Windows 11: How to remove AI Actions from File Explorer

When Microsoft introduced the dual context menu in Windows 11, it explained that the new modern version would also address a problem that many Windows users faced after years of usage: context menu bloat.

However, while Microsoft might have that in mind when it added the new context menu as a layer on top of the old, which still exists, it probably did not foresee the rise of AI in the organization and the desire to add "AI to everything".

When you right-click on files in Windows 11, version 24H2 or later, you may see yet another entry in the modern context menu. AI actions lists all the AI-related actions that Windows users may undertake when they select files. From running a visual search on Bing over removing backgrounds with Paint to erasing objects in Photos.

The AI actions menu in File Explorer. I(mage source: Microsoft)

While that may be indeed useful to some users, others may have no need for them or no desire to use them. Up until now, Windows 11 did not include a built-in option to remove AI actions from the context menu. However, that changed in the most recent builds for the operating system.

Microsoft notes in the release notes of build 26220.7344: "If there are no available or enabled AI Actions, this section will no longer show in the context menu."

Here is what that means: Microsoft won't show the entry for file types that do not have any associated AI actions. Windows users may also disable actions in Settings to hide the entire menu.

This is done in the following way:

1. Open the Settings application, for instance via Start or by using the keyboard shortcut Windows-I.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Click on the Actions menu on the page.
4. Toggle all apps listed there to Off.

Doing so disables all actions and has the consequence that the AI actions menu is no longer displayed. When you keep some, actions for supported file types continue to be displayed.

Note that the change is upcoming for stable Windows 11 builds. Microsoft has not made an announcement yet, which means that it may take a while before the option becomes available. If things go slow, it could not show up until late in 2026 when Microsoft plans to release the next major feature update for Windows 11.

Now You: Have you used AI actions in the past already? If so, did you find the experience satisfying? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

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