Microsoft is injecting artificial intelligence directly into the heart of Windows 11, enhancing the familiar File Explorer with powerful new AI-powered actions. This means users will soon be able to right-click on files and access a range of intelligent features, streamlining tasks and boosting productivity.
The initial rollout focuses on image manipulation and content summarization. For images, users can expect quick access to features like blurring backgrounds, removing unwanted objects, and even performing Bing visual searches to find similar images online. These actions leverage the capabilities already present in apps like the Photos app and Paint, making them readily available without navigating multiple menus.
But the AI enhancements extend beyond image editing. Microsoft plans to introduce similar AI actions for Office files in the near future. This will allow users to quickly summarize lengthy documents stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, or generate lists from file contents—a significant time-saver for professionals. While initially limited to Microsoft 365 commercial subscribers with Copilot licenses, consumer support is promised soon.
These new AI actions join the existing “Ask Copilot” function, further integrating Microsoft’s AI assistant into the Windows 11 experience. It remains unclear whether users will be able to disable these AI actions within the context menu, but their inclusion marks a significant step toward a more AI-integrated desktop environment.
Beyond the File Explorer improvements, Microsoft is also testing visual updates to the Windows 11 widgets feature, promising a more organized and personalized experience. The update includes Copilot-curated stories within the feed, adding another layer of AI-driven personalization. A new “User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management” feature is also being tested, designed to automatically optimize power consumption on laptops and tablets, enhancing battery life during periods of inactivity.
Overall, these updates signal Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI into the core functionality of Windows 11, offering users a more streamlined and intelligent computing experience. These changes are currently available in the latest Dev Channel builds of Windows 11, hinting at a broader release in the future.
