Microsoft’s latest enhancements to Windows 11 have firmly placed artificial intelligence at the forefront of user experience, particularly within File Explorer. With the introduction of features like “Ask Copilot” and “Semantic Indexing,” the tech giant is not stopping there. The addition of AI actions to the context menu is a significant step forward, providing users with tailored functionalities based on the file type they are working with. These AI actions serve as gateways to perform tasks in other applications, including Microsoft 365 apps, Photos, or Paint, rather than being integrated directly into the file manager.
As Microsoft continues to roll out these features, users in Europe may find themselves waiting a bit longer for access. The rollout began with the September 2025 Security Update, and while many devices are receiving updates, the full suite of options is still pending for some regions.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-enable-ai-actions-in-file-explorer”>How to enable AI actions in File Explorer
To activate the AI actions feature in File Explorer, follow these straightforward steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Select the Actions page.
- Turn on the various AI actions for File Explorer.
Once these steps are completed, users will find the AI actions conveniently accessible from the context menu within File Explorer.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-use-ai-actions-in-file-explorer”>How to use AI actions in File Explorer
Engaging with AI actions is simple. Open File Explorer, right-click on a JPG, JPEG, or PNG file, and navigate to the “AI actions” menu to select from a range of options:
- Bing Visual Search: Conducts an image search using the Microsoft Bing search engine.
- Blur Background: Utilizes the Photos app to blur backgrounds in images with customizable intensity.
- Erase Objects: Employs the Photos app to remove unwanted elements from photos using Generative Erase technology.
- Remove Background: Leverages the Paint app to cut out a subject from an image with a single click.
- Describe image (system): Generates a text description of the selected image.
Upon selecting an action, the corresponding application—be it Microsoft Edge, Photos, or Paint—will open, allowing users to complete their desired AI task seamlessly. For instance, choosing the background removal option will automatically execute the task in the Paint app.
Moreover, if Microsoft 365 apps are installed, users can summarize documents, preview key insights, and convert tables without needing to open Word, PowerPoint, or Excel. Supported file formats include XLSX, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX, PDF, TXT, RTF, ASPX, and HTML.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-disable-ai-actions-in-file-explorer”>How to disable AI actions in File Explorer
If you prefer to disable the AI actions feature, the process is equally straightforward:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Select the Actions page.
- Turn off the various AI actions for File Explorer.
After completing these steps, the “AI actions” menu will still appear in the context menu, but it will no longer display any active AI features.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-faqs-about-use-ai-actions-in-file-explorer”>FAQs about use AI actions in File Explorer
As users explore the capabilities of AI actions in File Explorer, questions may arise regarding their functionality and application. Understanding these features can enhance user experience and productivity significantly.
