Windows 11 24H2: AI Actions in File Explorer

Microsoft has released build 26100.5061 (KB5064081) of Windows 11 24H2 to those enrolled in the Release Preview channel of the Insider program. Among the new features, which will be included in the optional update at the end of August, are AI actions on images and documents in File Explorer. There are also exclusive features for Copilot+ PCs. These are bug fixes in build 22631.5837 (KB5064080) of Windows 11 23H2, present in the Release Preview channel.

What's new in build 26100.5061

The first two new features apply only to Copilot+ PCs . Recall displays a personalized home page with recent snapshots along with the apps and web pages used in the last 24 hours. This allows users to resume activities right where they left off. When Click to Do is run for the first time, users will see a tutorial explaining the possible actions on text and images.

Some AI actions are also available in File Explorer (it's unclear if they're accessible to everyone). The context menu (right-click on the file) includes an AI Actions item. You can use visual search, blur the background, erase objects, and remove the background of JPG, JPEG, and PNG images. Users can also use Copilot to get summaries of documents stored on OneDrive or SharePoint (without opening them), but this requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and a Copilot license.

Two other new features concern the taskbar . The notification center now displays a larger clock with seconds (above the date and calendar), while the search field now has a grid view to better identify images.

Microsoft has also updated the design of the Windows Hello interface and made it easier to use passkeys. Build 26100.5061 also includes several updates to the Settings app , including the list of third-party apps that use Microsoft AI models and, for Copilot+ PC only, the AI agent that searches for and performs actions on your behalf.