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WilliamsJohnson's avatar
WilliamsJohnson
Iron Contributor
Jun 08, 2026

AI Elements Appearing in Windows 11 Thumbnails

Hello everyone,

When viewing thumbnails of certain images in File Explorer, I noticed that they seem to contain AI-generated or AI-related content.

Actually, I was wondering—what is this feature or mechanism? Why are AI elements appearing in the thumbnails?

 

Features

2 Replies

  • Ninasko's avatar
    Ninasko
    Copper Contributor
    Jun 10, 2026

    Microsoft has been working on AI features in the Photos app and File Explorer that can recognize, categorize, or even generate content based on the images. Sometimes, these AI features add visual markers or create previews that include AI-related elements, especially if the images are AI-generated or stylized with AI tools.

  • CynthiaWhite's avatar
    CynthiaWhite
    Copper Contributor
    Jun 08, 2026

    The screenshot shows the system packages for handwriting recognition. This feature allows you to write with a digital pen, stylus, or finger on touchscreen displays and transforms that input into typed text.

    The "AI" icon here primarily indicates that the component utilizes Microsoft's AI/machine learning models. Because handwriting-to-text conversion relies on analyzing strokes, context, and word patterns - rather than simple character matching. Microsoft now classifies these modules as AI-driven and has added the AI badge to their icons.