Microsoft released the new Surface Pro 10, and Surface Laptop 6 on March 21. These are Microsoft’s first true Windows AI PCs. Unlike regular PCs, these PCs use the new AI File Explorer, which is a new feature in Windows 11 24H2. Now, we will talk about AI Explorer in Windows 24H2.
What Is AI Explorer in Windows 11 24H2?
It is said that the AI file explorer will also become a function that distinguishes AI computers from ordinary computers.
Well, AI File Explorer is basically an advanced Windows Copilot with a built-in history or timeline feature. It is able to use natural language search to find all the things Windows 11 users tell it.
According to Bowden, the AI file explorer will have access to all content on Windows 11, which will greatly simplify the way users find documents, chat, or any other files on the operating system.
For example, if you tell it a word, such as summer, the AI file browser will display all documents that contain or reference the word summer, and it doesn’t have to be explicit, because this feature can also make judgments based on context. With it, the AI file browser will automatically suggest tasks when opening applications on Windows 11.
For example, if you open an image, the tool will suggest editing in Microsoft Paint, or other similar operations.
As we mentioned earlier in this article, it is reported that Microsoft is most likely to release this feature for Windows 11 in October this year through the 2024 update. The new AI PC will not initially provide this feature immediately, and users of these devices will need to wait for an update before the new AI File Explorer becomes available.
So, basically, Microsoft has been considering bringing Windows into life through artificial intelligence.
System Requirements for AI Explorer in Windows 24H2
As per the leaked information, you may need an ARM64 processor to use AI File Explorer in Windows 11 24H2. Such processor include the Snapdragon X Elite powered with NPU, storage of 225 SSD and 16 GB RAM.
In addition, all other upcoming new features will be compatible with PCs that meet the minimum system requirements.
This was confirmed in Albacore’s recent X (formerly known as Twitter) post, which specifically stated that AI Explorers will only function on Snapdragon’s X Elite processors. Here is the excerpt from the post:
Turns out Windows 11 build 26100 (purported 24H2 RTM) contains the AI Explorer requirements baked into the OS
ARM64 CPU
16GB of RAM
225GB system drive (total, not free space)
Snapdragon X Elite NPU (HWID QCOM0D0A) I guess that’s one way to drive ARM64 adoptionAlbacore’s recent X
The code depicted in the screenshot suggests that it is tailored to operate with a Snapdragon X Elite processor possessing a specific NPU ID, indicating that numerous individuals, even those possessing more recent hardware, may not have the capability to utilize AI Explorer.
Microsoft has emphasized that 2024 will be a pivotal year focused on AI integration and technological innovation. Nevertheless, the limitation posed by the Snapdragon processor and Microsoft’s effort to showcase Qualcomm as the optimal processor choice for AI-enabled PCs suggests that not everyone will have access to these advancements.
Bottom Line
Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 on March 21, marking their first foray into true Windows AI PCs. The standout feature is the AI File Explorer, an innovative addition to Windows 11 24H2. This AI-powered file explorer promises to revolutionize file management by utilizing natural language search and context-based judgments.
However, initial availability will be limited to devices with ARM64 processors like the Snapdragon X Elite, potentially excluding many users. Microsoft’s ambition to integrate AI into Windows is clear, but its implementation will be gradually rolled out through updates.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Stella has been working in MiniTool Software as an English Editor for more than 8 years. Her articles mainly cover the fields of data recovery including storage media data recovery, phone data recovery, and photo recovery, videos download, partition management, and video & audio format conversions.