Microsoft to Add New AI-Powered Actions in File Explorer

AI Integration in File Explorer

Microsoft has introduced AI-powered actions within File Explorer, allowing users to engage with files directly from the folder view. This functionality is accessible through a new “AI actions” menu that appears when right-clicking supported files.

AI Actions Available

Users can execute various editing tasks without leaving their workflow. By right-clicking on .jpg, .jpeg, or .png files, users can access new AI actions including:

• Bing Visual Search: Conduct web searches using the selected image to locate similar photos, products, or landmarks, and identify plants and notable figures.
• Blur Background: Utilizes the Photos app to blur backgrounds while maintaining focus on the main subject, with adjustable blur intensity.
• Erase Objects: Removes unwanted elements in photos, filling in the background intelligently through generative erase capabilities.
• Remove Background: Opens Paint to automatically separate subjects from their backgrounds.

These features streamline image editing by eliminating the need for separate applications.

Future Expansion and Document Features

Microsoft plans to enhance AI actions by incorporating document-focused features. Users will be able to perform actions such as generating summaries, translating content, or rephrasing text directly from Word, PDF, and text files within the context menu.

This development aims to increase productivity by minimizing interruptions and context-switching, thereby making file management and quick edits more efficient.

Testing and Feedback

AI actions in File Explorer are currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary channel. To test these features:

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

Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub by navigating to Files, Folders, and Online Storage > File Explorer. This feedback will assist in refining AI actions prior to a broader release.

Through AI integration in File Explorer, Microsoft seeks to optimize daily file operations while showcasing the practical utility of Copilot features. This update is designed to assist users in efficiently managing tasks such as preparing presentations, editing photos, or summarizing documents without needing to switch between applications.