AI actions Archives

Winsage

June 13, 2026

I tried Microsoft’s new AI-powered Terminal, and it is a surprisingly different experience

Windows 11 has introduced a new command-line tool called "Intelligent Terminal," which is a fork of the open-source Windows Terminal project and integrates an AI agent, specifically GitHub Copilot by default. Users must manually download and install the Intelligent Terminal, which retains the familiar Windows Terminal interface but adds a side panel for AI interaction. Upon first launch, users select an Agent Client Protocol (ACP) compatible agent, with options to enable features like automatic error detection and session management. The Intelligent Terminal offers two main experiences: agent chat and agent management. The agent chat pane allows users to inquire about errors and receive assistance, while the agent management pane tracks active and past agent sessions. Users can also utilize other agents like Claude Code, Google Gemini, and OpenAI Codex, provided they are installed locally. The Command Palette is enhanced with AI actions, allowing users to initiate tasks without interrupting their workflow. Users can customize terminal and agent settings, including pane position and error detection features. Adjustments require saving to apply changes.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

Windows 11’s cluttered and controversial context menus are going away

Marcus Ash, the Vice President of Design and Research for Windows & Devices, announced that Microsoft is committed to improving context menus in Windows 11 to make them "faster and simpler by default." The company is working on a more streamlined approach that allows users to customize their menus based on frequently used options. Microsoft has previously indicated a split context menu design that categorizes options by relevance, such as a dedicated "Photos" menu for image-related actions. The broader Windows K2 initiative aims to enhance the performance of context menus, although users still report inconsistencies across the operating system and its applications. There is anticipation for changes in File Explorer, including the possible removal of the AI actions section.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Why Your Windows 11 PC Doesn’t Get AI Features

Several hundred million Windows 11 users are experiencing frustrations due to the absence of Microsoft features like Recall and Cocreator, which are only available on Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft has divided Windows 11 into two tiers, with the latest AI functionalities requiring specific hardware known as Copilot+ PC. To qualify, a device must have: - An NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS - A minimum of 16 GB of RAM (DDR5 or LPDDR5) - At least 256 GB of SSD storage - Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer - A processor from specific families: Qualcomm Snapdragon X series, Intel Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake), or AMD Ryzen AI 300 series Many PCs lack these features due to missing NPUs, insufficient TOPS ratings, unsupported processor generations, outdated Windows versions, rollout delays, or regional limits. Features locked behind Copilot+ include Recall, Click to Do, Cocreator in Paint, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions with Translation, Improved Windows Search, and Auto Super Resolution. To check for Copilot+ compatibility, users can verify the presence of an NPU in Task Manager, ensure they have Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, and confirm their processor against the approved list. While some workarounds exist to enable features on unsupported PCs, they are often unstable and not recommended for primary use. Most users may not need to upgrade their laptops unless they require on-device AI features or their current device is significantly outdated. The AI feature gap is not currently critical for most users, as many features are optional or not essential.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Windows 11’s mandatory update is pushing users to Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has programmed its Edge browser to automatically launch after a Windows 11 update, displaying a page that informs users their update is complete and prompts them to explore new features. This page lacks a close button, directing users to click a blue "Next" button to proceed. The features highlighted include the reinstatement of the taskbar clock, the ability to pin Emojis to the taskbar, Copilot's document summarization, the Snipping Tool's Quick markup, and AI actions in File Explorer's context menu. Users can provide feedback via like and dislike buttons, but these do not close the page. Windows 11 also includes pre-installed Get Started and Get Help apps that could showcase features instead of redirecting users to Edge. Edge, built on the Chromium engine, supports all extensions from that platform and includes features like AI tab organizer, Vertical Tabs, and Immersive Reader.

Winsage

March 17, 2026

Microsoft Quietly Retreats from Copilot Push in Windows 11

Microsoft is scaling back the integration of Copilot AI into Windows 11 due to user feedback and privacy concerns. Plans for features like Copilot notifications have been canceled, and AI tools will now be optional, primarily available on Copilot+ PCs, with more data processing occurring locally. The company aims to reduce AI complexity and focus on performance and user control. Microsoft has also removed Copilot branding from some applications and is shifting towards standalone AI tools rather than system-wide integration. The lukewarm market response to Copilot+ PCs has further influenced this strategic change.

Winsage

March 16, 2026

Microsoft Cancels Several Planned Copilot Integrations in Windows 11

Microsoft has halted plans to integrate Copilot into Windows 11 system interfaces, including notifications, Settings, and File Explorer. These features, initially announced in 2024, never reached the market. A Microsoft spokesperson indicated that feature development may involve private previews and public iterations, with potential changes or removals based on customer feedback. The anticipated Copilot features did not materialize, and after the delay of Windows Recall, resources were reallocated to address related issues. AI functionality later appeared in Settings and File Explorer without the Copilot branding, with new features such as semantic search and an AI actions menu that delegate tasks to other applications. The feature for Copilot suggestions in notifications has been canceled, and Microsoft has no plans to release it under the Copilot name. The company is shifting away from the Copilot branding in Windows 11, focusing on Microsoft 365 integrations and minimizing AI presence in response to user feedback and stock value concerns. Future AI features will be optional and easier to disable.

Winsage

February 23, 2026

De-Enshittify Windows 11: Microsoft Copilot and AI ⭐

Windows 11 was introduced amid concerns of user experience degradation, termed "enshittification," due to frequent updates and feature changes. Microsoft initially promised to shift from biannual to annual feature updates, but instead adopted a "continuous innovation" model, leading to monthly updates that compromised quality. The introduction of Copilot in early 2023 marked a significant change in strategy, but enterprise customers could delay updates, creating a conflict for Microsoft. In an unusual move, Microsoft released many features of Windows 11 version 23H2 early through a monthly security update, disregarding enterprise needs. The quality of updates declined as AI features were rushed, and the updates, initially called "Moments," became frustrating for users. Microsoft ensured all supported Windows 11 versions received the same features, allowing enterprises to stay on older versions while accessing new features. The Copilot+ PC initiative in mid-2024 aimed to boost hardware sales but created disparities in feature availability. The Recall feature faced backlash over privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to shift it to an opt-in feature. Partial solutions for managing AI features, like Win11Debloat, allow users to remove certain functionalities, including Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, while others require more complex removal processes.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Copilot Arrives In Windows 11 File Explorer And Taskbar

Microsoft is integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, into the Windows 11 ecosystem, allowing users to access AI capabilities directly through familiar interfaces. Users can invoke Copilot agents by pressing the @ key in the taskbar search, enabling tasks like document summarization and research initiation without switching contexts. A "Researcher" agent can handle inquiries and provide comprehensive reports, enhancing productivity for knowledge workers. In File Explorer, a new Copilot icon allows users to summarize documents and extract insights without opening applications, improving efficiency with common file formats like Word and PDF. These features are available to Windows 11 users with Microsoft 365 Work or School accounts who have been granted access by their organizations. Copilot+ PC owners will benefit from additional functionalities such as voice transcription and contextual screenshotting, enabled by the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in newer AI PC designs. Microsoft aims to position Copilot where work naturally occurs, but adoption remains low, with only 3.3% of users subscribing to premium tiers. The integration raises governance and privacy considerations for IT leaders, as it must comply with existing frameworks like Microsoft Purview. Best practices suggest piloting Copilot features with select users and implementing data loss prevention rules. Overall, the integration of Copilot into Windows 11 is designed to save users time and enhance productivity while maintaining organizational security.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

Winsage

December 19, 2025

Automatically Remove AI Features From Windows 11

The 'Remove Windows AI' project on GitHub, developed by zoicware, aims to simplify the process of disabling AI features in Windows 11 for users who find them unwelcome. It requires a Windows 11 system running at least version 25H2 and a PowerShell script with Administrator privileges to manipulate the Windows Registry and prevent Windows Update from reversing changes. The script automates the disabling of features such as Copilot, Recall, AI Actions, and integrations within applications like Edge and Paint. A graphical user interface (GUI) is also available for easier toggling of settings. The project includes a custom package to prevent the reinstallation of removed components and provides a list for manually toggling settings that cannot be disabled automatically. Alternatives for further customization include Winaero Tweaker and Open-Shell, which offers a Windows 2000-style start menu.