Goodbye to Windows 11's Suggested Actions: What Went Wrong?

Sometimes, a grand idea doesn’t quite hit the mark, and this appears to be the story with Windows 11’s Suggested Actions feature. From lofty ambitions of boosting productivity to a quiet phase-out in under three years, Microsoft’s attempt to provide a contextual assistant embedded into the operating system has failed to gain traction. Let’s dive into what Suggested Actions was all about, why Microsoft is axing it, and what this tells us about Windows 11’s evolving priorities.

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First—What Exactly Were Suggested Actions?​

Introduced in preview builds of Windows 11 back in 2022 and made generally available in 2023, Suggested Actions was a convenience-centric feature designed to reduce friction in your workflows. Here’s the pitch: The OS would automatically detect certain types of content you copy—such as a phone number or a date—and offer relevant suggestions. For instance:

• Copying a phone number would prompt an option to dial it via applications like Microsoft Teams or Skype.
• Highlighting a future date could let you create a calendar event with a single click.

It was a simple vision: context-aware links between the text you were working with and a few common, practical actions. Streamlined, efficient, elegant—except, in reality, it wasn’t.

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Why Is the Feature Being Phased Out?​

The removal of Suggested Actions from the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4660 (Beta Channel) marks the beginning of the end for this feature. According to Microsoft, Suggested Actions will be fully deprecated in production versions of Windows 11 by early 2025. So, why pull the plug on something that sounds like a good idea on paper?

1. Poor Execution and Functionality​

For a feature that was supposed to decrease manual input, it ironically caused frustration by frequently failing to work as advertised:

• Inconsistent Activation: Many users reported that copying phone numbers or dates often didn’t trigger any suggestions. The reliability was spotty at best.
• Pop-Up Annoyances: For others, when Suggested Actions did work, its timing and execution felt intrusive—especially in apps where contextually aware suggestions were unwelcome. For example, many Excel users complained that the feature interfered while they were working with spreadsheet data.

2. Insufficient User Adoption​

Even among tech-savvy Windows enthusiasts, Suggested Actions largely flew under the radar. Simply put, few people even knew the feature existed, and those who did rarely relied on it. Without widespread usage and visible success, there wasn’t much reason for Microsoft to double down on improving it.

3. Changing Priorities​

Microsoft’s roadmap for Windows 11 shows a clear pivot toward features that harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) in more impactful ways. While Suggested Actions had machine learning potential, it wasn’t representative of the seamless, AI-driven experiences Microsoft now wants for Windows. Features like AI Shell—Windows’ AI-powered user interface overhaul—are the new focus, paving the way for deeper and more intuitive workflows.

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The Bigger Picture: What This Tells Us About Windows 11​

Removing a minor feature like Suggested Actions might not seem monumental, but it reveals a lot about Microsoft’s direction for its flagship OS. Let’s connect the dots:

1. The Death of Mediocrity​

Windows 11 is doubling down on significant, user-centric innovation. If a feature doesn’t meet the mark, it gets cut—period. That’s a great sign for users frustrated by bloated OS experiences where half-baked tools linger forever.

• Think of it this way: Microsoft is committing to a “do fewer things, but do them better” strategy. This means streamlining both the OS itself and the overall user experience.

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2. AI Is the Star of the Show​

Windows 11 has made it no secret that AI will be its differentiating factor moving forward. Microsoft has already rolled out features like Copilot—an embedded AI assistant similar to ChatGPT—and announced significant improvements to AI Shell in upcoming iterations. The focus is now on building features that:

• Intelligently anticipate user needs.
• Seamlessly integrate with daily workflows.
• Leverage machine learning and natural language processing for accuracy.

Suggested Actions, in contrast, seemed quaint—like using scissors in a world now filled with laser cutters.

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3. Privacy and Productivity Are Paramount​

Recent announcements from Microsoft emphasize two things: baked-in privacy measures and uncompromising productivity enhancements. Features like Suggested Actions simply didn’t carry the weight needed to align with this vision.
Instead, expect future tools that balance convenience with user trust—for instance, features that allow seamless inter-app communication and contextual suggestions while also being transparent and privacy-respecting.

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What Does This Mean for Windows 11 Users?​

If you’re not amongst the small percentage of people who noticed—or used—Suggested Actions, its removal probably won’t create much of a ripple in your day-to-day experience. However, there are a few broader user implications worth unpacking:

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1. Modern Windows Is Less About “Filler” Features​

Microsoft is building Windows 11 toward a consistent experience where every feature has significant value. The removal of underused or poorly implemented tools is welcome news for anyone who wants a leaner, more efficient OS—especially on hardware that isn’t cutting-edge.

• What to Expect Instead: Get ready for larger, more polished updates that significantly alter workflows, like revamped system search tools, tighter app integrations, and more AI-infused personalization.

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2. Simplified Interfaces Are on the Way​

Although print-and-play context menus can be helpful in niche cases, removing Suggested Actions signals Microsoft’s intent to declutter. The logic seems to be: Why offer marginal conveniences with pop-ups when the same tasks could be accomplished (better) via enhanced apps?

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3. AI and Machine Learning Are the Future​

The failure of Suggested Actions doesn’t mean Microsoft is abandoning contextually aware features—in fact, quite the opposite. You’ll see machine learning and AI pop up more often in Windows, just in polished and intentional ways.
A future of intelligent AI integrations, like Copilot’s ability to recommend apps or assemble tasks based on your activity, is on the horizon. Suggested Actions was likely more of a precursor to this than a missed opportunity.

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What’s Next?​

Microsoft is clearly in the midst of a controlled reinvention with Windows 11. This iterative approach—introducing bold ideas, removing less-than-optimal ones, and doubling down on what works—paints an optimistic future.
With AI and enhanced privacy dominating the roadmap, it’s safe to say Windows 11 will continue to evolve as a polished OS built for the next phase of computing. Whether on tablets, desktops, or AI-enabled workstations, the OS is streamlining every step of the journey.
So, tell us—did Suggested Actions ever find its way into your workflow? Are you looking forward to the next wave of AI-powered innovations from Microsoft? Let’s hear your thoughts! Comment below and join the conversation.

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Source: Windows Latest Microsoft begins killing off Windows 11 Suggested actions, a lesser known feature