Microsoft to Add New AI-Powered Actions in File Explorer

Microsoft to Add New AI-Powered Actions in File Explorer

Microsoft is rolling out AI-powered actions in File Explorer, allowing users to interact with files more deeply without leaving the folder view. By right-clicking any supported file, a new “AI actions” menu entry will appear.

From there, users can choose various editing and Copilot-powered features, all while staying in their workflow.

Seamless AI Actions on Right-Click

With AI actions in File Explorer, users no longer need to open an app to perform common image or document tasks.

Simply right-click on a .jpg, .jpeg, or .png file and select the new AI actions option. Among the first features available are:

Bing Visual Search: Search the web using the selected image instead of text. This lets you find similar photos, products, or landmarks, identify plants and famous faces, and shop or research directly from File Explorer.

Blur Background: Launches the Photos app with automatic background detection. One click blurs everything except your subject. You can fine-tune the effect by adjusting Blur Intensity or using the Brush Tool to manually select areas.

Erase Objects: Also in Photos, this feature highlights unwanted elements and removes them seamlessly. Generative Erase fixes distractions by intelligently filling in the background.

Remove Background: Opens Paint, automatically detecting the subject and cutting it away from the background with a single click. You can use the selection tool to refine which parts of the image remain.

These four image actions give users quick access to powerful editing tools without opening separate apps.

Microsoft plans to extend AI actions beyond images by adding document-focused features. Users will be able to right-click on Word, PDF, and text files to generate summaries, translate content, or ask Copilot to rephrase sections.

Imagine instantly summarizing a lengthy report or translating a memo into another language—all from File Explorer’s context menu.

Unlike conventional workflows that require opening a file, copying text, and switching apps, AI actions keep you in one place.

This boosts productivity by reducing interruptions and context-switching. For content creators, analysts, and everyday users alike, this update makes file management and quick edits more intuitive.

How to Try and Provide Feedback

AI actions in File Explorer are now available to Windows Insiders in the Canary channel. To test them, simply:

  1. Right-click on a supported .jpg, .jpeg, or .png file.
  2. Select the new “AI actions” entry in the context menu.
  3. Choose from Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, or Remove Background.

Microsoft welcomes feedback through the Feedback Hub. Open the app (WIN + F), navigate to Files, Folders, and Online Story > File Explorer, and share your experience. Your input will help refine AI actions before broader release.

Text and image generation settings page with recent activity highlighted in a red box for seeing which apps use generative AI models provided by Windows.

By integrating AI directly into File Explorer, Microsoft aims to streamline everyday file tasks and demonstrate the practical power of Copilot features.

Whether you’re preparing presentations, editing photos, or summarizing documents, AI actions will help you stay focused and get more done—without leaving the folder you’re in.

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Security researcher and threat analyst with expertise in malware analysis and incident response.