Summary
Microsoft is retiring several OneDrive Copilot actions from the File Explorer context menu by early December 2026, simplifying usage. Users can still access Copilot features via right-click “Ask Copilot,” the File Explorer Home icon, or the OneDrive activity center. No admin action is needed.
Message ID: MC1515940
Published: Oct 19, 2026
Service: Microsoft OneDrive
Tag: Major change, User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
Microsoft Message
We’re simplifying how people use Copilot with their OneDrive files in File Explorer. As part of this change, we’re retiring the OneDrive Copilot Summarize, Create FAQ, Compare Files, Ask a question, Explain image, Explain images, Compare images, Extract text actions from the File Explorer context menu.
Users can continue to work with their OneDrive files in Copilot from one central place by right-clicking a file and selecting Ask Copilot, or by hovering over a file in File Explorer Home and selecting the Copilot icon. The OneDrive Copilot actions will also remain available in the OneDrive activity center.
Rollout schedule
General Availability (Worldwide): Retirement will begin in mid-November 2026 and is expected to complete by early December 2026.
Impact on your organization
Who is affected
Users who use Copilot with OneDrive files in File Explorer.
Platforms and services
- OneDrive
- Copilot
- File Explorer
What will happen
- The OneDrive Copilot Summarize, Create FAQ, Compare Files, Ask a question, Explain image, Explain images, Compare images, and Extract text actions will be retired from the File Explorer context menu. The OneDrive Copilot actions will remain available in the OneDrive activity center.
- Users can either right-click a OneDrive file and select Ask Copilot or hover over a file in File Explorer Home and select the Copilot icon to open a new Copilot conversation with the file attached. Files are attached by reference, so their existing permissions and protections continue to apply.
Simplified Copilot experience for OneDrive files in File Explorer
Retired context menu actions for OneDrive files in File Explorer
Action required and recommendations
No administrative action is required. We recommend that you notify users about this change and update any training or help desk documentation that references the retiring File Explorer context menu actions.