Microsoft has shown a strong "AI obsession" in recent optimizations of Windows 11 system components. According to the latest feedback from Windows Insider preview users, a mysterious button hidden in the upper-right panel area of the "File Explorer," a must-have tool for daily installation, has appeared. Although this button currently does not have any functional implementation, multiple sources indicate that it is likely a new entry point for deep integration with Copilot.

Based on current development trends, clicking this button is expected to directly open a dedicated Copilot side panel in File Explorer. This means users will be able to discuss, analyze, or execute commands related to files in the current folder without switching windows.

However, this update has sparked considerable controversy in the community. Many users report that the current Windows 11 file manager performs poorly, often causing a "white screen" instantly when creating tabs, delayed search responses, and overall sluggish performance. Previously, there were even rumors that Microsoft tried to cover up the issue of slow startup by using an ineffective method of automatically pre-launching in the background.

AIbase has learned that Microsoft has not yet officially named or announced this feature. However, the continuous addition of AI features in core system tools, while neglecting basic performance optimization, has raised concerns among users who value smooth experience. It remains to be seen whether this AI sidebar will increase system load, which will need to be observed through the actual performance of future versions.

Key Points:

  • 🔍 Deep AI Integration: A mysterious button has appeared in the internal testing version of Windows 11 File Explorer, possibly serving as a shortcut entry for Copilot.

  • 💬 Side Panel Interaction: Users may soon be able to directly call an AI chat window within the folder interface to have real-time interactions about local file content.

  • ⚡ Performance Concerns Emerge: In the context of existing issues such as "white screen" and delays, Microsoft's focus on promoting AI features has raised user concerns about further system bloat.