AI Actions in File Explorer in Windows 11: Enable or Disable It!
Microsoft is rapidly embedding artificial intelligence into Windows 11, and one of the most noticeable changes is the addition of AI Actions in File Explorer’s right-click menu. These features allow you to perform tasks like editing images, removing backgrounds, or even summarizing files without opening separate apps.
While this sounds convenient, not everyone finds it useful. Some users feel these AI-powered options clutter the interface, while others have privacy concerns or simply prefer a clean and traditional File Explorer experience. The good news is that Windows gives you full control over these features.
In this detailed guide, you will learn how to enable or disable AI Actions in the Explorer context menu in Windows 11.
Understanding AI Actions in File Explorer
The AI Actions feature integrates cloud-powered intelligence directly into the File Explorer right-click menu. Instead of opening apps manually, you can perform tasks instantly based on the file you select.
For example, when you right-click on an image file, you may see options such as Visual Search with Bing, Blur background with Photos, Erase objects with Photos, or Remove background with Paint. These options are context sensitive, meaning they only appear when relevant.
At the moment, AI Actions mainly work with image formats like JPG, JPEG, and PNG. The menu will only show up when you right-click on these supported file types.
Some features, like summarizing documents, may require a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription, which means not all AI options are available to every user.
Read: How to Cancel Microsoft 365 Subscription?
Windows Version Requirement
Before you try to enable or disable AI Actions, you need to make sure your system supports it.
This feature is included in the Windows 11 25H2 update, also known as the 2025 Update. If your system is running an older version, you will not see these options.
After upgrading to the latest version, the AI Actions feature becomes available automatically in File Explorer.
AI Actions in File Explorer in Windows 11: Enable or Disable It!
To enable or disable AI Actions in File Explorer in Windows 11, open Settings using Win + I, go to Apps, select Actions, and toggle AI-powered apps like Paint or Photos on or off. For advanced control, use the Registry Editor and modify the HideAIActionsMenu value.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
The first step is to access the Settings app, where you can manage all system features.
Press the Windows key and I together on your keyboard. This shortcut instantly opens the Settings window. Alternatively, you can click the Start menu and search for Settings.
Once the Settings window appears, you will see multiple categories like System, Bluetooth and devices, Network and internet, and Apps. This is your main control panel for customizing Windows.
Make sure the Settings window is fully loaded before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Go to the Apps Section
After opening Settings, look at the left side panel and click on Apps.
This section manages installed applications and features connected to them, including AI-powered integrations. When you click on Apps, the right side will display various options related to applications and system actions.
Now look for an option called Actions within this section. This is where Windows stores settings related to AI Actions in File Explorer.
Click on Actions to proceed.
Step 3: Open AI Actions Controls
Inside the Actions page, you will find a list of apps that are connected to AI Actions.
These typically include options like Describe image (System), Paint, and Photos. Each of these apps contributes specific AI features to the File Explorer context menu.
For example, the Photos app may provide background blur or object removal, while Paint may offer background removal tools.
This page acts as a central hub where you can control which AI features appear when you right-click files.
Step 4: Disable Specific AI Actions
If you do not want certain AI features to appear, you can disable them individually.
Next to each app, you will see a toggle switch. Turning the toggle off will remove that app’s AI options from the context menu.
For example, if you turn off Photos, options like blur background or erase objects will no longer appear when you right-click an image.
This method is useful if you want to keep some AI features while removing others. It gives you more flexibility instead of disabling everything at once.
Step 5: Disable All AI Actions
If you prefer a completely clean right-click menu, you can disable all AI Actions.
To do this, simply turn off all the toggle switches listed on the Actions page. Once all options are disabled, the AI Actions menu will no longer appear in File Explorer.
This will restore a more traditional File Explorer experience without any AI-powered suggestions or tools.
You can always come back later and re-enable them if needed.
Step 6: Verify Changes in File Explorer
After disabling the features, it is important to check whether the changes have been applied.
Open File Explorer and locate an image file, such as a JPG or PNG. Right-click on the file and observe the context menu.
If the AI Actions have been successfully disabled, you will no longer see options like background removal or visual search.
If the options are still visible, try restarting your computer to apply the changes fully.
Step 7: Disable AI Actions Using Registry Editor
For advanced users or administrators, the Registry Editor provides a more powerful way to disable AI Actions across the system.
Press Windows key and R, type regedit, and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Once you reach this location, right-click on the Windows folder, select New, then choose Key, and name it Explorer.
Next, right-click on the Explorer key, select New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it HideAIActionsMenu.
Step 8: Configure the Registry Value
After creating the HideAIActionsMenu value, double-click on it to edit.
Set its value to 1 to completely hide the AI Actions menu from File Explorer. This disables the feature for all users on the system.
Click OK to save the changes, close the Registry Editor, and restart your computer.
Once the system restarts, the AI Actions menu will be removed entirely.
Step 9: Re-enable AI Actions via Registry
If you decide to bring back the AI Actions feature, you can reverse the changes.
Open the Registry Editor again and navigate to the same location. Find the HideAIActionsMenu value and change its value to 0.
Alternatively, you can delete the HideAIActionsMenu value or even remove the Explorer key you created.
After making the changes, restart your computer. The AI Actions menu will reappear in File Explorer.
Step 10: Apply Changes Across Multiple Devices
If you are managing multiple systems, you can apply the same registry changes across all devices.
Since the setting is stored under Policies, it affects all user accounts on the computer. You can export the registry key as a file and import it on other systems.
Organizations can also use tools like Microsoft Intune or Configuration Manager to deploy these settings on multiple devices efficiently.
This makes it easier for administrators to control AI features across an entire network.
FAQs
What are AI Actions in File Explorer?
AI Actions are smart tools integrated into the right-click menu that allow you to edit images or perform tasks using artificial intelligence without opening separate apps.
Which files support AI Actions?
Currently, AI Actions mainly work with image files such as JPG, JPEG, and PNG.
Do I need the latest Windows version?
Yes, you need the Windows 11 25H2 update or later to access this feature.
Can I disable only specific AI features?
Yes, you can turn off individual apps like Paint or Photos to remove specific AI options while keeping others.
Is the Registry Editor method safe?
Yes, but you should always create a backup before making changes, as incorrect edits can affect your system.