The feature, called “AI actions in File Explorer”, was announced in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5603 (KB5058488), released to the Dev Channel on May 19, 2025.
AI-Powered File Management
With the new AI tools, users can right-click on a file and choose from several AI-powered actions in a special “AI actions” menu. These tools work directly from the context menu.
“With AI actions in File Explorer, you can stay in your flow while leveraging the power of AI,” Microsoft said in its announcement.
Image Editing Features
The first wave of AI actions focuses on image files and includes:
- Bing Visual Search: Search the web using an image to find related pictures, products, places, plants, and people.
- Blur Background: Automatically blur the background of photos with adjustable settings.
- Erase Objects: Use AI to remove unwanted items from images.
- Remove Background: Cut out the background with one click.
These tools currently support .jpg, .jpeg, and .png formats.
Expanding to Microsoft 365 Documents
Microsoft plans to extend AI actions to Microsoft 365 files. Coming features include:
Summarize: Create quick summaries of documents stored on OneDrive or SharePoint. Supported formats include .docx, .pptx, .xlsx, .pdf, and .txt.
Create an FAQ: Convert complex documents into easy-to-read question-and-answer formats. Supported formats include .xlsx, .ppt, .docx, .pdf, and .html.
To use these features, users will need:
- A Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot (Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID).
- Enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program and a PC set to receive Beta Channel updates.
- The “Create an FAQ” feature requires a commercial Microsoft 365 account, with personal support coming soon.
Part of a Bigger AI Push
These new tools join other AI updates in the latest build, including “Click to Do” and a smarter widgets board featuring “Copilot-curated stories.”
Microsoft’s goal is to build smarter file systems using AI. The long-term plan is to manage and organize files based on their content, not just file names.
Early Access and Future Development
Users who want to try these AI tools can join the Windows Insider Program and install the latest Dev Channel build. Microsoft warns that features may change before the public release.
The integration of AI in File Explorer marks a major step in how people work with files in Windows 11, setting the stage for smarter and more efficient file management.
