How AI Actions in File Explorer Speed Up Your Windows 11 Day

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

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Have you ever opened three different apps just to clean up a photo, grab a quick summary, and then email the result? 

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.

Turn Excel Into Your AI Teammate: How To Use Agent Mode In Excel For The Web

Turn Excel Into Your AI Teammate: How To Use Agent Mode In Excel For The Web

Agent Mode in Excel turns Copilot from a polite assistant into a hands-on builder that can reshape your workbook for you. If you work with reports, budgets, or messy data, this is the rare feature that can actually give you hours back each week.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 19, 2026

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You know that feeling when a “quick” spreadsheet tweak quietly eats your entire afternoon? 

One more column, one more formula, one more chart, and suddenly you are deep in a maze of references and formatting.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Agent Mode in Excel for the Web

Instead of nudging Copilot one prompt at a time, you describe the outcome you want, and Agent Mode plans, builds, and revises a multi-step workflow inside your workbook. 

It behaves less like a chatbot and more like a junior analyst who can explain what it is doing as it goes.

Browse Smarter With Multi-Tab Context in Microsoft Edge

Browse Smarter With Multi-Tab Context in Microsoft Edge

Your browser tabs already know more than you think. Microsoft Edge’s new Copilot Mode uses multi-tab context to help you research, compare, and decide faster without hopping between windows.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 24, 2025

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Have you ever finished a research session with ten tabs open, three notes half-written, and a lingering sense that you missed something important? 

Browsing today is less about finding information and more about connecting it across tabs, documents, and moments of attention.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Microsoft Edge Copilot for Multi-Tab Context.

Multi-tab context inside Edge is where Copilot can understand what you are viewing across multiple open pages and respond as if it were sitting beside you, following along.

“Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

 “Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

Get quick answers, launch apps, and draft content by saying “Hey Copilot.” Here’s how to turn it on and use it well.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 10, 2025

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Have you ever wished you could ask your PC to do something while your hands are busy? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable and Use "Hey Copilot" in Windows 11.

“Hey Copilot” brings voice wake-up to Windows 11 so you can summon Copilot without clicking. 

If you’ve been waiting for a faster way to get help, this hands-free trigger is a small feature with big productivity impact.

Copilot Notebooks Arrive for Microsoft 365: Save Smarter Prompts, Get Better Results

Copilot Notebooks Arrive for Microsoft 365: Save Smarter Prompts, Get Better Results

Two new words that change how you use AI: persistent prompts. Copilot Notebooks let you craft, refine, and reuse complex instructions across your Microsoft 365 life.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

December 1, 2025

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Have you ever wished you could save that perfect prompt you used to generate a great report, syllabus, or family travel plan and come back to improve it later? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Notebooks in Microsoft 365.

Copilot Notebooks make that a reality for Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium subscribers. 

It’s a focused workspace for longer, iterative prompts that you can test, tune, and reuse without starting from scratch.

Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Two Copilots, one name, and a lot of confusion. Here’s how to tell them apart and why it matters for your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 17, 2025

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If you’ve ever asked, “Wait, which Copilot am I using?” you’re not alone. 

Microsoft has launched multiple AI-powered assistants under the “Copilot” brand, and while they share a name, they serve very different roles. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft 365 Copilot is inside Microsoft 365 apps.

Whether you're a business user, educator, or productivity enthusiast, understanding the difference between Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot can save you time and headaches.

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files right from your desktop using a simple prompt.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 10, 2025

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Need to draft a document but don’t want to open Word or Excel? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot for Windows to Export Office Docs.

With the latest update to Copilot on Windows, you can now generate full Office files using plain language, all without launching a single app.

This new feature is built for speed and simplicity.

Meet Mico: Microsoft’s Visual Sidekick That’s Changing How You Use AI

Meet Mico: Microsoft’s Visual Sidekick That’s Changing How You Use AI

Microsoft’s new visual assistant, Mico, adds a face and personality to Copilot, making AI feel more intuitive, expressive, and human-centered.

Byline By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 25, 2025

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Have you ever wished your AI assistant could just look at you and know what you meant? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Meet Mico, Microsoft Copilot's New Sidekick.

Microsoft’s latest Copilot update doesn’t quite read minds but it’s getting closer. 

With the introduction of Mico, a visual form that responds to voice and emotion, Copilot now feels less like a tool and more like a teammate. 

It’s a subtle shift, but one that could redefine how we interact with technology.

Red Squiggles Vanish

 

Red squiggles vanish,

Copilot whispers “All fixed,”

Clean words, no regrets.

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

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One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Tired of chasing red underlines? Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets you fix all spelling and grammar issues in Word for the web instantly, saving time and sanity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 6, 2025

Is Your Document Still Stuck in Red Squiggle Hell?

You’ve written a report, proposal, or lesson plan. 

It’s solid. 

But now comes the slog; clicking through every spelling and grammar suggestion one by one. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Fix Spelling and Grammar feature in Word for the Web.

Remix, Reuse, Reimagine: How Microsoft’s Copilot Creator Gallery Unlocks AI Image Creativity

Remix, Reuse, Reimagine: How Microsoft’s Copilot Creator Gallery Unlocks AI Image Creativity

Microsoft’s Copilot Creator Gallery is quietly reshaping how business users, educators, and creators engage with AI-generated content. Here’s how to tap into its remixable feed to spark ideas, streamline workflows, and elevate your visual storytelling.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 27, 2025

What if your next big idea started with someone else’s?

Here's a Cool Tip: Copilot Creator Gallery.

It's a new, quietly launched feature that turns AI-generated images into a collaborative playground. 

Think Pinterest meets Midjourney, but with a productivity twist. 

You don’t just browse. 

You remix. 

You learn from the prompt. 

You make it your own.

For business users and educators who’ve dabbled in AI image generation but felt stuck in a vacuum, this gallery offers something fresh: a curated, remixable feed of user-generated content designed to inspire, not overwhelm.

Turn Text into Emotion: Copilot Audio Expression Makes Narration Effortless

Turn Text into Emotion: Copilot Audio Expression Makes Narration Effortless

Microsoft’s Copilot Audio Expression lets you transform written text into expressive, downloadable voice narration that is perfect for educators, creators, and productivity pros who want to add personality to their content.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 24, 2025

Can AI Narrate Like a Human? 

Imagine sending a bedtime story to your child with a soothing voice, or delivering a motivational message to your team with the energy of a coach. 

Now imagine doing that in seconds, without hiring a voice actor or fiddling with audio software. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Audio Expressions.

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word delivers instant, AI-generated summaries, so you can skip the scroll and get straight to what matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 15, 2025

What if your Word docs could summarize themselves?

You open a 40-page report. Your eyes glaze over. 

You scroll, skim, search—still no clue where the key takeaways are. Sound familiar? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word is not just a summary tool.

It's a contextual, interactive overview that lives at the top of your document and evolves with your needs.

This isn’t a gimmick. 

It’s a quiet revolution in how we consume and collaborate on written content.

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Understand the mystery behind complex Excel formulas with a single click, thanks to Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new explanation feature.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 7, 2025

Excel formulas are powerful but they’re not always readable. 

Especially when digging through inherited budget sheets, performance dashboards, or shared templates filled with nested functions and cryptic references.

Even seasoned users pause at logic like IF(AND(A1>100,B1<50),TRUE,FALSE). 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Microsoft 365 Copilot to Explain Excel Formulas in Plain English.

With Microsoft 365 Copilot’s “Explain this formula” feature, you don’t have to play guessing games. It gives you clear, plain-English explanations for even the most convoluted formulas.

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Edge is transforming its new‑tab page into a smart command center—here’s how Copilot Mode helps busy professionals search, chat, and accelerate your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 18, 2025

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Ever opened a new tab and wished you could ask for help right away, without typing a search or navigating menus? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode.

Microsoft is rolling out a "Copilot Mode" toggle in Edge’s new‑tab experience, replacing the usual clutter, news feeds, and widgets with a clean prompt: "How can I help today?" 

This invites you to Search and Chat, launching your query into Copilot’s AI for instant, contextual responses with no extra typing, no tabs, just answers.

Win + C is Back: Open Copilot Instantly in Windows 11

Win + C is Back: Open Copilot Instantly in Windows 11

Microsoft revives a classic shortcut—Win + C now launches Copilot in Windows 11, thanks to the latest update. Here’s how it works and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 11, 2025

Remember when the Win + C keyboard shortcut opened Cortana? 

Microsoft retired the shortcut after moving away from its voice assistant, leaving the key combo unused. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Win + C is back!

Win + C makes a comeback—this time launching Copilot, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant in Windows 11.

This functionality arrives with Windows 11 update KB5060842, part of the June 2025 cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2. 

If you rely on Copilot for quick answers, writing help, or coding assistance, this shortcut is a game-changer.

Let’s explore how to use it, why it’s useful, and how to customize it.

Notepad Gets a Brain: How Microsoft's AI-Powered Feature Supercharges Your Text Editing

Notepad Gets a Brain: How Microsoft's AI-Powered Feature Supercharges Your Text Editing

Microsoft's classic Notepad app just got a major upgrade—AI now helps you rewrite and summarize text with ease. Here's how to make it work for you.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 28, 2025

Ever wished you could quickly rephrase a paragraph without opening another app? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot AI in Windows Notepad.

Microsoft's latest AI integration into Notepad transforms the humble text editor into a smart writing assistant.

What Is the New AI Feature in Notepad?

Microsoft has introduced new AI-powered features in Notepad for Windows 11. 

This tool allows users to rewrite content and summarize lengthy passages—all within the Notepad application.

Remix Coldplay’s New Album with Microsoft AI: A Fan Experience Like No Other

Remix Coldplay’s New Album with Microsoft AI: A Fan Experience Like No Other

Coldplay, in collaboration with Microsoft, has introduced an AI-powered platform that allows fans to create personalized remixes of their new album, MOON MUSiC. This innovative experience leverages Azure AI to transform passive listening into active participation.​

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 18, 2025

Imagine not just listening to your favorite band's new album but actively participating in its creation.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create a Coldplay Remix.

Coldplay, known for their boundary-pushing artistry, has partnered with Microsoft to make this a reality. 

Through an AI-driven platform, fans can now craft their own remixes of Coldplay's latest album, MOON MUSiC, turning listeners into co-creators.​

The AI-Powered Remix Experience

At the heart of this initiative is a unique feature that allows fans to generate 15-second video clips, or "remixes," of Coldplay's accompanying film, A Film For The Future. 

Utilizing Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI Foundry, users can adjust emotional attributes—such as passion, trust, and peace—represented as moons against a rainbow. 

The AI then assembles a personalized clip, offering a distinct visual and auditory experience for each fan. ​

How to Create Your Remix

How Microsoft Edge's Copilot Vision is Redefining Web Browsing

How Microsoft Edge's Copilot Vision is Redefining Web Browsing

Discover how Microsoft’s Copilot Vision in Edge transforms web browsing into an interactive, AI-driven experience. Learn about its features, benefits, and step-by-step instructions for seamless integration across devices.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 9, 2025

Imagine having an AI companion that not only understands the content of the webpage you're viewing but also interacts with it to provide real-time insights and assistance. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Vision in Microsoft Edge.

What is Copilot Vision?

Copilot Vision is Microsoft’s latest innovation, designed to enhance the browsing experience by allowing users to interact with web pages in real-time. 

This feature, integrated into Microsoft Edge, enables Copilot to “see” what’s on your screen, analyze it, and provide personalized responses. 

Whether you’re researching, shopping, or navigating complex tasks, Copilot Vision simplifies the process.

5 Things to Never Tell an AI—And 5 Things You Should

5 Things to Never Tell an AI—And 5 Things You Should

Knowing what to tell an AI can make your interactions more effective—and safer. This Cool Tip breaks down what to avoid and what to share to get the most from your favorite digital assistant.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 5, 2025

Are you saying too much to your AI?

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our daily lives—helping us write emails, generate travel itineraries, and even manage finances—it’s easy to forget we’re speaking to a machine. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Be Careful What You Tell an AI.

Unlike your closest confidant, an AI doesn't forget, and it may not always be as secure as you'd think. 

Do you know the risks? 

Or the rewards?

Whether you're using ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or any number of AI-powered tools, your prompts matter. 

Here’s how to be smart about what you never say—and what you should.