How can I turn off AI Actions in Windows 11 File Explorer?

You can disable AI Actions in Windows 11 File Explorer by going to Settings > Apps > Actions and unchecking the relevant AI features.

Will disabling AI Actions affect Windows 11 performance?

Disabling AI Actions is expected to improve performance for users who don't utilize them, by reducing background processes.

What other features are in the new Windows 11 beta build?

The latest beta build includes Quick Machine Recovery, Windows MIDI Services, and improved AI agent connectivity.

Home / Technology / Microsoft Relents: Control Over File Explorer AI Actions

Microsoft Relents: Control Over File Explorer AI Actions

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Windows 11 beta allows users to disable AI Actions in File Explorer.
Disabling AI Actions can be done via Windows 11 Settings menu.
New beta build also includes Quick Machine Recovery and Windows MIDI Services.

Microsoft Relents: Control Over File Explorer AI Actions

Microsoft has introduced a user-requested feature in the latest Windows 11 beta, allowing users to disable AI Actions within File Explorer. This comes after feedback regarding the integration of AI-powered search and context menu features that some users found intrusive. The ability to turn off these AI functionalities offers a more tailored experience for those who prefer a traditional File Explorer interface.

Users can now find the option to disable AI Actions by navigating through the Windows 11 Settings app. Specifically, under the 'Apps' menu, a new 'Actions' submenu allows individuals to uncheck AI features linked to services such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Office, Teams, Paint, and Photos. This provides granular control over which AI enhancements remain active.

Beyond File Explorer modifications, the beta build incorporates other significant improvements. These include the default enablement of Quick Machine Recovery on certain PCs, the official release of Windows MIDI Services, and native support for the Model Context Protocol. The latter is designed to offer AI agents a standardized method for connecting with various applications and services.