Windows 11 Build 27938 Adds AI Actions to File Explorer
The integration of artificial intelligence into everyday computing tasks has taken a significant leap forward with the release of Windows 11 Build 27938. This update introduces AI-powered “AI Actions” directly into File Explorer, a move designed to streamline user workflows and enhance productivity by bringing advanced capabilities to the forefront of file management.
This new functionality allows users to perform a variety of tasks on files without needing to open separate applications. By simply right-clicking on a supported file, users will encounter a new “AI Actions” option in the context menu. Selecting this option reveals a list of AI-driven tasks that leverage Microsoft’s AI and Copilot technologies. The core principle behind AI Actions is to reduce friction and context switching, enabling users to stay within their current workflow while accessing powerful editing and summarization tools.
Initially, these AI Actions are heavily focused on image manipulation and web searching, with support for common file types like .jpg, .jpeg, and .png. However, Microsoft has indicated plans to expand these capabilities to other file types, including documents and Microsoft 365 files, in the future. This evolution signifies a broader trend towards integrating AI as a fundamental operating system capability rather than just an add-on feature.
AI Actions in File Explorer: A Deeper Dive
The introduction of AI Actions in File Explorer represents a significant shift in how users interact with their digital assets. This feature aims to embed intelligence directly into the file management experience, offering immediate utility without the need for additional software or app launches. The integration is designed to be seamless, appearing as a natural extension of the existing context menu.
Image Editing and Enhancement Tools
At launch, Build 27938 provides several image-centric AI Actions. These tools are integrated with existing Windows applications like Photos and Paint, offering a convenient way to perform common edits.
One of the key features is **Bing Visual Search**. This allows users to perform a reverse image search directly from File Explorer. By right-clicking an image, users can select Bing Visual Search to find similar products, identify landmarks or famous faces, or even get more information about a website that uses the image, all without typing a keyword. This capability transforms how users can gather information about visual content, making it an intuitive tool for research, shopping, or even academic purposes.
The **Blur Background** option, accessible through the Photos app, automatically identifies the background of an image and blurs it, effectively highlighting the subject. Users can further fine-tune the intensity of the blur or use a brush tool for more precise adjustments. This feature is particularly useful for creating professional-looking portraits or isolating subjects for further editing.
**Erase Objects** also utilizes the Photos app, specifically leveraging Generative Erase technology. Users can highlight unwanted elements within a picture, and the AI will remove them, effectively cleaning up distractions. This tool is invaluable for photographers and casual users alike who want to perfect their images without complex editing software.
The **Remove Background** action, integrated with Paint, offers a one-click solution to automatically detect and cut out the subject of an image, leaving a clean, transparent background. This is exceptionally useful for graphic design tasks, creating avatars, or preparing images for web use. The speed and simplicity of this action significantly reduce the time typically spent on manual background removal.
Document Summarization and Future Expansion
While the initial release heavily emphasizes image-related actions, Microsoft has stated its intention to expand AI Actions to document summarization and other document-related tasks. For Microsoft 365 subscribers, future updates are expected to include a “Summarize” option powered by Copilot. This feature will allow users to generate concise overviews of documents stored on OneDrive or SharePoint without needing to open the files. Additionally, a “Create a FAQ” function is planned, which will convert complex information within documents into structured question-and-answer lists, beneficial for knowledge bases or meeting preparation.
This expansion signals a move towards more comprehensive AI integration within File Explorer, moving beyond image editing to tackle more complex document-based workflows. The ability to summarize documents directly from File Explorer could significantly boost productivity for professionals who deal with large volumes of text-based information.
User Experience and Workflow Integration
The core philosophy behind AI Actions in File Explorer is to enhance user experience by minimizing disruptions and cognitive load. By embedding these AI capabilities directly into the context menu, Microsoft aims to create a more fluid and intuitive interaction with files. This approach aligns with the broader trend of making AI a more accessible and integrated part of the operating system.
The integration is designed to be unobtrusive, with AI Actions appearing only when relevant. Users can opt to disable these features if they prefer a less AI-centric interface, ensuring that the core functionality of File Explorer remains paramount. This flexibility is crucial for accommodating a wide range of user preferences and technical expertise.
The comparison to “Click to Do” functionality highlights Microsoft’s strategy of leveraging existing AI frameworks to deliver contextual actions. This allows users to stay in their flow, whether they are editing images or summarizing documents, without the need to switch between applications. This reduction in context switching can lead to significant time savings and a more focused work environment.
Privacy and Control Over AI Features
With the increased integration of AI into the operating system, Microsoft is also emphasizing user privacy and control. Build 27938 introduces a new section in Settings under “Privacy & security” > “Text and image generation.” This area provides users with visibility into which third-party applications have recently used Windows-provided generative AI models.
This new privacy control allows users to see which specific apps are leveraging local Windows-provided generative AI models and to manage which applications are permitted to use them. This transparency is a critical step in building user trust as AI becomes more deeply embedded in the operating system. By offering granular control over AI access, Microsoft aims to put users in charge of their device’s AI experience.
The feature also serves as an important tool for IT administrators, providing them with visibility and control over AI usage within enterprise environments. This aspect is crucial for ensuring compliance and managing AI adoption across an organization.
Other Notable Changes in Build 27938
Beyond the headline AI Actions, Windows 11 Build 27938 includes several other enhancements and fixes. One notable addition is the return of the larger clock with seconds in the Notification Center, a feature previously available in Windows 10. Users can enable this by navigating to Settings > Time & language > Date & time and toggling on “Show time in the Notification Center.” This provides a more precise time display for users who need it.
The build also addresses various stability and performance issues. This includes fixes for “Reset this PC” functionality, improvements to File Explorer’s display of low-space drives in dark mode, and restoration of thumbnails for certain video files. Additionally, performance optimizations for WMI Registry scanning, fixes for blank icons on the sign-in screen, and improvements to search loading times and touch keyboard input errors are included. Resolved Task Manager freezing issues and addressed green-screen errors related to critical system processes are also part of this update.
The Evolving Landscape of AI in Operating Systems
The integration of AI Actions into File Explorer is indicative of a larger trend in operating system development. Microsoft envisions a future where AI is not just an added feature but a core component of the OS, capable of orchestrating entire workflows and providing proactive assistance. This shift towards an “agentic OS” means that operating systems will increasingly anticipate user needs and automate tasks based on context and learned behavior.
The move towards AI-integrated desktops promises a more personalized and efficient computing experience. Features like predictive multitasking, automated workflows, and on-device intelligence are expected to become more commonplace. While the current AI Actions in File Explorer are a step in this direction, the future may hold even more profound changes, potentially making today’s operating systems feel significantly different.
However, this deep integration of AI also raises important questions about privacy, control, and transparency. As operating systems learn more about user habits, ensuring data security and providing users with the ability to manage AI’s presence becomes paramount. Microsoft’s inclusion of AI privacy controls in Build 27938 is a recognition of these concerns and a step towards addressing them. The ongoing evolution of AI in operating systems suggests a future where the lines between applications and the OS itself become increasingly blurred, with AI acting as a central orchestrator of the user experience.