Microsoft Announces Third-Party AI Features Coming to Windows 11 File Explorer

The File Explorer in Windows 11 is undergoing a significant transformation as it embraces artificial intelligence (AI).Users can now create websites and edit videos directly within File Explorer, eliminating the need to switch between different applications or open individual files.

In May 2025, Microsoft introduced an initial glimpse of AI functionalities in File Explorer. With these enhancements, right-clicking a file reveals context-sensitive actions tailored to the specific file type. This innovative approach allows users to perform tasks using existing applications without opening files.

A standout feature from this update includes AI actions for images. A simple right-click on an image file presents options for visual search via Bing, background blurring, object removal through the Photos app, and background elimination with the Paint app.

Additions for Microsoft 365 documents also allow for summarization and FAQ generation without the need to open files or utilize Copilot.

Recently, Microsoft announced three exciting new agentic capabilities for File Explorer, powered by two distinct companies.

Enhanced Functionality with Manus AI

The integration of Manus AI marks a major upgrade within File Explorer. Launched in March of this year, Manus has gained attention for its impressive ability to execute multifaceted tasks independently.

When using Manus within File Explorer, users can select documents or images and right-click to choose the option “create website with Manus.” This feature allows users to generate websites effortlessly, with Manus handling the necessary files behind the scenes, thereby negating the need for manual uploads or coding.

By leveraging Microsoft’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), Manus establishes secure communication with native Windows applications, using a lightweight JSON-RPC-over-HTTP framework for efficient task execution and data exchange.

Microsoft assures users that Manus’s operations are conducted securely and inconspicuously, allowing you to focus on your primary tasks.

AI-Powered Editing with Filmora

Another noteworthy addition is the incorporation of Filmora, a highly regarded AI-driven video editing platform. When selecting multiple images or videos, a right-click will present an option to edit them using Filmora’s capabilities, handling edits on your behalf without requiring manual intervention.

This integration echoes a feature from the Microsoft Photos app in Windows 10, which also provided automated video editing options, albeit from within the app itself. This newer partnership underscores Microsoft’s strategy of collaborating with other companies to extend the AI functionalities of Windows, even alongside its existing tools like Clipchamp and Copilot.

Moreover, a new capability from Click to Do allows users to schedule Zoom meetings effortlessly by hovering over email addresses, showcasing the range of available features without switching applications.

Security Considerations for AI Actions in File Explorer

Microsoft acknowledges the potential security risks posed by agentic AI applications, such as cross-prompt injection, which could allow harmful content in documents to manipulate AI behaviors. To mitigate such risks, enhanced security and privacy measures will be implemented before these features transition from preview to mainstream.

Additionally, Microsoft plans to create separate standard accounts for AI agents, providing them with limited, agent-level access control that restricts their visibility into users’ activities on Windows. Essentially, these agents operate within their designated workspace without being able to monitor user actions.

Are AI Actions in File Explorer Free to Use?

While the AI functionalities for images in File Explorer are universally accessible without charge, features such as summarization and FAQ generation require a Microsoft 365 subscription along with Copilot access.

Currently, it remains unclear whether integration with Manus AI and Filmora necessitates any subscription. However, it is likely that these new shortcuts within the File Explorer context menu will be available at no cost for basic tasks.

Importantly, these AI enhancements in File Explorer will be accessible to all Windows 11 users, not just those with Copilot subscriptions, which is a welcome development for a broader audience.

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