Reclaim Your Right-Click Menu: How to Remove the Windows 11 AI Actions You Don’t Want
Are you finding your Windows 11 right-click menu increasingly cluttered? Do you stare blankly at the “AI Actions” entry, wondering what purpose it serves you? You’re not alone. Microsoft’s push to integrate Artificial Intelligence into Windows 11 has been met with resistance from users who value a streamlined, efficient computing experience. For many, the AI Actions menu feels like bloatware, adding unnecessary steps to common tasks. The good news? Microsoft is finally listening, and a recent update offers a way to banish this unwanted feature.
This article will guide you through understanding the AI Actions menu, why it’s causing frustration, how the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build addresses the issue, and what you need to do to reclaim control of your right-click menu. We’ll also address common questions and provide a future outlook on AI integration in Windows.
The Rise of AI in Windows 11: A Double-Edged Sword
Microsoft is heavily invested in AI, and Windows 11 is becoming the primary vehicle for delivering these capabilities. Features like Copilot in windows, AI-powered search in File Explorer, and now, AI Actions in the context menu, are all part of this strategy. The intention is to make computing more intuitive and efficient, leveraging AI to simplify everyday tasks.
However, the execution hasn’t resonated with all users. A recent study by UserTesting.com (December 2023) found that 68% of participants expressed frustration with the increasing number of AI-driven features in windows 11, citing concerns about privacy, performance impact, and unnecessary complexity. https://www.usertesting.com/blog/windows-11-user-feedback/
The AI Actions menu, specifically, has drawn criticism. While offering features like background removal for images or blurring tools,these functionalities are frequently enough already readily available within dedicated applications like Paint,Photos,or through online services. Duplicating these options in the context menu adds clutter without necessarily adding value. It’s a prime example of feature creep, and users are understandably pushing back.
What Exactly are AI Actions?
The AI Actions menu appears when you right-click on a file in File Explorer. The options presented depend on the file type. For images, you might see options to:
* Blur Background: Quickly blur the background of an image.
* Remove Background: Isolate the subject of an image by removing the background.
* Other AI-powered edits: Depending on installed apps and microsoft’s ongoing updates, additional AI-driven editing tools may appear.
For other file types, the AI Actions menu might offer suggestions for related tasks or integrations with Microsoft 365 services. The core idea is to provide fast access to AI-powered tools, but the implementation has been widely criticized as redundant and intrusive.
The Breaking Point: Why Users Want Control
The biggest complaint isn’t necessarily the existence of AI features,but the lack of control over them. Previously, even if you disabled all the individual AI Actions within the Windows 11 settings (Apps > Actions), the empty “AI Actions” entry would stubbornly remain in your context menu.This served as a constant reminder of unwanted functionality and added unnecessary visual noise.
This created a frustrating user experience. As reported by The Verge in November 2023, user complaints about the persistent AI Actions menu were consistently high on Microsoft’s feedback channels. https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/21/23970599/windows-11-context-menu-ai-actions-remove
The Solution: Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7344 to the Rescue
microsoft has finally responded to user feedback. Released in December 2023 as part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7344 (available to Dev and Beta Channel Insiders), this update introduces a crucial change:
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