"AI Transforms File Explorer: Right-Click Magic Meets Privacy Controls"

Microsoft is currently testing a range of AI-powered features in the Windows 11 File Explorer, which are designed to enhance user interaction with files through image editing and web search functionalities. These features, introduced in the latest Insider Preview Build 27938 for the Canary Channel, allow users to perform various actions by right-clicking on image files, including Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background. These tools leverage AI to streamline tasks such as finding similar images and products, blurring backgrounds, and removing unwanted elements from photos. The available features support image file types such as .jpg, .jpeg, and .png [2].

The Bing Visual Search function enables users to perform web searches using images instead of text, identifying landmarks, plants, and famous faces. It also allows users to get product information and details about websites using the uploaded image [2]. Meanwhile, the Blur Background feature automates the detection of the background in a photo, allowing users to blur it with a single click, while also offering options to customize the intensity or use a brush tool for more precise adjustments. The Erase Objects function uses generative AI to remove unwanted elements in images by simply highlighting them, and the Remove Background tool enables users to isolate a subject from its background in one click using Paint [2].

Microsoft has also introduced a privacy setting in Windows Settings that lets users monitor and control which third-party applications have accessed generative AI models on their devices. This setting is designed to increase transparency and give users more control over their AI-related activities. Additionally, the latest build includes a feature that brings back the option to display a larger clock with seconds in the notification center—a feature that was previously available in Windows 10 and is now being reintroduced in Windows 11 [2].

The latest build comes with a range of fixes addressing issues in various components of Windows 11, including File Explorer, Reset and Recovery, WMI Registry scanning, and input functionalities. Notably, problems related to thumbnail visibility for video files, color accuracy in dark mode, and freezes in Task Manager have been addressed. Microsoft has also confirmed a broader shift in its Canary Channel development process, indicating the next platform release is nearing finalization [2].

Despite the improvements, some known issues persist, including potential rollbacks during installation, problems with the Settings app getting stuck during file scanning, and audio-related disruptions in some Canary Channel users. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is actively working on solutions. The company emphasizes that features in the Canary Channel are experimental and may not make it to the final public release of Windows 11 [3].

The ongoing testing reflects Microsoft’s broader push to integrate AI into its operating systems, enhancing productivity and user experience while also addressing user privacy and system stability concerns. The inclusion of these AI-driven tools in File Explorer represents a significant step toward making AI more accessible and useful in everyday computing tasks [2].

Source:

[1] Microsoft testing new AI features in Windows 11 File Explorer (https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-testing-new-ai-features-in-windows-11-file-explorer/)

[2] Microsoft rolls out fresh Windows 11 Canary builds to Insiders (https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-rolls-out-ai-actions-in-file-explorer-to-more-insiders-on-windows-11-as-canary-channel-continues-to-play-catch-up)

[3] Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 ... (https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/09/08/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-27938-canary-channel/)