Microsoft is set to revolutionize the Windows 11 user experience by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities directly into File Explorer. This innovative feature, known as AI actions in File Explorer, empowers users to perform complex tasks such as image editing and document summarization seamlessly within the file management interface, eliminating the need to open separate applications.
Seamless AI Integration in File Explorer
The AI actions in File Explorer feature introduces a user-friendly approach to file management. By right-clicking on a file, users can access a new AI actions option within the context menu. Selecting this option reveals a list of AI-powered tasks tailored specifically to the selected file type. This integration is designed to maintain user workflow efficiency, providing powerful editing and analysis tools directly within File Explorer.
Advanced Image Editing Capabilities
Initially, Microsoft is rolling out four AI-driven actions focused on image manipulation, supporting popular formats such as .jpg, .jpeg, and .png. These features integrate seamlessly with existing Windows applications like Photos and Paint, now accessible directly from File Explorer:
– Bing Visual Search: Utilize an image as a search query to find similar images online, identify products, landmarks, plants, and even famous personalities. This tool also offers functionalities like on-screen translation and homework assistance.
– Blur Background: Open the selected image in the Photos app, where AI automatically detects and blurs the background, emphasizing the subject. Users can adjust the blur intensity or use a brush tool to refine the blurred areas.
– Erase Objects: Leverage the Generative Erase feature in the Photos app to remove unwanted objects or distractions from photos. By selecting or highlighting an element, the AI intelligently fills in the space, enhancing the image’s overall appearance.
– Remove Background: Use Microsoft Paint to automatically remove the background from an image with a single click. The AI detects the main subject on the canvas or works within a user-defined selection to create a clean cutout.
Expanding AI Actions to Microsoft 365 Documents
In the coming weeks, Microsoft plans to extend AI actions to Microsoft 365 documents, introducing features such as:
– Summarize: Generate concise summaries of documents stored on OneDrive and SharePoint without opening them individually. This supports various file types, including .docx, .pptx, .xlsx, .pdf, and .txt files.
– Create an FAQ: Transform complex documents into well-formatted question-and-answer lists, supporting file types such as .xlsx, .ppt, .docx, .pdf, and .html.
Requirements for Accessing Microsoft 365 AI Actions
To utilize these Microsoft 365 AI actions, users must meet specific requirements:
– For Summarize: A Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot (supporting both Microsoft account and Microsoft Entra ID).
– For Create an FAQ: A commercial Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot (Microsoft Entra ID supported, with Microsoft account support forthcoming).
– Enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program: A PC configured for Beta Channel updates.
Additional Updates and Enhancements
Alongside the AI actions in File Explorer, Microsoft is reintroducing a highly requested feature from Windows 10: a larger clock with a seconds display in the notification center. Users can enable this feature in the Time & language settings.
In a move toward greater transparency and user control over AI, a new page in the Privacy & security settings will display which third-party applications have recently used generative AI models provided by Windows. This allows users to monitor and manage which apps are permitted to leverage these on-device AI capabilities.
The update also includes various fixes for issues related to Reset this PC, File Explorer display problems in dark mode, and performance improvements for Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).
Implications for Users and the Future of AI Integration
The integration of AI actions into Windows 11’s File Explorer signifies a significant advancement in Microsoft’s AI strategy for its flagship operating system. By embedding AI capabilities directly into the file management system, Microsoft aims to revolutionize how users interact with their files, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows.
This development aligns with Microsoft’s broader vision of embedding AI capabilities throughout the Windows operating system, transforming user interactions and potentially setting a new standard for intelligent file management systems.
Users interested in testing these features can join the Windows Insider Program and update to the latest Dev Channel build. However, it’s important to note that features in development may change before public release.
