New AI features in Windows 11: From file explorer to power saving

Microsoft has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) features in the test version of Windows 11, integrating AI Actions into the File Explorer. Users can now access intelligent tools directly from the right-click context menu. Available capabilities include:

• Image Editing: Background blur in the Photos app and object removal in Paint using AI tools.
• Document Processing: Automatic summaries of Office documents stored in OneDrive and SharePoint, along with list generation based on data.
• Visual Search: Using Bing to find information based on images.

These features are currently available in Windows 11 test builds (version 24H2) for Windows Insider program participants. In the near future, Microsoft plans to expand AI Actions to support office file formats, starting with Microsoft 365 corporate users with a Copilot license. Later, other users will gain access.

Updated Widgets with Personalization

Microsoft is also enhancing the widget system in Windows 11, making it more interactive and personalized. A new feed will include curated Copilot Stories—tailored content collections based on user interests. This will make widgets more useful, delivering relevant information, from news to recommendations, using Microsoft Graph data and user preferences.

AI-Driven Power Saving

Another innovation is the “CPU Power Management” system, aimed at reducing energy consumption in laptops and tablets. Windows 11 will automatically switch devices to a power-saving mode during idle periods, reducing CPU load. When activity resumes, the system instantly restores full performance. This feature is particularly beneficial for mobile devices where extended battery life is critical.

Microsoft 365 Copilot: Paid AI Features

The integration of AI Actions into Office applications is part of Microsoft’s strategy to promote Microsoft 365 Copilot. Corporate users with a Copilot license ($30 per user per month) already have access to features like:

• Automatic Summaries: Analysis of documents in Word, Excel, and other apps with concise summary generation.
• Content Generation: Creating lists, reports, and presentations based on OneDrive and SharePoint data.
• Microsoft Graph Integration: Personalized responses leveraging corporate data, such as emails, Teams chats, and documents.

For individual users and small businesses, Microsoft recently included Copilot features in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions, increasing their cost by $3 per month in some regions (e.g., the U.S.). Current subscribers can opt for “classic” plans without AI features to avoid the price hike. Copilot Pro ($20 per month) remains available for those seeking priority access to new AI models and advanced capabilities.

Prospects and Limitations

The new features highlight Microsoft’s ambition to make Windows 11 a hub for AI innovation. Copilot integration in File Explorer, Office apps, and widgets makes the system more intuitive and productive. However, some features, like document processing, are currently limited to corporate users, and broader access will depend on a Microsoft 365 subscription.

The power-saving system promises to be a significant step toward improving device autonomy, especially on laptops with Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD processors supporting Copilot+ PCs. However, features like Recall (which saves screenshots for analysis) have sparked privacy concerns, prompting Microsoft to delay their rollout and add security measures, such as Windows Hello authentication.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 updates introduced by Microsoft make the system more intelligent and energy-efficient. AI Actions in File Explorer, personalized widgets, and Copilot features in Microsoft 365 streamline file management and boost productivity. However, the paid access to some AI capabilities may deter users unwilling to incur additional costs. In the coming months, expect further expansion of Copilot features beyond test builds, reinforcing Windows 11’s position as a platform for AI-driven workflows.