Microsoft is bringing artificial intelligence directly into the Windows 11 File Explorer with new right-click shortcuts called AI actions.

These new tools are currently being tested in the latest Dev Channel build and are designed to make it easier for users to perform quick tasks using AI without needing to open separate apps.

Right now, four image-related AI actions are being tested. These include the ability to use Bing Visual Search to find similar images online, blur the background of a photo, erase unwanted objects from an image, and remove the background completely using the Paint app. All of these features can be accessed by simply right-clicking on an image file in File Explorer.


In addition to image tools, Microsoft is also planning to bring AI shortcuts for Office files. These upcoming features will let users summarize Word documents, create AI-generated lists, and interact with content stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. However, these Office-related AI actions will only be available to Microsoft 365 commercial users with a Copilot license, while consumer access will come later.

Microsoft has also added a new “Ask Copilot” option in the right-click menu of File Explorer, making it even easier to use AI across the system. It’s not yet clear whether these AI options can be turned off.

Alongside these updates, Microsoft is testing a redesigned widgets board in Windows 11. The new layout aims to provide a more organized and personalized feed and will include Copilot-curated stories.

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Lastly, the update introduces a new power-saving feature called “User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management.” This feature helps laptops and tablets save energy by reducing power usage during periods of inactivity, while still restoring full performance instantly when the user returns.