
+if [ "$SKIP_SHORTCUTS" = "1" ]; then
+    shortcuts="--no-shortcuts"
+else
+    shortcuts="__SHORTCUTS__"
+fi
+#endif
+#if enable_shortcuts == "false"
+shortcuts="--no-shortcuts"
+#endif
+#if enable_shortcuts == "incompatible"
+shortcuts=""
+#endif
+
+# shellcheck disable=SC2086
+CONDA_ROOT_PREFIX="$PREFIX" \
 CONDA_REGISTER_ENVS="__REGISTER_ENVS__" \
 CONDA_SAFETY_CHECKS=disabled \
 CONDA_EXTRA_SAFETY_CHECKS=no \
 CONDA_CHANNELS="__CHANNELS__" \
 CONDA_PKGS_DIRS="$PREFIX/pkgs" \
-"$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "$PREFIX/pkgs/env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX" || exit 1
+"$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "$PREFIX/pkgs/env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX" $shortcuts || exit 1
 rm -f "$PREFIX/pkgs/env.txt"
 
+#The templating doesn't support nested if statements
 #if has_conda
 mkdir -p "$PREFIX/envs"
 for env_pkgs in "${PREFIX}"/pkgs/envs/*/; do
@@ -469,14 +506,31 @@ for env_pkgs in "${PREFIX}"/pkgs/envs/*/; do
     else
         env_channels="__CHANNELS__"
     fi
-
-    # TODO: custom shortcuts per env?
+#endif
+#if has_conda and enable_shortcuts == "true"
+    if [ "$SKIP_SHORTCUTS" = "1" ]; then
+        env_shortcuts="--no-shortcuts"
+    else
+        # This file is guaranteed to exist, even if empty
+        env_shortcuts=$(cat "${env_pkgs}shortcuts.txt")
+        rm -f "${env_pkgs}shortcuts.txt"
+    fi
+#endif
+#if has_conda and enable_shortcuts == "false"
+    env_shortcuts="--no-shortcuts"
+#endif
+#if has_conda and enable_shortcuts == "incompatible"
+    env_shortcuts=""
+#endif
+#if has_conda
+    # shellcheck disable=SC2086
+    CONDA_ROOT_PREFIX="$PREFIX" \
     CONDA_REGISTER_ENVS="__REGISTER_ENVS__" \
     CONDA_SAFETY_CHECKS=disabled \
     CONDA_EXTRA_SAFETY_CHECKS=no \
     CONDA_CHANNELS="$env_channels" \
     CONDA_PKGS_DIRS="$PREFIX/pkgs" \
-    "$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "${env_pkgs}env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX/envs/$env_name" || exit 1
+    "$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "${env_pkgs}env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX/envs/$env_name" $env_shortcuts || exit 1
     rm -f "${env_pkgs}env.txt"
 done
 #endif
@@ -486,9 +540,6 @@ __INSTALL_COMMANDS__
 POSTCONDA="$PREFIX/postconda.tar.bz2"
 "$CONDA_EXEC" constructor --prefix "$PREFIX" --extract-tarball < "$POSTCONDA" || exit 1
 rm -f "$POSTCONDA"
-
-rm -f "$CONDA_EXEC"
-
 rm -rf "$PREFIX/install_tmp"
 export TMP="$TMP_BACKUP"
 
@@ -630,4 +681,5 @@ fi
 #endif
 
 exit 0
+# shellcheck disable=SC2317
 @@END_HEADER@@
diff --git a/constructor/main.py b/constructor/main.py
index 130198487..6db8071b0 100644
--- a/constructor/main.py
+++ b/constructor/main.py
@@ -14,12 +14,14 @@
 
 from . import __version__
 from .build_outputs import process_build_outputs
-from .conda_interface import SUPPORTED_PLATFORMS, cc_platform
+from .conda_interface import SUPPORTED_PLATFORMS
+from .conda_interface import VersionOrder as Version
+from .conda_interface import cc_platform
 from .construct import generate_key_info_list, ns_platform
 from .construct import parse as construct_parse
 from .construct import verify as construct_verify
 from .fcp import main as fcp_main
-from .utils import normalize_path, yield_lines
+from .utils import identify_conda_exe, normalize_path, yield_lines
 
 DEFAULT_CACHE_DIR = os.getenv('CONSTRUCTOR_CACHE', '~/.conda/constructor')
 
@@ -90,7 +92,7 @@ def main_build(dir_path, output_dir='.', platform=cc_platform,
     if platform != cc_platform and 'pkg' in itypes and not cc_platform.startswith('osx-'):
         sys.exit("Error: cannot construct a macOS 'pkg' installer on '%s'" % cc_platform)
     if osname == "win" and "micromamba" in os.path.basename(info['_conda_exe']):
-        # TODO: Remove when shortcut creation is implemented on micromamba
+        # TODO: Investigate errors on Windows and re-enable
         sys.exit("Error: micromamba is not supported on Windows installers.")
 
     logger.debug('conda packages download: %s', info['_download_dir'])
@@ -145,6 +147,23 @@ def main_build(dir_path, output_dir='.', platform=cc_platform,
             if config_key == "environment_file":
                 env_config[config_key] = abspath(join(dir_path, value))
 
+    exe_name, exe_version = identify_conda_exe(info.get("_conda_exe"))
+    if sys.platform != "win32" and (
+        exe_name == "micromamba" or Version(exe_version) < Version("23.11.0")
+    ):
+        logger.warning("conda-standalone 23.11.0 or above is required for shortcuts on Unix.")
+        info['_enable_shortcuts'] = "incompatible"
+    else:
+        # Installers will provide shortcut options and features only if the user
+        # didn't opt-out by setting every `menu_packages` item to an empty list
+        info['_enable_shortcuts'] = bool(
+            info.get("menu_packages", True)
+            or any(
+                env.get("menu_packages", True)
+                for env in info.get("extra_envs", {}).values()
+            )
+        )
+
     info['installer_type'] = itypes[0]
     fcp_main(info, verbose=verbose, dry_run=dry_run, conda_exe=conda_exe)
     if dry_run:
diff --git a/constructor/nsis/OptionsDialog.nsh b/constructor/nsis/OptionsDialog.nsh
index b1f975eeb..ec67295a0 100644
--- a/constructor/nsis/OptionsDialog.nsh
+++ b/constructor/nsis/OptionsDialog.nsh
@@ -43,7 +43,11 @@ Function mui_AnaCustomOptions_InitDefaults
             StrCpy $Ana_RegisterSystemPython_State ${BST_CHECKED}
         ${EndIf}
 	${If} $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State == ""
-        StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_CHECKED}
+        ${If} "${ENABLE_SHORTCUTS}" == "yes"
+            StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_CHECKED}
+        ${Else}
+            StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_UNCHECKED}
+        ${EndIf}
     ${EndIf}
     ${EndIf}
 FunctionEnd
@@ -70,12 +74,15 @@ Function mui_AnaCustomOptions_Show
 
     # We will use $5 as the y axis accumulator, starting at 0
     # We sum the the number of 'u' units added by 'NSD_Create*' functions
+    IntOp $5 0 + 0
 
-    ${NSD_CreateCheckbox} 0 0u 100% 11u "Create start menu shortcuts (supported packages only)."
-    IntOp $5 0 + 11
-    Pop $mui_AnaCustomOptions.CreateShortcuts
-    ${NSD_SetState} $mui_AnaCustomOptions.CreateShortcuts $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State
-    ${NSD_OnClick} $mui_AnaCustomOptions.CreateShortcuts CreateShortcuts_OnClick
+    ${If} "${ENABLE_SHORTCUTS}" == "yes"
+        ${NSD_CreateCheckbox} 0 0u 100% 11u "Create start menu shortcuts (supported packages only)."
+        IntOp $5 $5 + 11
+        Pop $mui_AnaCustomOptions.CreateShortcuts
+        ${NSD_SetState} $mui_AnaCustomOptions.CreateShortcuts $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State
+        ${NSD_OnClick} $mui_AnaCustomOptions.CreateShortcuts CreateShortcuts_OnClick
+    ${EndIf}
 
     ${If} "${SHOW_ADD_TO_PATH}" == "yes"
         # AddToPath is only an option for JustMe installations; it is disabled for AllUsers
diff --git a/constructor/nsis/_nsis.py b/constructor/nsis/_nsis.py
index 314868f80..01905b5ae 100644
--- a/constructor/nsis/_nsis.py
+++ b/constructor/nsis/_nsis.py
@@ -105,6 +105,10 @@ def get(self, name):
 
 
 def mk_menus(remove=False, prefix=None, pkg_names=None, root_prefix=None):
+    err(
+        "Deprecation warning: mk_menus is deprecated and will be removed in the future."
+        " Please use menuinst v2 directly or via conda-standalone 23.XXXX+ instead.\n"
+    )
     try:
         import menuinst
     except (ImportError, OSError):
@@ -157,6 +161,10 @@ def get_conda_envs_from_python_api():
 
 
 def rm_menus(prefix=None, root_prefix=None):
+    err(
+        "Deprecation warning: rm_menus is deprecated and will be removed in the future."
+        " Please use menuinst v2 directly or via conda-standalone 23.XXXX+ instead.\n"
+    )
     try:
         import menuinst  # noqa
         from conda.base.context import context
diff --git a/constructor/nsis/main.nsi.tmpl b/constructor/nsis/main.nsi.tmpl
index a2ae2fb28..664e79bdc 100644
--- a/constructor/nsis/main.nsi.tmpl
+++ b/constructor/nsis/main.nsi.tmpl
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ Unicode "true"
 !define DEFAULT_PREFIX_ALL_USERS __DEFAULT_PREFIX_ALL_USERS__
 !define PRE_INSTALL_DESC __PRE_INSTALL_DESC__
 !define POST_INSTALL_DESC __POST_INSTALL_DESC__
-!define MENU_PKGS "@MENU_PKGS@"
+!define ENABLE_SHORTCUTS __ENABLE_SHORTCUTS__
 !define SHOW_REGISTER_PYTHON __SHOW_REGISTER_PYTHON__
 !define SHOW_ADD_TO_PATH __SHOW_ADD_TO_PATH__
 !define PRODUCT_NAME "${NAME} ${VERSION} (${ARCH})"
@@ -296,14 +296,18 @@ FunctionEnd
         ${EndIf}
     ${EndIf}
 
-    ClearErrors
-    ${GetOptions} $ARGV "/NoShortcuts=" $ARGV_NoShortcuts
-    ${IfNot} ${Errors}
-        ${If} $ARGV_NoShortcuts = "1"
-            StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_UNCHECKED}
-        ${ElseIf} $ARGV_NoShortcuts = "0"
-            StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_CHECKED}
+    ${If} "${ENABLE_SHORTCUTS}" == "yes"
+        ClearErrors
+        ${GetOptions} $ARGV "/NoShortcuts=" $ARGV_NoShortcuts
+        ${IfNot} ${Errors}
+            ${If} $ARGV_NoShortcuts = "1"
+                StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_UNCHECKED}
+            ${ElseIf} $ARGV_NoShortcuts = "0"
+                StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_CHECKED}
+            ${EndIf}
         ${EndIf}
+    ${Else}
+        StrCpy $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State ${BST_UNCHECKED}
     ${EndIf}
 
     ClearErrors
@@ -1116,6 +1120,7 @@ Section "Install"
     @SCRIPT_ENV_VARIABLES@
     System::Call 'kernel32::SetEnvironmentVariable(t,t)i("CONDA_SAFETY_CHECKS", "disabled").r0'
     System::Call 'kernel32::SetEnvironmentVariable(t,t)i("CONDA_EXTRA_SAFETY_CHECKS", "no").r0'
+    System::Call 'kernel32::SetEnvironmentVariable(t,t)i("CONDA_ROOT_PREFIX", "$INSTDIR")".r0'
     System::Call 'kernel32::SetEnvironmentVariable(t,t)i("CONDA_PKGS_DIRS", "$INSTDIR\pkgs")".r0'
     # Extra info for pre and post install scripts
     # NOTE: If more vars are added, make sure to update the examples/scripts tests too
@@ -1163,14 +1168,6 @@ Section "Install"
 
     AddSize @SIZE@
 
-    ${If} $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State = ${BST_CHECKED}
-        DetailPrint "Creating @NAME@ menus..."
-        push '"$INSTDIR\_conda.exe" constructor --prefix "$INSTDIR" --make-menus @MENU_PKGS@'
-        push 'Failed to create menus'
-        push 'WithLog'
-        call AbortRetryNSExecWait
-    ${EndIf}
-
 #if has_conda is True
     DetailPrint "Initializing conda directories..."
     push '"$INSTDIR\pythonw.exe" -E -s "$INSTDIR\Lib\_nsis.py" mkdirs'
@@ -1272,10 +1269,11 @@ SectionEnd
 !macroend
 
 Section "Uninstall"
-    # Remove menu items, path entries
+    ${LogSet} on
 
-    DetailPrint "Deleting @NAME@ menus..."
-    nsExec::ExecToLog '"$INSTDIR\_conda.exe" constructor --prefix "$INSTDIR" --rm-menus'
+    # Remove menu items, path entries
+    System::Call 'kernel32::SetEnvironmentVariable(t,t)i("CONDA_ROOT_PREFIX", "$INSTDIR")".r0'
+    @UNINSTALL_MENUS@
 
     # ensure that MSVC runtime DLLs are on PATH during uninstallation
     ReadEnvStr $0 PATH
diff --git a/constructor/osx/check_shortcuts.sh b/constructor/osx/check_shortcuts.sh
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b592b2443
--- /dev/null
+++ b/constructor/osx/check_shortcuts.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+#!/bin/sh
+
+set -eux
+
+# $2 is the install location, which is ~ by default
+# but which the user can change.
+PREFIX="$2/__NAME_LOWER__"
+PREFIX=$(cd "$PREFIX"; pwd)
+
+# If the UI selected the "Create shortcuts" option
+# we create a sentinel file that will be checked for existence
+# during run_installation.sh
+# If it doesn't exist, it means that this script never ran
+# due to (A) the user deselected the option, or (B) the installer
+# was created with menu_packages=[], which disables shortcuts altogether,
+# or (C) the installer was created with an incompatible --conda-exe.
+touch "$PREFIX/pkgs/user_wants_shortcuts"
diff --git a/constructor/osx/prepare_installation.sh b/constructor/osx/prepare_installation.sh
index 57d6c4a62..93e34fcea 100644
--- a/constructor/osx/prepare_installation.sh
+++ b/constructor/osx/prepare_installation.sh
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ PREFIX="$2/__NAME_LOWER__"
 PREFIX=$(cd "$PREFIX"; pwd)
 export PREFIX
 echo "PREFIX=$PREFIX"
-CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/conda.exe"
+CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/_conda"
 # /COMMON UTILS
 
 chmod +x "$CONDA_EXEC"
@@ -31,6 +31,11 @@ chmod +x "$CONDA_EXEC"
 mkdir -p "$PREFIX/conda-meta"
 touch "$PREFIX/conda-meta/history"
 
+# Create $PREFIX/.nonadmin if the installation didn't require superuser permissions
+if [ "$(id -u)" -ne 0 ]; then
+    touch "$PREFIX/.nonadmin"
+fi
+
 # Extract the conda packages but avoiding the overwriting of the
 # custom metadata we have already put in place
 notify "Preparing packages..."
diff --git a/constructor/osx/run_installation.sh b/constructor/osx/run_installation.sh
index b1f562884..acea8d943 100644
--- a/constructor/osx/run_installation.sh
+++ b/constructor/osx/run_installation.sh
@@ -24,17 +24,31 @@ PREFIX="$2/__NAME_LOWER__"
 PREFIX=$(cd "$PREFIX"; pwd)
 export PREFIX
 echo "PREFIX=$PREFIX"
-CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/conda.exe"
+CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/_conda"
 # /COMMON UTILS
 
+# Check whether the user wants shortcuts or not
+# See check_shortcuts.sh script for details
+ENABLE_SHORTCUTS="__ENABLE_SHORTCUTS__"
+if [[ -f "$PREFIX/pkgs/user_wants_shortcuts" ]]; then  # this implies ENABLE_SHORTCUTS==true
+    shortcuts="__SHORTCUTS__"
+elif [[ "$ENABLE_SHORTCUTS" == "incompatible" ]]; then
+    shortcuts=""
+else
+    shortcuts="--no-shortcuts"
+fi
+
 # Perform the conda install
 notify "Installing packages. This might take a few minutes."
-if ! CONDA_REGISTER_ENVS="__REGISTER_ENVS__" \
+# shellcheck disable=SC2086
+if ! \
+CONDA_REGISTER_ENVS="__REGISTER_ENVS__" \
+CONDA_ROOT_PREFIX="$PREFIX" \
 CONDA_SAFETY_CHECKS=disabled \
 CONDA_EXTRA_SAFETY_CHECKS=no \
 CONDA_CHANNELS=__CHANNELS__ \
 CONDA_PKGS_DIRS="$PREFIX/pkgs" \
-"$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "$PREFIX/pkgs/env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX"; then
+"$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "$PREFIX/pkgs/env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX" $shortcuts; then
     echo "ERROR: could not complete the conda install"
     exit 1
 fi
@@ -63,21 +77,30 @@ for env_pkgs in "${PREFIX}"/pkgs/envs/*/; do
     else
         env_channels="__CHANNELS__"
     fi
-    # TODO: custom channels per env?
-    # TODO: custom shortcuts per env?
+    if [[ -f "$PREFIX/pkgs/user_wants_shortcuts" ]]; then  # this implies ENABLE_SHORTCUTS==true
+        # This file is guaranteed to exist, even if empty
+        env_shortcuts=$(cat "${env_pkgs}shortcuts.txt")
+        rm -f "${env_pkgs}shortcuts.txt"
+    elif [[ "$ENABLE_SHORTCUTS" == "incompatible" ]]; then
+        env_shortcuts=""
+    else
+        env_shortcuts="--no-shortcuts"
+    fi
+
+    # shellcheck disable=SC2086
+    CONDA_ROOT_PREFIX="$PREFIX" \
     CONDA_REGISTER_ENVS="__REGISTER_ENVS__" \
     CONDA_SAFETY_CHECKS=disabled \
     CONDA_EXTRA_SAFETY_CHECKS=no \
     CONDA_CHANNELS="$env_channels" \
     CONDA_PKGS_DIRS="$PREFIX/pkgs" \
-    "$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "${env_pkgs}env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX/envs/$env_name" || exit 1
+    "$CONDA_EXEC" install --offline --file "${env_pkgs}env.txt" -yp "$PREFIX/envs/$env_name" $env_shortcuts || exit 1
     # Move the prepackaged history file into place
     mv "${env_pkgs}/conda-meta/history" "$PREFIX/envs/$env_name/conda-meta/history"
     rm -f "${env_pkgs}env.txt"
 done
 
 # Cleanup!
-rm -f "$CONDA_EXEC"
 find "$PREFIX/pkgs" -type d -empty -exec rmdir {} \; 2>/dev/null || :
 
 __WRITE_CONDARC__
diff --git a/constructor/osx/run_user_script.sh b/constructor/osx/run_user_script.sh
index 9f6291518..61816160f 100644
--- a/constructor/osx/run_user_script.sh
+++ b/constructor/osx/run_user_script.sh
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ PREFIX="$2/__NAME_LOWER__"
 PREFIX=$(cd "$PREFIX"; pwd)
 export PREFIX
 echo "PREFIX=$PREFIX"
-CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/conda.exe"
+CONDA_EXEC="$PREFIX/_conda"
 # /COMMON UTILS
 
 # Expose these to user scripts as well
diff --git a/constructor/osxpkg.py b/constructor/osxpkg.py
index 8c72638c7..32ebf0d7b 100644
--- a/constructor/osxpkg.py
+++ b/constructor/osxpkg.py
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
     get_final_channels,
     preprocess,
     rm_rf,
+    shortcuts_flags,
 )
 
 OSX_DIR = join(dirname(__file__), "osx")
@@ -216,6 +217,22 @@ def modify_xml(xml_path, info):
             path_choice.set('visible', 'false')
             path_choice.set('title', 'Apply {}'.format(info['name']))
             path_choice.set('enabled', 'false')
+        elif ident.endswith('shortcuts'):
+            # Show this option if menu_packages was set to a non-empty value
+            # or if the option was not set at all. We don't show the option
+            # menu_packages was set to an empty list!
+            path_choice.set('visible', 'true')
+            path_choice.set('title', "Create shortcuts")
+            path_choice.set('enabled', 'true')
+            descr = "Create shortcuts for compatible packages"
+            menu_packages = info.get("menu_packages")
+            if menu_packages is None:
+                menu_packages = []
+            for extra_env in info.get("extra_envs", {}).values():
+                menu_packages += extra_env.get("menu_packages", [])
+            if menu_packages:
+                descr += f" ({', '.join(menu_packages)})"
+            path_choice.set('description', descr)
         elif ident.endswith('user_pre_install') and info.get('pre_install_desc'):
             path_choice.set('visible', 'true')
             path_choice.set('title', "Run the pre-install script")
@@ -306,6 +323,8 @@ def move_script(src, dst, info, ensure_shebang=False, user_script_type=None):
         'PROGRESS_NOTIFICATIONS': str(info.get('progress_notifications', False)),
         'PRE_OR_POST': user_script_type or '__PRE_OR_POST__',
         'CONSTRUCTOR_VERSION': info['CONSTRUCTOR_VERSION'],
+        'SHORTCUTS': shortcuts_flags(info),
+        'ENABLE_SHORTCUTS': str(info['_enable_shortcuts']).lower(),
         'REGISTER_ENVS': str(info.get("register_envs", True)).lower(),
     }
     data = preprocess(data, ppd)
@@ -428,7 +447,7 @@ def create(info, verbose=False):
 
     # 1. Prepare installation
     # The 'prepare_installation' package contains the prepopulated package cache, the modified
-    # conda-meta metadata staged into pkgs/conda-meta, conda.exe,
+    # conda-meta metadata staged into pkgs/conda-meta, _conda (conda-standalone),
     # Optionally, extra files and the user-provided scripts.
     # We first populate PACKAGE_ROOT with everything needed, and then run pkg build on that dir
     fresh_dir(PACKAGE_ROOT)
@@ -461,7 +480,7 @@ def create(info, verbose=False):
     for dist in all_dists:
         os.link(join(CACHE_DIR, dist), join(pkgs_dir, dist))
 
-    shutil.copyfile(info['_conda_exe'], join(prefix, "conda.exe"))
+    shutil.copyfile(info['_conda_exe'], join(prefix, "_conda"))
 
     # Sign conda-standalone so it can pass notarization
     notarization_identity_name = info.get('notarization_identity_name')
@@ -485,7 +504,7 @@ def create(info, verbose=False):
                 "--options", "runtime",
                 "--force",
                 "--entitlements", f.name,
-                join(prefix, "conda.exe"),
+                join(prefix, "_conda"),
             ]
         )
         os.unlink(f.name)
@@ -506,6 +525,11 @@ def create(info, verbose=False):
         )
         names.append('user_pre_install')
 
+    # pre-3. Enable or disable shortcuts creation
+    if info['_enable_shortcuts'] is True:
+        pkgbuild_script('shortcuts', info, 'check_shortcuts.sh')
+        names.append('shortcuts')
+
     # 3. Run the installation
     # This script-only package will run conda to link and install the packages
     pkgbuild_script('run_installation', info, 'run_installation.sh')
diff --git a/constructor/preconda.py b/constructor/preconda.py
index 44350f81f..35fef41d6 100644
--- a/constructor/preconda.py
+++ b/constructor/preconda.py
@@ -26,7 +26,13 @@
 )
 from .conda_interface import distro as conda_distro
 from .conda_interface import get_repodata, write_repodata
-from .utils import ensure_transmuted_ext, filename_dist, get_final_channels, get_final_url
+from .utils import (
+    ensure_transmuted_ext,
+    filename_dist,
+    get_final_channels,
+    get_final_url,
+    shortcuts_flags,
+)
 
 try:
     import json
@@ -173,6 +179,8 @@ def write_files(info, dst_dir):
         write_env_txt(info, env_dst_dir, env_urls_md5)
         # channels
         write_channels_txt(info, env_dst_dir, env_config)
+        # shortcuts
+        write_shortcuts_txt(info, env_dst_dir, env_config)
 
 
 def write_conda_meta(info, dst_dir, final_urls_md5s, user_requested_specs=None):
@@ -261,6 +269,15 @@ def write_channels_txt(info, dst_dir, env_config):
         f.write(",".join(get_final_channels(env_config)))
 
 
+def write_shortcuts_txt(info, dst_dir, env_config):
+    if "menu_packages" in env_config:
+        contents = shortcuts_flags(env_config)
+    else:
+        contents = shortcuts_flags(info)
+    with open(join(dst_dir, "shortcuts.txt"), "w") as f:
+        f.write(contents)
+
+
 def copy_extra_files(
     extra_files: List[Union[os.PathLike, Mapping]], workdir: os.PathLike
 ) -> List[os.PathLike]:
diff --git a/constructor/shar.py b/constructor/shar.py
index 513c6bbf4..299f3ab9f 100644
--- a/constructor/shar.py
+++ b/constructor/shar.py
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
     hash_files,
     preprocess,
     read_ascii_only,
+    shortcuts_flags,
 )
 
 THIS_DIR = dirname(__file__)
@@ -68,6 +69,7 @@ def get_header(conda_exec, tarball, info):
     ppd['initialize_conda'] = info.get('initialize_conda', True)
     ppd['initialize_by_default'] = info.get('initialize_by_default', False)
     ppd['has_conda'] = info['_has_conda']
+    ppd['enable_shortcuts'] = str(info['_enable_shortcuts']).lower()
     ppd['check_path_spaces'] = info.get("check_path_spaces", True)
     install_lines = list(add_condarc(info))
     # Needs to happen first -- can be templated
@@ -86,6 +88,7 @@ def get_header(conda_exec, tarball, info):
         'CHANNELS': ','.join(get_final_channels(info)),
         'CONCLUSION_TEXT': info.get("conclusion_text", "installation finished."),
         'pycache': '__pycache__',
+        'SHORTCUTS': shortcuts_flags(info),
         'REGISTER_ENVS': str(info.get("register_envs", True)).lower(),
     }
     if has_license:
@@ -121,6 +124,8 @@ def create(info, verbose=False):
     for env_name in info.get("_extra_envs_info", ()):
         pre_t.add(join(tmp_dir, "envs", env_name, "env.txt"),
                   f"pkgs/envs/{env_name}/env.txt")
+        pre_t.add(join(tmp_dir, "envs", env_name, "shortcuts.txt"),
+                  f"pkgs/envs/{env_name}/shortcuts.txt")
 
     for key in 'pre_install', 'post_install':
         if key in info:
diff --git a/constructor/utils.py b/constructor/utils.py
index b763fab9e..09a96f2eb 100644
--- a/constructor/utils.py
+++ b/constructor/utils.py
@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@
 import re
 import sys
 from os import sep, unlink
-from os.path import basename, isdir, isfile, islink, normpath
+from os.path import basename, isdir, isfile, islink, join, normpath
 from shutil import rmtree
-from subprocess import check_call
+from subprocess import check_call, check_output
 
 from ruamel import yaml
 
@@ -205,6 +205,27 @@ def yield_lines(path):
         yield line
 
 
+def shortcuts_flags(info, conda_exe=None):
+    menu_packages = info.get("menu_packages")
+    conda_exe = conda_exe or info.get("_conda_exe", "")
+    is_micromamba = "micromamba" in basename(conda_exe).lower()
+    if menu_packages is None:
+        # not set: we create all shortcuts (default behaviour)
+        return ""
+    if menu_packages:
+        if is_micromamba:
+            logger.warning(
+                "Micromamba does not support '--shortcuts-only'. "
+                "Will install all shortcuts."
+            )
+            return ""
+        # set and populated: we only create shortcuts for some
+        # NOTE: This syntax requires conda 23.11 or above
+        return " ".join([f"--shortcuts-only={pkg.strip()}" for pkg in menu_packages])
+    # set but empty: disable all shortcuts
+    return "--no-shortcuts"
+
+
 def approx_size_kb(info, which="pkgs"):
     valid = ("pkgs", "tarballs", "total")
     assert which in valid, f"'which' must be one of {valid}"
@@ -219,3 +240,18 @@ def approx_size_kb(info, which="pkgs"):
 
     # division by 10^3 instead of 2^10 is deliberate here. gives us more room
     return int(math.ceil(size_bytes/1000))
+
+
+def identify_conda_exe(conda_exe=None):
+    if conda_exe is None:
+        conda_exe = normalize_path(join(sys.prefix, "standalone_conda", "conda.exe"))
+    output = check_output([conda_exe, "--version"], text=True)
+    output = output.strip()
+    fields = output.split()
+    if "conda" in fields:
+        name = "conda-standalone"
+        version = fields[1]
+    else:
+        name = "micromamba"
+        version = output.strip()
+    return name, version
diff --git a/constructor/winexe.py b/constructor/winexe.py
index 3ea7c47b8..93a6d6a1b 100644
--- a/constructor/winexe.py
+++ b/constructor/winexe.py
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
     get_final_channels,
     make_VIProductVersion,
     preprocess,
+    shortcuts_flags,
 )
 
 NSIS_DIR = join(abspath(dirname(__file__)), 'nsis')
@@ -121,32 +122,41 @@ def custom_nsi_insert_from_file(filepath: os.PathLike) -> str:
 def setup_envs_commands(info, dir_path):
     template = r"""
         # Set up {name} env
-        SetDetailsPrint TextOnly
-        DetailPrint "Setting up the {name} environment ..."
         SetDetailsPrint both
+        DetailPrint "Setting up the {name} environment ..."
+        SetDetailsPrint listonly
+
         # List of packages to install
         SetOutPath "{env_txt_dir}"
         File "{env_txt_abspath}"
+
         # A conda-meta\history file is required for a valid conda prefix
         SetOutPath "{conda_meta}"
         File "{history_abspath}"
+
         # Set channels
         System::Call 'kernel32::SetEnvironmentVariable(t,t)i("CONDA_CHANNELS", "{channels}").r0'
         # Set register_envs
         System::Call 'kernel32::SetEnvironmentVariable(t,t)i("CONDA_REGISTER_ENVS", "{register_envs}").r0'
-        # Run conda
-        SetDetailsPrint TextOnly
-        nsExec::ExecToLog '"$INSTDIR\_conda.exe" install --offline -yp "{prefix}" --file "{env_txt}" {shortcuts}'
-        Pop $0
-        ${{If}} $0 != "0"
-            DetailPrint "::error:: Failed to link extracted packages to {prefix}!"
-            MessageBox MB_OK|MB_ICONSTOP "Failed to link extracted packages to {prefix}. Please check logs." /SD IDOK
-            Abort
+
+        # Run conda install
+        ${{If}} $Ana_CreateShortcuts_State = ${{BST_CHECKED}}
+            DetailPrint "Installing packages for {name}, creating shortcuts if necessary..."
+            push '"$INSTDIR\_conda.exe" install --offline -yp "{prefix}" --file "{env_txt}" {shortcuts}'
+        ${{Else}}
+            DetailPrint "Installing packages for {name}..."
+            push '"$INSTDIR\_conda.exe" install --offline -yp "{prefix}" --file "{env_txt}" --no-shortcuts'
         ${{EndIf}}
+        push 'Failed to link extracted packages to {prefix}!'
+        push 'WithLog'
+        SetDetailsPrint listonly
+        call AbortRetryNSExecWait
         SetDetailsPrint both
+
         # Cleanup {name} env.txt
         SetOutPath "$INSTDIR"
         Delete "{env_txt}"
+
         # Restore shipped conda-meta\history for remapped
         # channels and retain only the first transaction
         SetOutPath "{conda_meta}"
@@ -162,7 +172,7 @@ def setup_envs_commands(info, dir_path):
         conda_meta=r"$INSTDIR\conda-meta",
         history_abspath=join(dir_path, "conda-meta", "history"),
         channels=','.join(get_final_channels(info)),
-        shortcuts="--no-shortcuts",
+        shortcuts=shortcuts_flags(info),
         register_envs=str(info.get("register_envs", True)).lower(),
     ).splitlines()
     # now we generate one more block per extra env, if present
@@ -182,13 +192,31 @@ def setup_envs_commands(info, dir_path):
             conda_meta=join("$INSTDIR", "envs", env_name, "conda-meta"),
             history_abspath=join(dir_path, "envs", env_name, "conda-meta", "history"),
             channels=",".join(get_final_channels(channel_info)),
-            shortcuts="",
+            shortcuts=shortcuts_flags(env_info, conda_exe=info.get("_conda_exe")),
             register_envs=str(info.get("register_envs", True)).lower(),
         ).splitlines()
 
     return [line.strip() for line in lines]
 
 
+def uninstall_menus_commands(info):
+    tmpl = r"""
+        SetDetailsPrint both
+        DetailPrint "Deleting {name} menus in {env_name}..."
+        SetDetailsPrint listonly
+        push '"$INSTDIR\_conda.exe" constructor --prefix "{path}" --rm-menus'
+        push 'Failed to delete menus in {env_name}'
+        push 'WithLog'
+        call un.AbortRetryNSExecWait
+        SetDetailsPrint both
+        """
+    lines = tmpl.format(name=info["name"], env_name="base", path="$INSTDIR").splitlines()
+    for env_name in info.get("_extra_envs_info", {}):
+        path = join("$INSTDIR", "envs", env_name)
+        lines += tmpl.format(name=info["name"], env_name=env_name, path=path).splitlines()
+    return [line.strip() for line in lines]
+
+
 def signtool_command(info):
     "Generates a signtool command to be used in the NSIS template"
     pfx_certificate = info.get("signing_certificate")
@@ -230,7 +258,6 @@ def make_nsi(info, dir_path, extra_files=None, temp_extra_files=None):
     info['pre_install_desc'] = info.get('pre_install_desc', "")
     info['post_install_desc'] = info.get('post_install_desc', "")
 
-    # these appear as __<key>__ in the template, and get escaped
     replace = {
         'NAME': name,
         'VERSION': info['version'],
@@ -248,6 +275,7 @@ def make_nsi(info, dir_path, extra_files=None, temp_extra_files=None):
                                              join('%ALLUSERSPROFILE%', name.lower())),
         'PRE_INSTALL_DESC': info['pre_install_desc'],
         'POST_INSTALL_DESC': info['post_install_desc'],
+        'ENABLE_SHORTCUTS': "yes" if info['_enable_shortcuts'] is True else "no",
         'SHOW_REGISTER_PYTHON': "yes" if info.get("register_python", True) else "no",
         'SHOW_ADD_TO_PATH': "yes" if info.get("initialize_conda", True) else "no",
         'OUTFILE': info['_outpath'],
@@ -347,11 +375,11 @@ def make_nsi(info, dir_path, extra_files=None, temp_extra_files=None):
         ('@SIGNTOOL_COMMAND@', signtool_command(info)),
         ('@SETUP_ENVS@', '\n    '.join(setup_envs_commands(info, dir_path))),
         ('@WRITE_CONDARC@', '\n    '.join(add_condarc(info))),
-        ('@MENU_PKGS@', ' '.join(info.get('menu_packages', []))),
         ('@SIZE@', str(approx_pkgs_size_kb)),
         ('@UNINSTALL_NAME@', info.get('uninstall_name',
                                       '${NAME} ${VERSION} (Python ${PYVERSION} ${ARCH})'
                                       )),
+        ('@UNINSTALL_MENUS@', '\n    '.join(uninstall_menus_commands(info))),
         ('@EXTRA_FILES@', '\n    '.join(extra_files_commands(extra_files, dir_path))),
         ('@SCRIPT_ENV_VARIABLES@', '\n    '.join(setup_script_env_variables(info))),
         (
diff --git a/dev/environment.yml b/dev/environment.yml
index 5d5e3fde8..ba74a8fd6 100644
--- a/dev/environment.yml
+++ b/dev/environment.yml
@@ -5,5 +5,5 @@ dependencies:
   - python
   - conda >=4.6
   - ruamel.yaml >=0.11.14,<0.18
-  - conda-standalone
+  - conda-standalone # >=23.11.0
   - pillow >=3.1  # [osx or win]
diff --git a/docs/source/construct-yaml.md b/docs/source/construct-yaml.md
index f737677a3..ccb36a91e 100644
--- a/docs/source/construct-yaml.md
+++ b/docs/source/construct-yaml.md
@@ -128,9 +128,16 @@ _required:_ no<br/>
 _type:_ list<br/>
 
 A list of packages with menu items to be installed. The packages must have
-necessary metadata in `Menu/<package name>.json`). Menu items are currently
-only supported on Windows. By default, all menu items will be installed;
-supplying this list allows a subset to be selected instead.
+necessary metadata in `Menu/<package name>.json`). By default, all menu items
+found in the installation will be created; supplying this list allows a
+subset to be selected instead. If an empty list is supplied, no shortcuts will
+be created.
+
+If all environments (`extra_envs` included) set `menu_packages` to an empty list,
+no UI options about shortcuts will be offered to the user.
+
+Note: This option is not fully implemented when `micromamba` is used as
+the `--conda-exe` binary. The only accepted value is an empty list (`[]`).
 
 ### `ignore_duplicate_files`
 
@@ -220,12 +227,12 @@ name) to a dictionary of options:
   an empty list.
 - `user_requested_specs` (list of str): same as the global option, but for this env;
   if not provided, global value is _not_ used
+- `menu_packages` (list of str): same as the global option, for this env;
+  if not provided, the global value is _not_ used.
 
 Notes:
 - `ignore_duplicate_files` will always be considered `True` if `extra_envs` is in use.
 - `conda` needs to be present in the `base` environment (via `specs`)
-- support for `menu_packages` is planned, but not possible right now. For now, all packages
-  in an `extra_envs` config will be allowed to create their shortcuts.
 - If a global `exclude` option is used, it will have an effect on the environments created
   by `extra_envs` too. For example, if the global environment excludes `tk`, none of the
   extra environments will have it either. Unlike the global option, an error will not be
diff --git a/docs/source/howto.md b/docs/source/howto.md
index 95fac9315..2481439a0 100644
--- a/docs/source/howto.md
+++ b/docs/source/howto.md
@@ -60,6 +60,11 @@ under `$PREFIX/Menu`, `conda` will process it to create the specified menu items
 This happens by default for _all packages_. If you only want this to happen for certain packages,
 use the [`menu_packages`](construct-yaml.md#menu_packages) key.
 
+Starting with `conda` 23.11, `menuinst 2.x` is supported, which means you can create shortcuts in all platforms (Linux, macOS and Windows).
+The JSON document format is slightly different, so make sure to check the [menuinst documentation](https://conda.github.io/menuinst/).
+Your installer will need to be created with `conda-standalone 23.11` or above.
+`micromamba` does not currently support `menuinst 2.x` style shortcuts (only `1.x` on Windows).
+
 To learn more about `menuinst`, visit [`conda/menuinst`](https://github.com/conda/menuinst).
 
 ## Find out the used constructor version
diff --git a/examples/osxpkg/construct.yaml b/examples/osxpkg/construct.yaml
index d10fb6ed4..b749fa6ec 100644
--- a/examples/osxpkg/construct.yaml
+++ b/examples/osxpkg/construct.yaml
@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@ channels:
   - http://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/main/
 
 attempt_hardlinks: True
-initialize_by_default: false
 
 specs:
   - python
@@ -70,3 +69,6 @@ conclusion_text: |
 install_path_exists_error_text: >
   {CHOSEN_PATH} exists! Please update using our in-app mechanisms or
   relaunch the installer and choose a different location.
+
+initialize_by_default: false
+register_python: False
diff --git a/examples/shortcuts/construct.yaml b/examples/shortcuts/construct.yaml
index d7de2d7bb..e22d46d97 100644
--- a/examples/shortcuts/construct.yaml
+++ b/examples/shortcuts/construct.yaml
@@ -3,12 +3,25 @@ version: X
 installer_type: all
 
 channels:
+  - conda-test/label/menuinst-tests
   - http://repo.anaconda.com/pkgs/main/
 
 specs:
   - python
   - conda
-  - console_shortcut # [win]
+  - console_shortcut  # [win]
+  - package_1
+
+menu_packages:
+  - package_1
+
+extra_envs:
+  another_env:
+    specs:
+      - package_1
+      - console_shortcut  # [win]
+    menu_packages:  # [win]
+      - console_shortcut  # [win]
 
 initialize_by_default: false
 register_python: False
diff --git a/examples/use_channel_remap/construct.yaml b/examples/use_channel_remap/construct.yaml
index fbd3fe588..2fd86f0ff 100644
--- a/examples/use_channel_remap/construct.yaml
+++ b/examples/use_channel_remap/construct.yaml
@@ -19,3 +19,4 @@ specs:
 
 license_file: eula.txt
 initialize_by_default: false
+register_python: false
diff --git a/news/474-menuinst-v2 b/news/474-menuinst-v2
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..585f6c2aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/news/474-menuinst-v2
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+### Enhancements
+
+* Add support for `menuinst` v2, which extends shortcut (menu items) creation from Windows to Linux and macOS. See [`menuinst` documentation](https://conda.github.io/menuinst/) for more information. Note that this feature requires `conda-standalone 23.11.0` or later. `micromamba` doesn't support v2-style menu items yet. (#474)
+
+### Bug fixes
+
+* <news item>
+
+### Deprecations
+
+* <news item>
+
+### Docs
+
+* <news item>
+
+### Other
+
+* Unix installers now bundle conda-standalone (or micromamba) as `_conda`, instead of `conda.exe`.
+  (#741 via #474)
diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index b9a12345b..4e2d0a129 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@ target-version = ['py37', 'py38', 'py39', 'py310']
 profile = "black"
 line_length = 100
 
+[tool.ruff]
+line-length = 100
+
 [tool.pytest.ini_options]
 markers = [
     "examples",
diff --git a/tests/test_examples.py b/tests/test_examples.py
index 55f3b27d2..1c3609403 100644
--- a/tests/test_examples.py
+++ b/tests/test_examples.py
@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@
 import pytest
 from conda.base.context import context
 from conda.core.prefix_data import PrefixData
+from conda.models.version import VersionOrder as Version
+
+from constructor.utils import identify_conda_exe
 
 if sys.platform == "darwin":
     from constructor.osxpkg import calculate_install_dir
@@ -28,6 +31,7 @@
 REPO_DIR = Path(__file__).parent.parent
 ON_CI = os.environ.get("CI")
 CONSTRUCTOR_CONDA_EXE = os.environ.get("CONSTRUCTOR_CONDA_EXE")
+CONDA_EXE, CONDA_EXE_VERSION = identify_conda_exe(CONSTRUCTOR_CONDA_EXE)
 CONSTRUCTOR_DEBUG = bool(os.environ.get("CONSTRUCTOR_DEBUG"))
 if artifacts_path := os.environ.get("CONSTRUCTOR_EXAMPLES_KEEP_ARTIFACTS"):
     KEEP_ARTIFACTS_PATH = Path(artifacts_path)
@@ -72,6 +76,31 @@ def _execute(
         print("Took", timedelta(seconds=time.time() - t0))
 
 
+def _check_installer_log(install_dir):
+    # Windows installers won't raise exit codes so we need to check the log file
+    error_lines = []
+    try:
+        log_is_empty = True
+        with open(os.path.join(install_dir, "install.log"), encoding="utf-16-le") as f:
+            print("Installer log:", file=sys.stderr)
+            for line in f:
+                log_is_empty = False
+                print(line, end="", file=sys.stderr)
+                if ":error:" in line.lower():
+                    error_lines.append(line)
+        if log_is_empty:
+            error_lines.append("Logfile was unexpectedly empty!")
+    except Exception as exc:
+        error_lines.append(
+            f"Could not read logs! {exc.__class__.__name__}: {exc}\n"
+            "This usually means that the destination folder could not be created.\n"
+            "Possible causes: permissions, non-supported characters, long paths...\n"
+            "Consider setting 'check_path_spaces' and 'check_path_length' to 'False'."
+        )
+    if error_lines:
+        raise AssertionError("\n".join(error_lines))
+
+
 def _run_installer_exe(installer, install_dir, installer_input=None, timeout=420):
     """
     NSIS manual:
@@ -96,27 +125,7 @@ def _run_installer_exe(installer, install_dir, installer_input=None, timeout=420
         )
     cmd = ["cmd.exe", "/c", "start", "/wait", installer, "/S", *f"/D={install_dir}".split()]
     _execute(cmd, installer_input=installer_input, timeout=timeout)
-
-    # Windows installers won't raise exit codes so we need to check the log file
-    error_lines = []
-    try:
-        log_is_empty = True
-        with open(os.path.join(install_dir, "install.log"), encoding="utf-16-le") as f:
-            for line in f:
-                log_is_empty = False
-                if ":error:" in line.lower():
-                    error_lines.append(line)
-        if log_is_empty:
-            error_lines.append("Logfile was unexpectedly empty!")
-    except Exception as exc:
-        error_lines.append(
-            f"Could not read logs! {exc.__class__.__name__}: {exc}\n"
-            "This usually means that the destination folder could not be created.\n"
-            "Possible causes: permissions, non-supported characters, long paths...\n"
-            "Consider setting 'check_path_spaces' and 'check_path_length' to 'False'."
-        )
-    if error_lines:
-        raise AssertionError("\n".join(error_lines))
+    _check_installer_log(install_dir)
 
 
 def _run_uninstaller_exe(install_dir, timeout=420):
@@ -128,6 +137,10 @@ def _run_uninstaller_exe(install_dir, timeout=420):
             "This is a known issue with our setup, to be fixed."
         )
         return
+    # Rename install.log
+    install_log = install_dir / "install.log"
+    if install_log.exists():
+        install_log.rename(install_dir / "install.log.bak")
 
     uninstaller = next(install_dir.glob("Uninstall-*.exe"), None)
     if not uninstaller:
@@ -145,8 +158,9 @@ def _run_uninstaller_exe(install_dir, timeout=420):
         f"/S _?={install_dir}",
     ]
     _execute(cmd, timeout=timeout)
+    _check_installer_log(install_dir)
     remaining_files = list(install_dir.iterdir())
-    if len(remaining_files) > 2:
+    if len(remaining_files) > 3:
         # The debug installer writes to install.log too, which will only
         # be deleted _after_ a reboot. Finding some files is ok, but more
         # than two usually means a problem with the uninstaller.
@@ -209,6 +223,7 @@ def _run_installer(
     installer_input: Optional[str] = None,
     check_sentinels=True,
     request=None,
+    uninstall=True,
     timeout=420,
 ):
     if installer.suffix == ".exe":
@@ -223,7 +238,7 @@ def _run_installer(
         raise ValueError(f"Unknown installer type: {installer.suffix}")
     if check_sentinels:
         _sentinel_file_checks(example_path, install_dir)
-    if installer.suffix == ".exe":
+    if uninstall and installer.suffix == ".exe":
         _run_uninstaller_exe(install_dir, timeout=timeout)
 
 
@@ -237,7 +252,7 @@ def create_installer(
     **env_vars,
 ) -> Tuple[Path, Path]:
     if sys.platform.startswith("win") and conda_exe and _is_micromamba(conda_exe):
-        pytest.skip("Micromamba is not supported on Windows yet (shortcut creation).")
+        pytest.skip("Micromamba is not supported on Windows yet.")
 
     output_dir = workspace / "installer"
     output_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
@@ -320,6 +335,10 @@ def test_example_extra_files(tmp_path, request):
         _run_installer(input_path, installer, install_dir, request=request)
 
 
+@pytest.mark.xfail(
+    CONDA_EXE == "conda-standalone" and Version(CONDA_EXE_VERSION) < Version("23.11.0a0"),
+    reason="Known issue with conda-standalone<=23.10: shortcuts are created but not removed.",
+)
 def test_example_miniforge(tmp_path, request):
     input_path = _example_path("miniforge")
     for installer, install_dir in create_installer(input_path, tmp_path):
@@ -339,9 +358,23 @@ def test_example_miniforge(tmp_path, request):
                 # PKG installers use their own install path, so we can't check sentinels
                 # via `install_dir`
                 check_sentinels=installer.suffix != ".pkg",
+                uninstall=False,
             )
             if installer.suffix == ".pkg" and ON_CI:
                 _sentinel_file_checks(input_path, Path(os.environ["HOME"]) / "Miniforge3")
+            if installer.suffix == ".exe":
+                for key in ("ProgramData", "AppData"):
+                    start_menu_dir = Path(
+                        os.environ[key],
+                        "Microsoft/Windows/Start Menu/Programs/Miniforge3",
+                    )
+                    if start_menu_dir.is_dir():
+                        assert list(start_menu_dir.glob("Miniforge*.lnk"))
+                        break
+                else:
+                    raise AssertionError("Could not find Start Menu folder for miniforge")
+                _run_uninstaller_exe(install_dir)
+                assert not list(start_menu_dir.glob("Miniforge*.lnk"))
 
 
 def test_example_noconda(tmp_path, request):
@@ -363,10 +396,44 @@ def test_example_scripts(tmp_path, request):
         _run_installer(input_path, installer, install_dir, request=request)
 
 
+@pytest.mark.skipif(
+    CONDA_EXE == "micromamba" or Version(CONDA_EXE_VERSION) < Version("23.11.0a0"),
+    reason="menuinst v2 requires conda-standalone>=23.11.0; micromamba is not supported yet",
+)
 def test_example_shortcuts(tmp_path, request):
     input_path = _example_path("shortcuts")
     for installer, install_dir in create_installer(input_path, tmp_path):
-        _run_installer(input_path, installer, install_dir, request=request)
+        _run_installer(input_path, installer, install_dir, request=request, uninstall=False)
+        # check that the shortcuts are created
+        if sys.platform == "win32":
+            for key in ("ProgramData", "AppData"):
+                start_menu = Path(os.environ[key]) / "Microsoft/Windows/Start Menu/Programs"
+                package_1 = start_menu / "Package 1"
+                anaconda = start_menu / "Anaconda3 (64-bit)"
+                if package_1.is_dir() and anaconda.is_dir():
+                    assert (package_1 / "A.lnk").is_file()
+                    assert (package_1 / "B.lnk").is_file()
+                    # The shortcut created from the 'base' env
+                    # should not exist because we filtered it out in the YAML
+                    # We do expect one shortcut from 'another_env'
+                    assert not (anaconda / "Anaconda Prompt.lnk").is_file()
+                    assert (anaconda / "Anaconda Prompt (another_env).lnk").is_file()
+                    break
+            else:
+                raise AssertionError("No shortcuts found!")
+            _run_uninstaller_exe(install_dir)
+            assert not (package_1 / "A.lnk").is_file()
+            assert not (package_1 / "B.lnk").is_file()
+        elif sys.platform == "darwin":
+            applications = Path("~/Applications").expanduser()
+            print("Shortcuts found:", sorted(applications.glob("**/*.app")))
+            assert (applications / "A.app").exists()
+            assert (applications / "B.app").exists()
+        elif sys.platform == "linux":
+            applications = Path("~/.local/share/applications").expanduser()
+            print("Shortcuts found:", sorted(applications.glob("**/*.desktop")))
+            assert (applications / "package-1_a.desktop").exists()
+            assert (applications / "package-1_b.desktop").exists()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.skipif(sys.platform != "win32", reason="Windows only")
diff --git a/tests/test_header.py b/tests/test_header.py
index 725fe6077..ab8c5daf9 100644
--- a/tests/test_header.py
+++ b/tests/test_header.py
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ def test_linux_template_processing():
         initialize_by_default,
         has_post_install,
         has_pre_install,
+        enable_shortcuts,
         check_path_spaces,
         arch,
     ) in itertools.product(
@@ -69,6 +70,7 @@ def test_linux_template_processing():
         [False, True],
         [False, True],
         [False, True],
+        [False, True],
         ["x86", "x86_64", " ppc64le", "s390x", "aarch64"],
     ):
         params = {
@@ -89,13 +91,15 @@ def test_linux_template_processing():
             "direct_execute_post_install": direct_execute_post_install,
             "initialize_conda": initialize_conda,
             "initialize_by_default": initialize_by_default,
+            "enable_shortcuts": enable_shortcuts,
             "check_path_spaces": check_path_spaces,
         }
         processed = preprocess(template, params)
         for template_string in ["#if", "#else", "#endif"]:
             if template_string in processed:
-                errors.append(f"Found '{template_string}' after "
-                              f"processing header.sh with '{params}'.")
+                errors.append(
+                    f"Found '{template_string}' after " f"processing header.sh with '{params}'."
+                )
 
     assert not errors
 
@@ -117,13 +121,22 @@ def test_osxpkg_scripts_template_processing(arch, check_path_spaces, script):
 @pytest.mark.skipif(available_command("shellcheck") is False, reason="requires shellcheck")
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("arch", ["x86_64", "arm64"])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("check_path_spaces", [False, True])
-@pytest.mark.parametrize("script", sorted(Path(OSX_DIR).glob("*.sh")))
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    "script", [pytest.param(path, id=str(path)) for path in sorted(Path(OSX_DIR).glob("*.sh"))]
+)
 def test_osxpkg_scripts_shellcheck(arch, check_path_spaces, script):
     with script.open() as f:
         data = f.read()
-    processed = preprocess(data, {"arch": arch, "check_path_spaces": check_path_spaces})
+    processed = preprocess(
+        data,
+        {
+            "arch": arch,
+            "check_path_spaces": check_path_spaces,
+        },
+    )
 
     findings, returncode = run_shellcheck(processed)
+    print(*findings, sep="\n")
     assert findings == []
     assert returncode == 0
 
@@ -142,6 +155,7 @@ def test_osxpkg_scripts_shellcheck(arch, check_path_spaces, script):
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("has_pre_install", [False])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("arch", ["x86_64", "aarch64"])
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("check_path_spaces", [True])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("enable_shortcuts", ["true"])
 def test_template_shellcheck(
     osx,
     arch,
@@ -156,6 +170,7 @@ def test_template_shellcheck(
     direct_execute_pre_install,
     direct_execute_post_install,
     check_path_spaces,
+    enable_shortcuts,
 ):
     template = read_header_template()
     processed = preprocess(
@@ -179,6 +194,7 @@ def test_template_shellcheck(
             "initialize_conda": initialize_conda,
             "initialize_by_default": initialize_by_default,
             "check_path_spaces": check_path_spaces,
+            "enable_shortcuts": enable_shortcuts,
         },
     )