In the past few months of autumn, Microsoft introduced several artificial intelligence enhancements to the Windows File Explorer, a move that didn't sit well with every user. These include an AI-driven search capability for files, multiple AI Actions available in the context menu, and connections to AI from external applications.
It appears Microsoft has taken some user feedback into account. The most recent beta release of Windows 11 now allows users to turn off the AI Actions option within File Explorer, hiding them from the context menu entirely. This proves useful for those who find no value in such functions.
Disabling these AI Actions involves opening Settings in Windows 11, choosing the Apps section from the sidebar, and then accessing the Actions category in the central area. From there, users can deselect the relevant AI Actions linked to tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Paint, and Photos, according to reports from Windows Latest.
The company provides additional information about this change, along with other updates in the current Windows 11 beta, via a recent entry on the Windows Insider blog. Among the enhancements are the default activation of Quick Machine Recovery on select computers, the rollout of Windows MIDI Services, and built-in compatibility for the Model Context Protocol, which offers AI agents a uniform method to interface with various applications and services.
For more: Tired of AI features in Windows 11? Learn how to eliminate them.
This piece first appeared in our affiliated outlet PC för Alla and has been adapted and translated from its original Swedish version.