Table of Contents
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the recent changes to the Windows 11 File Explorer context menu, specifically regarding the removal of intrusive AI features.
The Issue: Redundant AI Features in File Explorer
Microsoft is finally addressing user feedback regarding the “AI Actions” entry within the Windows 11 File Explorer context menu. Previously, this feature persisted in the right-click menu even when users explicitly disabled it in settings. This created unnecessary visual noise—”bloat”—without adding functional value.
The core problem with “AI Actions” lies in its redundancy. When you right-click an image and select an action like “remove background,” the system does not perform the task in place. Instead, it merely redirects you to existing applications like Paint or Photos. Since users can already access these tools via “Edit in Paint” or “Open with Photos,” the dedicated “AI Actions” menu serves no unique purpose other than to advertise AI capabilities.
The Solution: Complete Removal is Coming
In the upcoming Windows 11 update (specifically identified in Build 26220.7344 for testers), Microsoft has corrected this behavior.
The logic is now straightforward: If you disable the underlying features, the menu item disappears entirely.
Previously, navigating to Settings > Apps > Actions and unchecking options (Paint, Photos, Teams) left a hollow, empty “AI Actions” placeholder in your right-click menu. With the new update, unchecking these boxes removes the parent menu item completely, reclaiming valuable screen real estate.
Broader Context Menu Optimization
This change is part of a larger effort to declutter the Windows 11 interface. Microsoft is currently testing several other consolidations to streamline navigation:
- “Manage File” Sub-menu: Options that previously cluttered the main list, such as “Copy as path” and compression tools (TAR, RAR, ZIP), are being grouped under a single “Manage file” header.
- OneDrive Consolidation: Actions specific to cloud storage, such as “Free Up Space” or “Always Keep on This Device,” are now nested inside a single “OneDrive” entry.
Strategic Advice for Windows Users
While these updates represent progress—what we might call “baby steps”—true customization remains absent. Until Microsoft introduces a native setting allowing users to manually toggle specific context menu items on or off, the menu will likely remain crowded for power users.
For now, monitor your updates. Once this build reaches the stable channel, you can clean up your workflow by visiting your App settings and disabling the AI integrations you do not use.