Microsoft Tests Innovative Windows 11 File Explorer Features and Clock Functionality in Build 27938

Microsoft Introduces Windows 11 Build 27938 for Insiders in the Canary Channel

Microsoft has rolled out a new update for Windows 11 designated as build 27938, available to Insiders in the Canary channel. This update brings several innovative features aimed at enhancing File Explorer through the integration of AI technologies. Among these advancements is the introduction of Bing Visual Search, options to blur or remove backgrounds, and capabilities for object erasure. Additionally, users will be pleased to find the return of a highly sought-after feature from Windows 10: the option to display a larger clock that includes seconds.

Along with these exciting features, there are numerous bug fixes and improvements addressed in this build. For a comprehensive overview of changes, see the complete changelog below:

New AI Features in File Explorer

The latest build introduces AI actions within File Explorer, allowing users to interact more effectively with their files. By right-clicking on a file, users can access a variety of quick actions such as editing images or summarizing documents. This should streamline users’ workflows by leveraging AI tools while minimizing the need to open different applications. To utilize these AI functionalities, simply right-click on any file to reveal the new AI actions menu item, where several options are available.

File Explorer with context menu expanded on a file showing new AI actions highlighted in a red box.

Users can currently explore four specific image actions to enhance their editing and web searching experience:

Bing Visual Search: This feature allows users to conduct web searches using images, providing the ability to find similar images, products, and information about landmarks or faces. This expands web search capabilities, making tasks like homework help, shopping, or translation more intuitive.
Blur Background: Utilizing the Photos app, this option automatically highlights subjects in a photo, blurring the background with just one click. Users can also customize the blurring effect by adjusting the intensity or using the Brush Tool for precise modifications.
Erase Objects: This function allows users to select unwanted elements in a photo and remove them, thanks to Generative Erase, which can help clean up distracting features in images.
Remove Background: With a simple click using Paint, this tool automatically creates a smooth cutout of the subject, facilitating image editing by detecting the main subject easily.

These functions support common image formats, namely.jpg, .jpeg, and.png.

Enhanced Clock Feature in the Notification Center

This update also reinstates the option to display a larger clock that shows seconds in the notification center, right above the date and calendar:

Clock showing in notification center with the calendar both collapsed and expanded.

To enable this feature, navigate to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time, and toggle the option for Show time in the Notification Center.

The toggle to turn on showing the clock in notification center in Settings highlighted in a red box.

Notable Changes and Improvements

Among the many improvements, users can now visit Settings > Privacy & Security > Text and Image Generation to track third-party application usage of generative AI models. This feature enhances transparency, allowing users to see and control which applications utilize the generative AI technology provided by Windows.

Text and image generation settings page with recent activity highlighted in a red box for seeing which apps use generative AI models provided by Windows.

Bug Fixes

[Reset & Recovery]

Resolved an issue where the “Reset this PC” option was inoperable under Settings > System > Recovery in Build 27934.

[File Explorer]

Corrected a color issue in dark mode where low space drives were incorrectly displayed.
Fixed the problem of missing thumbnails for certain video files containing specific EXIF metadata.

[Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)]

Enhanced performance in WMI Registry scanning.

[Login and Lock Screen]

Addressed an issue that resulted in blank icons for some sign-in options.

[Search]

Implemented measures to minimize loading issues during search operations.

[Input]

Fixed a functionality issue with the touch keyboard for the Changjie, Bopomoji, or Japanese IME when switching versions.

[Task Manager]

Resolved an issue that caused freezes in Task Manager when accessing the performance section.

[General Fixes]

Addressed bugchecks (blue screens) related to ntoskrnl.exe and error reports like IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED.

Known Issues

[General]

[IMPORTANT] Some Insiders may experience rollbacks during installation attempts of this build, resulting in error codes 0xC1900101-0x20017 or 0xC1900101-0x30017. Reinstalling the build will likely lead to another rollback, and Microsoft is actively working on a resolution.
Issues are being addressed regarding the Settings app getting stuck under System > Storage > Temporary Files.

[For Developers]

[NEW] The PIX on Windows tool currently does not support playback for GPU captures in this OS version, with a fix anticipated in a future release.

[Graphics]

Investigations are underway regarding screen flicker issues observed by some users in the latest Canary builds.

[Audio]

Some users have reported audio problems, reflected in Device Manager with yellow exclamation marks. Follow these instructions to resolve:
- Right-click the flagged device and select “Update driver”.
- Proceed with “Browse my computer for drivers”, then “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer”.
- Choose the most recent driver from the list and click “Next”.
- If issues persist, repeat the steps for any additional devices marked with a yellow exclamation.

For detailed information, please refer to the official blog post available here on Microsoft’s website.

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