A fresh twist is emerging in the Windows 11 ecosystem as Microsoft rolls out a new preview build via the Dev Channel that introduces a previously undocumented "Actions" menu in the Settings app. This feature, observed initially by Windows Central, is finessing how Windows 11 handles contextual suggestions across the operating system.
In its current iteration, the Actions menu serves as a control panel: it provides an overview of all apps participating in this proactive suggestion system and, more importantly, lets users toggle their inclusion on or off. Imagine being able to decide on the fly whether the Photos app should prompt suggestions like object erasing or visual searches within your daily workflow. That level of control is exactly what this menu seeks to empower.
However, these advanced functionalities are exclusive to what Microsoft terms "Copilot+ PCs." To enjoy these perks, users must have hardware equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of at least 40+ TOPS (trillions of operations per second). This ensures that only devices with the necessary processing muscle can fully leverage the proactive suggestions and AI-driven insights.
So why is the new Actions menu critical? It acts as the nerve center for managing these innovative interactions. As Microsoft lays the groundwork for a more proactive and AI-integrated workflow across Windows 11, giving users control over their personalized action suggestions adds a much-needed layer of transparency. Moreover, it hints at a future where even third-party applications could tap into this system, thereby enriching the overall ecosystem without compromising customized user experiences.
Consider the revolutionary impact of smartphone notifications or the welcome accuracy of voice assistants like Cortana or Siri. These technologies learned from how users interact with their devices and then gradually offered help before being explicitly asked. With Windows 11, the new Actions menu appears to be a deliberate step in that direction, but with a twist: it isn’t just passive suggestion but gives the user the power to choose which suggestions are right for them. It’s like having a personal assistant who asks, “Would you like me to help with that?” and then lets you say “no” if it doesn’t suit your needs.
Moreover, when you consider that future updates may allow third-party apps to integrate their own context-aware suggestions into this ecosystem, the potential for a more responsive and dynamic user interface grows. This aligns perfectly with current trends in user experience (UX) design—where flexibility and user empowerment are becoming as crucial as the underlying technology itself.
For Windows enthusiasts and IT professionals alike, this development is a signal to stay tuned. Not only does it reflect Microsoft’s evolving vision of a personalized computing environment, but it also gives you the tools to shape that environment according to your preferences. The next few updates will be intriguing to watch, as we see firsthand how these experimental settings translate into everyday productivity for the millions of users around the globe.
In the ever-changing landscape of Windows features and AI integration, one thing is clear: the future is proactive, empowering, and unmistakably user-centric. Keep an eye on the Dev Channel builds and get ready to explore a reimagined Windows experience that puts you—quite literally—in control.
Source: Windows Central Windows 11 "Actions" menu appears in Settings, but what's it for?
Unpacking the New "Actions" Menu
For those who like to keep their systems streamlined and personalized, the new Actions menu could be a welcome addition. At its core, this feature allows users to control which apps are permitted to display suggested actions across the OS. Presently, the only context where these suggestions appear is in the Click To Do interface—an innovative element exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.In its current iteration, the Actions menu serves as a control panel: it provides an overview of all apps participating in this proactive suggestion system and, more importantly, lets users toggle their inclusion on or off. Imagine being able to decide on the fly whether the Photos app should prompt suggestions like object erasing or visual searches within your daily workflow. That level of control is exactly what this menu seeks to empower.
Key Features and How They Work
One of the intriguing elements of this latest update is not just the control it offers, but the detailed insight it provides into what each supported app can do. Right now, the two confirmed apps appearing in the Actions menu are Paint and Photos. The list goes beyond simple toggling—it even outlines what each application is capable of:- Photos: Users can currently leverage actions such as blurring backgrounds, erasing objects, and even initiating visual searches through Bing—all of which feed into the intelligent suggestions seen in Click To Do. In our tests, disabling Photos in the Actions menu resulted in the corresponding suggestions disappearing from the interface, confirming the menu's role in managing these prompts.
- Paint: Although the exact details for Paint are less explicit in the initial preview, its presence indicates that similar action-based functionalities might be on their way. Even if users aren’t immediately aware of what Paint might offer next, its inclusion signals that Microsoft plans a broader rollout of interactive, context-aware features across legacy and modern apps alike.
The Role Within the Copilot+ Ecosystem
Behind the curtain, this new menu is a part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to weave AI more intimately into the Windows experience. With the upcoming launch of major Copilot+ features slated for May—starting with the Recall tool and eventually rolling out to enhance AI in Windows Search and expand Click To Do—this move is both timely and strategic.However, these advanced functionalities are exclusive to what Microsoft terms "Copilot+ PCs." To enjoy these perks, users must have hardware equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of at least 40+ TOPS (trillions of operations per second). This ensures that only devices with the necessary processing muscle can fully leverage the proactive suggestions and AI-driven insights.
So why is the new Actions menu critical? It acts as the nerve center for managing these innovative interactions. As Microsoft lays the groundwork for a more proactive and AI-integrated workflow across Windows 11, giving users control over their personalized action suggestions adds a much-needed layer of transparency. Moreover, it hints at a future where even third-party applications could tap into this system, thereby enriching the overall ecosystem without compromising customized user experiences.
Context and Broader Implications
This silent revolution within the Settings app isn’t merely a superficial tweak; it reflects larger trends in computing. Over the past few years, there’s been a significant push for operating systems to predict user needs and offer intuitive, context-based responses. In a way, Microsoft’s latest move is a nod to the era of smart assistants and predictive computing—a field that has rapidly evolved from being a tentative promise to a key competitive differentiator among major OS providers.Consider the revolutionary impact of smartphone notifications or the welcome accuracy of voice assistants like Cortana or Siri. These technologies learned from how users interact with their devices and then gradually offered help before being explicitly asked. With Windows 11, the new Actions menu appears to be a deliberate step in that direction, but with a twist: it isn’t just passive suggestion but gives the user the power to choose which suggestions are right for them. It’s like having a personal assistant who asks, “Would you like me to help with that?” and then lets you say “no” if it doesn’t suit your needs.
Moreover, when you consider that future updates may allow third-party apps to integrate their own context-aware suggestions into this ecosystem, the potential for a more responsive and dynamic user interface grows. This aligns perfectly with current trends in user experience (UX) design—where flexibility and user empowerment are becoming as crucial as the underlying technology itself.
Third-Party App Potential and User Empowerment
In this early preview, the lineup of apps is modest, but that might only be the beginning. By exposing a dedicated section in the Settings app, Microsoft appears ready to open the door for a new wave of integration possibilities. Here are a few thoughts on what that could mean:- Customizability: Knowing that you can restrict or enable app suggestions allows for a tailored experience. For tech enthusiasts who relish fine-tuning their desktops, this sort of granularity can be exceptionally appealing.
- Performance and Efficiency: For casual and professional users alike, reducing unnecessary background suggestions could improve overall system performance and prioritize actions that matter most. Imagine whittling down distractions by turning off recommendations from seldom-used apps.
- Security and Privacy Considerations: In an age where digital privacy is paramount, being able to decide which apps have the permission to analyze your activity for proactive suggestions is a welcome control. Users who are cautious about data sharing can disable functionalities they perceive as intrusive without needing to wait for a wholesale removal option in future updates.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Windows 11
The unveiling of the Actions menu in the Windows 11 preview build illustrates just how far Microsoft is willing to push the envelope when it comes to user interactivity. While the feature remains in the early stages for now, its potential implications are significant:- Enhanced AI Integration: With future builds likely enhancing proactive suggestions across other OS surfaces, Windows 11 might soon evolve into a system that doesn't just respond to user inputs but preemptively offers assistance—a trend that many industry analysts predict will dominate the next few years.
- Broader Ecosystem Impact: As AI-driven features expand, third-party developers might be encouraged to optimize their apps so they can leverage the same technology. The Actions menu could evolve into a central hub for managing a diverse array of functions, from productivity upgrades to enhanced media capabilities.
- User-Centric Design Philosophy: By giving control to users—letting them decide which apps can actively participate in the new feature—Microsoft underscores a commitment to a balanced approach. The technology works for you, not the other way around, which is a refreshing perspective in an increasingly automated digital world.
Practical Considerations for Windows Users
For those testing out this preview build, here are some tips on navigating the new Actions menu:- Open the Settings app and locate the new "Actions" section.
- Take a moment to review the list of apps currently enabled for contextual suggestions.
- Experiment by toggling the features of individual apps like Photos. Notice how, for example, turning off Photos results in the removal of its suggested actions from the Click To Do interface.
- Keep an eye on future releases if you’re a developer or power user—you may soon see third-party options integrated.
Final Thoughts
The emergence of the new Actions menu in Windows 11’s preview build is a compelling indication of where Microsoft is heading. With a clear focus on proactive assistance combined with granular user control, the future Windows desktop could well be a place where smart suggestions and AI-powered insights are standard fare. As Microsoft gears up for the full rollout of Copilot+ features—starting with tools like Recall and enhancements in Windows Search—the Actions menu may become more central than ever.For Windows enthusiasts and IT professionals alike, this development is a signal to stay tuned. Not only does it reflect Microsoft’s evolving vision of a personalized computing environment, but it also gives you the tools to shape that environment according to your preferences. The next few updates will be intriguing to watch, as we see firsthand how these experimental settings translate into everyday productivity for the millions of users around the globe.
In the ever-changing landscape of Windows features and AI integration, one thing is clear: the future is proactive, empowering, and unmistakably user-centric. Keep an eye on the Dev Channel builds and get ready to explore a reimagined Windows experience that puts you—quite literally—in control.
Source: Windows Central Windows 11 "Actions" menu appears in Settings, but what's it for?
