What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A hidden, nonfunctional “Chat with Copilot” button spotted in Windows 11 preview builds has raised the possibility of a Copilot chat interface inside File Explorer. Microsoft has not confirmed what the control is for or whether it will ship, so it is a clue—not an announced feature or a working tool.

What the hidden File Explorer button may do

Windows Central reported on January 9, 2026, that recent Windows 11 preview builds contained a hidden button that appeared when hovering over blank space in File Explorer’s navigation bar. Strings in the build included “Chat with Copilot” and an option to detach the interface. The button did not work when found; a sidebar or pop-up is the outlet’s interpretation of the clues, not a confirmed product design. Windows Central’s report does not establish a public release, supported regions, account requirements, or a release date.

Microsoft has not confirmed the purpose of this particular control. It could change or be canceled, and there is no basis to treat it as currently available to Windows 11 users.

What you can already do with AI from File Explorer

Use image actions from the context menu

Microsoft documents an “AI actions” menu for supported files in Windows 11. Right-click a .jpg, .jpeg, or .png file—or select it and press Shift + F10—then choose “AI actions.” Microsoft’s October 16, 2025, Windows Experience Blog post names Bing Visual Search, background blur in Photos, and Generative Erase in Photos. Although the post introduces four image actions, the available description names only these three, so the fourth cannot be identified from that information. Microsoft’s Windows 11 experiences announcement describes these as actions that open or hand work to other apps, not as a general Copilot chat in Explorer.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Logitech M185 Compact Ambidextrous Wireless Mouse with Rubber Grips - Blue
  • Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
  • Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
  • Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
  • Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
  • Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)

Summarize eligible cloud files

The same AI actions menu includes a Copilot “Summarize” action for files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. Microsoft says this specific action requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a Copilot license, and supports both Microsoft accounts and Microsoft Entra ID. That documented summary action is distinct from the unconfirmed “Chat with Copilot” control.

Other Copilot file features are separate from the hidden button

Experience Where it appears What it does Requirements or limits stated by Microsoft
AI actions in File Explorer File Explorer context menu Image actions hand off to Photos or Bing Visual Search; Copilot can summarize certain cloud files. Image actions listed for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png. The OneDrive/SharePoint summary action requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot license.
File search in Copilot on Windows Separate Copilot app Find and open files, and ask questions about their contents. Microsoft announced a gradual worldwide rollout to Windows Insiders on April 8, 2025. It listed DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, TXT, PDF, and JSON as readable formats, and said users could adjust access permissions in Copilot settings.
File Explorer agent connector Agent integrations with Windows With user consent, agents can manage, organize, and retrieve local files. Microsoft also described natural-language file search on Copilot+ PCs. Announced for public preview on November 18, 2025. Natural-language search on Copilot+ PCs can use descriptions, content, and metadata; image search uses image classification. This announcement does not identify the connector as the hidden chat button.
“Chat with Copilot” control Reported in a Windows 11 preview build, inside File Explorer Purpose not confirmed; the reported button was nonfunctional. No release, device, account, or license requirements confirmed for this control.

Copilot app file search

Microsoft’s April 8, 2025, Windows Insider announcement described file search in the separate Copilot on Windows app. Its examples included asking “Can you find my resume” or “Open the trip planning doc I was working on last week.” Those examples apply to the app’s file-search feature; they do not show that the same questions work in the rumored Explorer interface. Microsoft’s Windows Insider announcement said the feature was rolling out gradually to Insiders worldwide and that access permissions could be adjusted in Copilot settings.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech M240 Compact Silent Bluetooth Wireless Mouse - Graphite
  • Pair and Play: With fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology, you’re connected in seconds to this quiet cordless mouse —no dongle or port required
  • Less Noise, More Focus: Silent mouse with 90% reduced click sound and the same click feel, eliminating noise and distractions for you and others around you (1)
  • Long-Lasting Battery Life: Up to 18-month battery life with an energy-efficient auto sleep feature, so you can go longer between battery changes (2)
  • Comfortable, Travel-Friendly Design: Small enough to toss in a bag; this slim and ambidextrous portable compact mouse guides either your right or left hand into a natural position
  • Long-Range: Reliable, long-range Bluetooth wireless mouse works up to 10m/33 feet away from your computer (3)

File Explorer agent connector

Microsoft announced public preview of built-in Windows agent connectors for File Explorer and System Settings on November 18, 2025. The Windows Developer Blog said, “File Explorer Connector: Agents can use the File Explorer connector to manage, organize and retrieve local files on a user’s device with their consent.” The announcement also described natural-language search on Copilot+ PCs, including searches based on descriptions, content, and metadata, and image classification-based image search. These are connector capabilities; Microsoft did not say the connector is the hidden “Chat with Copilot” button. Read the Windows Developer Blog announcement.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why preview-build clues are not a release promise

Windows features shown in previews can evolve or disappear. In March 2026, a Microsoft spokesperson told Windows Central: “Our approach to product development is to preview with customers and evolve with feedback. Some experiences we may preview privately and update before rolling out more broadly, while others we may preview and iterate publicly with feedback from Windows Insiders. In both of these cases, features may change, be removed, or replaced over time as we gather input from customers.” That is a general statement about preview development, not confirmation that the Explorer button will launch. Windows Central’s March 2026 report covers the statement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Afaartcci Rechargeable Wireless Mouse, Silent Bluetooth Mouse (Black)
  • 【Dual Mode Wireless Bluetooth Mouse】: Switch easily between two devices—connect one via Bluetooth (BT5.2/3.0) and the other using a 2.4G USB receiver. No drivers needed; just plug and play. Enjoy a reliable connection up to 33 feet. Note: You can't use both modes simultaneously; the USB receiver is stored in the mouse.
  • 【Rechargeable Wireless Mouse】: Equipped with a 500mAh lithium-ion battery, it charges in 2 hours for over 7 days of use and 30 days on standby. The mouse sleeps after 5 minutes of inactivity to save power and can be woken with any click.
  • 【Colorful LED Breathing Light】: Features 7 colorful LED lights that change randomly, adding a fun atmosphere to your workspace.
  • 【Portable Mouse】Compact size (4.4 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches) makes it easy to fit in your laptop bag. Lightweight and ergonomic, it's perfect for travel. Contact us anytime for support.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】: Works with laptops, PCs, tablets, and smartphones across various operating systems, including Android, Windows, and Mac. Ideal for home, office, and travel.

Microsoft Support separately describes PC insights in the Copilot app as an opt-in experimental feature that is gradually rolling out. According to Microsoft, Copilot requests permission before accessing relevant system or file data and retrieves only the data needed after approval; PC insights provides information but does not fix issues or change system settings. Those details apply to PC insights, not to the hidden File Explorer control. Microsoft Support: PC insights in the Copilot app.

Best Value
Acer Wireless Mouse for Laptop, 2.4GHz Computer Mouse 3 Adjustable 1600 DPI
  • 【Plug and Play for Home/Office/School】The wireless computer mouse features 2.4GHz connectivity, delivering a stable, interference-free connection up to 32ft. Designed for 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, it ensures comfortable use all day. Simply plug in the USB-A receiver for instant pairing—no drivers needed. 📌📌 If the mouse isn’t suitable, place the USB receiver in the battery compartment and return both.
  • 【3 Levels Adjustable DPI】This travel USB mouse offers 3 adjustable DPI settings (800, 1200, 1600), allowing you to customize sensitivity for precise design work. Effortlessly switch to match your task and elevate your productivity. 📌 Please remove the film at the bottom of the mouse before use.
  • 【Effortless Browsing】Equipped with forward and backward buttons, this computer mice streamlines your workflow, making it easy to navigate through web pages and files with a simple click. 📌Side button does not work on Mac.
  • 【Visible Indicator Light】 The pc mouse features a visual indicator for DPI levels and low battery alerts. The red light flashes once for 800 DPI, twice for 1200 DPI, and three times for 1600 DPI. When the battery level is below 10%, the light flashes red until the mouse is completely out of power.
  • 【Click to Wake】With smart sleep mode, it saves power by standby after 10 inactive minutes, just 2-3 clicks to wake. This efficient design delivers 3x longer battery life than motion-wake mice. Engineered for durability, its buttons and scroll wheel are tested for 10 million clicks, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance.
Rank #4
Logitech M510 Full Size Ambidextrous 2.4 GHz Wireless Mouse
  • Your hand can relax in comfort hour after hour with this ergonomically designed mouse. Its contoured shape with soft rubber grips, gently curved sides and broad palm area give you the support you need for effortless control all day long.
  • You’ve got the control to do more, faster. Flipping through photo albums and Web pages is a breeze, especially for right-handers—with three standard buttons plus Back/Forward buttons that you can also program to switch applications, go full screen and more. And side-to-side scrolling plus zoom gives you the power to scroll horizontally and vertically through your music library, maps and Facebook feeds, and zoom in and out of photos and budget spreadsheets with a click.* * Requires Logitech SetPoint software (Windows) or Logitech Control Center software (Mac OS X)
  • Two years of battery life practically eliminates the need to replace batteries. ** The On/Off switch helps conserve power, smart sleep mode extends battery life and an indicator light eliminates surprises. ** Battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions.
  • The tiny Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your laptop. There’s no need to unplug it when you move around, so there’s less worry of it being lost. And you can easily add compatible wireless mice and keyboards to the same wireless receiver.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.