AI Actions in File Explorer is a new feature in latest Dev and Beta insider builds, but are a gradual roll-out. You can enable them with ViVeTool. It allows users to interact more deeply with their files without leaving their workflow. AI Actions use artificial intelligence to perform tasks like editing images, summarizing documents, and more - everything directly from the context menu. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you enable them right now, without waiting for the gradual rollout wave to reach your PC.
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AI Actions in File Explorer allow users to perform advanced tasks on their files without opening them. For example:
- Edit images: Blur backgrounds, remove objects, or extract elements.
- Summarize documents: Generate concise summaries of text files, PDFs, and other supported formats.
- Stay in your workflow: Access AI-powered tools directly through the context menu, saving time and effort.
This feature is part of Microsoft’s broader AI integration into Windows 11, designed to enhance productivity and streamline file management.
AI Actions are being rolled out gradually, so they may not be available by default on all systems. Of course, you must be running Windows 11 Build 26200.5603 (Dev), or Windows 11 Build 26120.4151 (Beta). To manually enable this feature, follow these steps.
Enable AI Actions in File Explorer
- Start by downloading the ViVeTool app from its official GitHub repository. Once downloaded, extract the files to the C:\ViVeTool folder so you can launch it conveniently.
- Press Win + X, and select Terminal(admin) from the menu that appears on the screen.
- Now enter the following command and hit Enter:
c:\vivetool\vivetool /enable /id:54792954,55345819,48433719. - After executing the command, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Once enabled, AI Actions will appear in the context menu when you right-click on supported file types.
How to Use AI Actions
Locate a Supported File
AI Actions currently support.jpg,.jpeg,.png for images, and various document types like.docx,.pdf,.txt, and more.
Access AI Actions
Navigate to the file in File Explorer and right-click on it. In the context menu, look for the new AI Actions option. Clicking on it will reveal a list of available actions based on the file type.
Perform an Action
Select the desired action (e.g., blur background, summarize document) and let the AI process your request.
Here are some examples of what you can achieve with AI Actions:
- Use Bing Visual Search to find similar images or products online.
- Blur the background of a photo using the Photos app.
- Remove unwanted objects from an image with Generative Erase.
- Extract the foreground of an image by removing its background with Paint.
- Create FAQs from complex documents with the Create FAQ feature.
Tips for Using AI Actions
Ensure your device is running Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, as AI Actions are part of this update.
Some advanced features, like document summaries and FAQ generation, require a Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot enabled.
AI Actions work best with files stored locally or in cloud services like OneDrive and SharePoint.
For optimal performance, connect your device to a power source during initial indexing if prompted.
Known Issues
- Narrator scan mode may not work correctly in certain AI action result windows.
- Text direction issues may occur in right-to-left language interfaces.
Closing words
AI Actions in File Explorer represent a significant leap forward in file management and productivity. By enabling this feature and experimenting with its capabilities, you can save time, reduce manual effort, and unlock new ways to interact with your files. Whether you’re editing images, summarizing documents, or generating FAQs, AI Actions make it easier than ever to stay productive on Windows 11.
Thanks to @phantomofearth for the ViVeTool tip and images.
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