How AI Actions in File Explorer Speed Up Your Windows 11 Day
AI is creeping into Windows in a practical place: the File Explorer right-click menu. If you manage lots of files, these new “AI actions” can save real time by launching smarter image edits and generating quick document summaries without the usual app-hopping.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
January 28, 2026
That workflow is exactly what AI Actions in File Explorer tries to kill.
Here's a Cool Tip: Use 'AI Actions' in Windows 11 File Explorer.
Microsoft is wiring AI directly into the right-click menu so you can act on files in place instead of bouncing between apps.
It feels small at first glance, but for anyone who lives in shared folders, OneDrive, or project libraries, this is the kind of friction that quietly eats hours every month.
Feature Explanation
AI Actions in File Explorer are context-aware shortcuts that appear when you right-click a supported file in Windows 11.
You choose AI Actions from the context menu, then pick from a set of AI-powered tools that work with that file type.
For images in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format, you currently get four built-in actions:
- Bing Visual Search: Use the image to search the web for similar images, products, landmarks, or objects.
- Blur background (Photos): Open the Photos app, automatically detect the subject, and blur the background with adjustable intensity.
- Erase objects (Photos): Use Generative Erase in Photos to remove unwanted elements from a picture.
- Remove background (Paint): Open Paint and strip the background in one click, leaving a clean cutout of the subject.
If you have Microsoft 365 and a Copilot license, you also see a Summarize action in Copilot for files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
It generates a quick summary without opening the file, which is ideal for long reports or meeting notes.
The key idea: File Explorer becomes a launchpad for AI tasks, not just a place to double click things.
What You’ll Gain
- Faster edits: Clean up images without hunting for the right app first.
- Quicker decisions: Skim summaries of long documents before committing to a full read.
- Fewer clicks: Act directly from the right-click menu instead of juggling windows.
- Smarter search: Use images to find products, places, or references online.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Microsoft Web/Desktop (Windows 11 File Explorer)
Use AI Actions on an image file
- Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install Windows 11 version 25H2 or later if offered.
- Press Windows key + E or select the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
- Navigate to a .jpg, .jpeg, or .png file.
- Right-click the file (or press Shift + F10) and choose AI Actions from the context menu.
- Pick an action:
- Choose Bing Visual Search, Blur background, Erase objects, or Remove background.
- Complete the edit:
- Follow the on-screen controls in Photos or Paint, then save or export your updated image.
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fig. 1 - New AI Actions in Windows 11 File Explorer Example |
Use Summarize action in Copilot (Microsoft 365)
- Confirm subscription: Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot license.
- Store the file in OneDrive or SharePoint: Move or save the document to a Microsoft 365-backed location.
- Right-click the file in File Explorer:
- Choose AI actions > Summarize action in Copilot.
- Review the summary: A Copilot-powered summary appears, which you can copy into email, chat, or notes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Time saver: Quick edits and summaries reduce app switching for busy professionals reviewing dozens of files per day.
- Low learning curve: Uses the familiar right-click menu, so there is almost nothing new to memorize.
- Integrated with existing apps: Leverages Photos, Paint, Bing, and Copilot instead of yet another standalone tool.
Cons
- Rollout limits: Availability varies by market and device, so not everyone will see AI Actions yet.
- Subscription dependency: The most powerful document summarization requires Microsoft 365 plus a Copilot license.
- File type constraints: Image actions only work with JPG, JPEG, and PNG, and Summarize is tied to OneDrive and SharePoint.
- AI Actions in File Explorer is part of the Windows 11, version 25H2 feature wave and is currently rolling out to users.
- OS version: Windows 11 version 25H2 or 24H2 with the latest updates, sharing a common servicing branch.
- Availability: Varies by market and device; some PCs may be held by safeguard blocks if compatibility issues are detected.
- Subscriptions:
- Image actions: Available to consumer and business users on supported devices without extra subscription.
- Summarize action in Copilot: Requires Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot license, with support for both Microsoft accounts and Entra ID.
Score
Criterion | Score (0–10) | JustificationValue 9Strong time savings for anyone who works with images and documents daily, especially in Microsoft 365 environments.Usability 8Right-click integration is intuitive, though some users may be confused by rollout gaps and licensing requirements.Wow Factor 8It feels quietly impressive when you realize you can clean up photos and summarize files without opening anything.Total: 25/30 🌟 ExcellentAI Actions in File Explorer are a high-value, low-friction upgrade that feels like Click to Do for your files, and they compare favorably to similar quick actions in macOS Finder by leaning harder into AI-powered edits and summaries.
Key Takeaways
AI Actions turn File Explorer into a smart starting point instead of a passive file list.
You get quick image edits and document summaries without opening full apps, and the experience will only get better as Microsoft expands Copilot across Windows 11.
For now, treat it as a powerful bonus feature that may appear gradually as updates and licenses catch up.
Cool Tip Snapshot
- Feature Name: AI Actions in File Explorer.
- Platform(s): Windows 11 (version 25H2 and later, currently rolling out).
- Quick Benefit: Right-click files to run AI-powered edits and summaries in seconds.
- Access Type: Free core actions; Summarize requires Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot license.
Try It Yourself
Right-click a JPG or Word document in File Explorer today and see which AI Actions appear, then try one real task, such as blurring a background or summarizing a long report.
After you experiment, share this article with your team, family, or friends, and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter so you never miss the next small feature that quietly changes your workflow.
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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.
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