Unlocking Windows 11 AI Actions: How to Enable and Use AI-Powered File Explorer Features

Windows 11 is evolving rapidly, and its hallmark is integrating artificial intelligence technologies to supercharge traditional desktop experiences. The introduction of “AI Actions” in File Explorer, currently rolling out to select Insider builds, signals the start of a new era for Windows power users—one where everyday workflows like image editing and document summarization are streamlined by right-click context menus, without launching dedicated apps. This feature, still in preview for Copilot+ PCs, has drawn widespread attention. Here’s a detailed, critically informed look at enabling, using, and evaluating AI Actions in Windows 11 File Explorer, backed by verifiable steps and a close analysis of its real-world strengths and limitations.

AI Actions in File Explorer: What It Is and Why It Matters​

The core promise of AI Actions within Windows 11’s File Explorer is straightforward but significant: harness AI directly from your primary file management app. When you right-click on files—specifically common formats like JPG, PNG, or Microsoft Office documents—an “AI Actions” submenu appears, letting you instantly perform tasks such as:

• Blurring backgrounds in images
• Removing backgrounds or specific objects from photos
• Initiating Bing Visual Search to find online matches for an image
• Summarizing the content of Word and Excel files (with a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription)

This capability is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to make artificial intelligence a first-class citizen in the Windows ecosystem, providing users with productivity and creativity tools at their fingertips. According to Microsoft’s own documentation, these AI-driven features are available first on next-generation “Copilot+ PCs”—systems with integrated neural processing units (NPUs) optimized for on-device AI computation, with the first wave powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.

Prerequisites: Who Can Use AI Actions in File Explorer?​

AI Actions aren’t universally available. Several prerequisites must be met, and as of the most recent developer and tech community updates, there are crucial limitations and caveats:

• Windows Insider Program Enrollment: You must be signed up with the Windows Insider Program and opted into either the Dev Channel (Build 26200.5603 or later) or the Beta Channel (Build 26120.4151 or later). This ensures access to the latest preview builds where AI Actions are being actively tested.
• Copilot+ PC: Only Copilot+ PCs—those designed with enhanced hardware tailored for AI workflows—are officially supported at launch. These systems typically feature Snapdragon chipsets, though broader AMD and Intel support is anticipated in future updates.
• Up-to-Date Windows Build: The latest eligible Insider build must be installed for these features to be accessible.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Subscription: Summarizing Word or Excel documents via context menu requires an active Copilot subscription. Image editing features, however, are generally accessible without a subscription.
• Supported File Types: Currently, AI Actions only appear in the context menu when interacting with specific types of files (primarily images and Microsoft Office documents).

Caution: If you’re not in the Insider Program, or lack a Copilot+ PC at this time, the feature may not even appear, despite updating your OS.

How to Enable AI Actions in File Explorer: Step-by-Step​

For early adopters eager to try out AI Actions, the process is relatively accessible but technical in parts, especially if you’re forcibly enabling features Microsoft is rolling out gradually.

1. Join the Windows Insider Program​

• Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
• Register with a Microsoft account and select the Dev or Beta Channel—Dev is typically first with new features.

2. Update Windows to the Latest Insider Build​

• Go back to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
• Download and install the requisite Insider build (ensure it matches or exceeds Dev Build 26200.5603 or Beta Build 26120.4151).

3. Confirm Copilot+ PC Requirements​

To verify eligibility, check your device’s specs for the Snapdragon NPU or visit the official Copilot+ compatibility guide from Microsoft. There are emerging reports from credible sources that some unsupported hardware may still receive UI elements of this feature, yet these often lack full backend AI processing—user mileage may vary.

4. Using AI Actions​

• Open File Explorer and navigate to an image (JPG, PNG) or Microsoft Office document.
• Right-click and look for the AI Actions submenu.
• Available actions include:
• Blur Background
• Remove Background (in Paint)
• Erase Objects
• Bing Visual Search
• Summarize Document (for .docx/.xlsx with Copilot)

If you don’t see these options:

5. Force-Enabling AI Actions with ViveTool​

If Microsoft hasn’t rolled out the menu to your device yet, power users can “force enable” it using ViveTool, an open-source utility frequently used by Windows Insiders and testers.

• Download ViveTool from its official GitHub repository and extract to an easy-to-access folder.
• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and use cd to navigate to the ViveTool’s directory.
• Enter the following command:
  vivetool /enable /id:54792954,55345819,48433719
• Restart your PC.
• Right-click files in File Explorer again to check for the AI Actions submenu.

Note: Using ViveTool to enable unfinished features can result in system instability or inconsistent experiences, as these rollouts are typically staged and incomplete for broad feedback and refinement.

How AI Actions Work: A Closer Look at the Features​

Contextual Image Editing​

AI Actions integrate directly into the Windows Shell, using Microsoft’s latest AI models and partnering with Windows’ built-in Paint app for more complex edits. Actions like “Blur Background” and “Erase Objects” leverage deep learning models to segment images, identifying foregrounds and unwanted objects for quick editing.

• Background Blurring and Erasing: The AI analyzes the photo, determining background vs. subject and applying effects in seconds. This resembles the workflow of content-aware fill in Photoshop, but here is powered by Microsoft’s cloud and NPU-accelerated AI.
• Visual Search with Bing: This option invokes the web-based Bing Visual Search feature, cross-referencing your selected image with billions online and returning matches or similar content in your browser.
• Remove Background (Paint): For more advanced editing, this option automatically launches Paint, which recently incorporated generative erase and fill features powered by the same lineup of Azure AI models.

Document Summarization (Copilot)​

Right-clicking a supported document and choosing “Summarize with Copilot” uses the Microsoft 365 Copilot service—a sophisticated GPT-powered assistant—to produce concise summaries directly in File Explorer. This requires an active subscription and online access; Copilot communicates securely with Microsoft’s cloud AI servers, returning results within seconds for most moderate-length documents.
Privacy Note: Microsoft’s privacy policy applies, and documents are transmitted to the cloud for processing when summarization is invoked.

Notable Strengths of AI Actions in Windows 11​

1. Seamless Integration, Minimal Learning Curve​

By embedding AI actions into familiar File Explorer right-click menus, Microsoft shortens the gap between sophisticated AI capabilities and everyday workflows. Users accustomed to the context menu paradigm don’t have to adopt new UIs or remember extra keyboard shortcuts.

2. Genuine Time Savings​

Editing photos or seeking document summaries now takes a fraction of the time compared to opening separate apps or online services. Tests from multiple reviewers and early adopters confirm these shortcuts reduce friction and increase productivity for common repetitive tasks.

3. Strong Cloud-NPU Hybrid Approach​

Microsoft’s focus on Copilot+ PCs and NPUs ensures that AI tasks are processed either locally for speed/efficiency (where hardware supports it) or in the cloud for the most demanding tasks. This hybrid strategy aligns with trends in modern operating systems seeking the best of both worlds: security, privacy, and responsiveness.

4. Security and Data Privacy​

Especially for images, local processing on compatible Copilot+ hardware keeps sensitive content on-device. For document summarization, while cloud transmission is necessary, Microsoft provides enterprise-grade data protection, leveraging its experience with Microsoft 365 and Azure security.

5. Expanding Capabilities​

These early AI Actions represent just the beginning. Microsoft has signaled plans to incorporate more file types and actions (think: PDF, audio files, or even real-time video summarization). The current implementation is platformed for scalability as hardware and AI models improve.

Potential Risks and Critical Caveats​

No early-stage feature is without shortcomings, and several parts of AI Actions warrant both cautious optimism and critical oversight.

1. Limited Hardware/Software Availability​

As it stands, the requirement for Copilot+ PCs and high-end Insider builds means only a niche portion of Windows users can access AI Actions today. Broader support for AMD and Intel hardware is “coming soon,” but there is no firm timeline, and major features (such as Copilot recall or on-device summarization) may be further delayed for non-Snapdragon systems.

2. Privacy Risks with Document Summarization​

While local image editing is relatively private, document summary actions require files to be uploaded to Microsoft’s cloud AI infrastructure. For users in regulated industries or those wary of sharing sensitive information, this is a notable concern. Microsoft claims strong encryption and enterprise protections, but users should remain mindful—and perhaps restrict use to non-confidential documents.

3. Feature Fragmentation and User Confusion​

With features enabled progressively via Insider builds, some users might see UI elements that aren’t functional or experience inconsistencies, especially when forcibly enabling via ViveTool. There are also reports in forums that menu responses can lag, or certain file types do not trigger AI menu options even when ostensibly supported.

4. Dependence on Subscriptions​

To unlock the most powerful features (document summarization), users must hold an active Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription. This further fragments the experience for those with basic Office licenses but not the higher-tier AI Copilot plan.

5. Risks of Rushed Rollout​

Microsoft has a mixed history with Insider-first releases, sometimes introducing bugs or stability issues when features are force-enabled via unofficial means. Users should always back up data and be wary of sudden system changes that might arise from using utilities like ViveTool ahead of formal public rollouts.

Pro Tips and Best Practices for AI Actions​

To maximize the benefit of these new features while minimizing headaches:

• Stick to Supported File Types: AI Actions work best with widely used image extensions (JPG, PNG) and Office files (.docx, .xlsx). Don’t expect PDF or older Office formats support—at least not yet.
• Use Bing Visual Search Creatively: Combining AI Actions’ visual search with enhancements in Windows Photos or Paint enables rapid inspiration and content remixing for creative projects.
• Stay Updated: These features evolve quickly. Always check for Windows Updates and follow the official Windows Insider blog for the latest.
• Check Copilot Subscription Status: If document AI is central to your workflow, maintain an active Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription for uninterrupted access.
• Exercise Privacy Discipline: Avoid summarizing documents with sensitive data, unless you’re sure of your company’s cloud policy and Microsoft’s compliance support.
• Monitor Rollout News: Join communities like WindowsForum.com or Reddit’s r/Windows11 for real-world reports, as end-user feedback often surfaces glitches or undocumented behavior sooner than official sources.

The Future of AI in Windows File Management​

AI Actions in File Explorer is a harbinger of more to come. As local NPUs become standard (across all major processor families) and Microsoft’s AI portfolio deepens, expect the following possible trajectories:

• Broader File Type Support: In time, AI Actions may extend to PDFs, audio, and even compressed archives, each with corresponding intelligent commands.
• Customization and Extensibility: Microsoft may enable third parties to add their own AI plugins to the context menu, expanding File Explorer’s power beyond first-party actions.
• Deeper Integration with Copilot: As Copilot matures, AI-driven summarization, tagging, and search could become even more context-aware and automated, surfacing proactively rather than only on right-click.
• Enterprise Controls: Expect granular policy controls for IT administrators, letting them restrict or audit use of AI Actions on business PCs, balancing user empowerment with organizational privacy and compliance needs.
• Offline Capabilities: As on-device AI hardware advances, the line between local and cloud-based AI processing will blur further, boosting both privacy and speed.

Conclusion: Should You Enable AI Actions?​

Enabling AI Actions in Windows 11 File Explorer—provided you meet the Insider build and hardware prerequisites—adds tangible value for both everyday users and creative professionals. Trivial edits become instant actions, and document insights are a right-click away. Still, the current feature is best suited for early adopters and experimenters; mainstream rollouts, wider hardware compatibility, and a more consistent feature set are likely still months away.
For those comfortable with preview builds and eager for real AI productivity, AI Actions offers a glimpse into Windows’ intelligent future. But be mindful of privacy, system stability, and the piecemeal rollout. As with most Insider features, early feedback will shape the experience for millions once it becomes a standard Windows 11 capability.
Stay tuned, as File Explorer continues its transformation from static file manager to dynamic, AI-enabled productivity hub. Community discussion and feedback will be vital in ensuring these tools empower rather than encumber Windows users in the new age of AI-driven personal computing.

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