Cool AI Actions in File Explorer & New Clock Arrives on Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 for the Canary Channel introduces new AI actions in File Explorer, a bigger clock with seconds option in notification center, and privacy controls for app-based AI usage.

What’s New in Build 27938

AI Actions in File Explorer

Microsoft continues its push toward native AI integration by bringing AI actions to File Explorer in Build 27938. Users can right-click eligible files (.jpg, .jpeg, .png) to access new AI actions directly from the context menu:

• Bing Visual Search: Conduct web searches using images rather than text; identify products, landmarks, plants, and more for instant answers.

• Blur Background: Quickly highlight subjects while blurring backgrounds using the Photos app, customizable with intensity levels and brush tool edits.

• Erase Objects: Remove unwanted elements in photos via Generative Erase—perfect for cleaning up distracting objects.

• Remove Background: Use Paint for seamless one-click cutouts, isolating subjects from the rest of the image.

These AI actions keep users productive, bringing robust Copilot and AI functionality without leaving File Explorer or opening separate apps.

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Bigger Clock with Seconds in Notification Center

A popular request from the Windows 10 community returns—Windows 11 now lets users see a bigger clock with seconds directly above the date and calendar in notification center. Enable it in: Settings > Time & language > Date & time > Show time in Notification Center.

This feature is rolling out gradually and aims to improve time-tracking and accessibility for power users.

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Privacy Controls for Generative AI

A new privacy page is added: Settings > Privacy & security > Text and image generation. Here, users can review which third-party applications recently accessed Windows-provided AI models and selectively control their permissions, putting users in control of AI-powered experiences on their devices.

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Fixes and Improvements

• Reset & Recovery: The “Reset this PC” option under System > Recovery now works after previous build failures.

• File Explorer: Color fixes for drive space indicators in dark mode; thumbnail preview restores for video files with certain EXIF metadata.

• WMI: Registry scanning speed and performance improved.

• Login and Lock Screen: Sign-in options are now correctly displaying icons.

• Search: Fewer instances of search getting stuck in a loading state.

• Input: Touch keyboard issues with Changjie, Bopomoji, and Japanese IME fixed.

• Task Manager: Freezing in the performance section resolved.

• Bugchecks: Fixes for IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED errors in safe mode.

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Known Issues

• Installation rollbacks may occur for some Insiders with 0xC1900101 errors; reattempting install will likely result in another rollback—Microsoft is working on a fix.

• Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files may get stuck scanning, and previous Windows installations might not show in Storage Settings.

• PIX on Windows: GPU capture playback is broken; a new PIX release is coming soon.

• Some users report screen flickering when using browsers in Canary builds.

• Some reports of lost audio with Device Manager yellow exclamation marks (especially ACPI Audio Compositor); user guidance provided for manual driver update and repair.

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How to Use AI Actions in File Explorer

• Make sure you’re updated to Build 27938 (Canary Channel).

• Right-click a .jpg, .jpeg, or .png file in File Explorer.

• From the context menu, select AI actions and choose from Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, or Remove Background.

• Explore the features and provide feedback via Feedback Hub to help Microsoft refine the experience.

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Insider Program Reminders

Canary Channel builds are experimental: features such as AI actions and privacy controls are rolled out gradually, may be changed, or removed before public release. Some features arrive in Dev and Beta Channels first; localization and polish will evolve throughout the preview phase.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27938 is a significant step towards a smarter, more flexible OS—bringing AI-powered tasks to the file system, customization to notification center clocks, and robust privacy controls. With fresh fixes and new known issues, Canary Channel users help shape the next evolution of Windows before wider public rollouts.

Microsoft’s continued push to merge AI-driven innovation with everyday workflows. For example, Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.5790 has standout updates like fluid dictation for voice access, expanded Windows Studio Effects, smarter File Explorer actions, and crucial stability fixes, this release paves the way for more seamless, adaptive, and accessible computing. By testing these features early, Dev and Beta Channel users play a vital role in shaping the evolution of Windows 11 ahead of its broader rollout.