Microsoft Scraps Windows 11's “Suggested Actions” Feature

As we step into 2025, Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 by eliminating the “Suggested actions” feature. This functionality was originally designed to assist users by recognizing copied details, such as phone numbers or dates, and providing relevant suggestions for actions like creating calendar events or dialing calls. However, despite its intentions, the feature has faced significant criticism and is now set for removal as part of a broader focus on more reliable, AI-enhanced features.

Table of Contents:

Why “Suggested actions” are leaving Windows 11
The Future of Windows 11 AI Features

Why “Suggested actions” are leaving Windows 11

The discontinuation of the ‘Suggested actions’ feature stems from its poor performance and user dissatisfaction. Users reported frequent problems, including:

Inconsistency: The feature often failed to activate when it was needed.
Irrelevance: In many cases, the suggestions provided were not aligned with the user’s needs, making it more of a nuisance than a help.
User Frustration: Feedback from the community indicated a widespread sentiment that the feature did not enhance their experience with Windows 11.

In a recent update observed in the Windows 11 Insider Program’s Beta Channel, Microsoft has officially disabled the ‘Suggested actions’ feature. It appears that plans for a complete removal are underway, likely to take effect within a few weeks, with predictions suggesting final removal by February 2025.

This feature initially debuted in a Preview Build of Windows 11 in 2022 and became publicly available in 2023. Although it is relatively new, its effectiveness was called into question early on. For instance, one user noted on Microsoft’s Feedback Hub that they found the feature unreliable. They expressed frustration over the failure of the system to copy a phone number it had suggested.

Another user recounted that the feature surfaced while working in Excel, even though they were already engaged with a relevant application that did not require additional assistance. The feedback reflects a clear disconnect between what the feature was supposed to accomplish versus the actual user experience.

The Future of Windows 11 AI Features

Following the decision to eliminate ‘Suggested actions,’ Microsoft appears to be redirecting its focus toward developing more effective AI-powered features. While there were initial considerations to improve ‘Suggested actions’ utilizing AI technology, it now seems the company believes cutting the feature entirely is a better path forward.

This shift aligns with the growing trend of integrating advanced AI solutions into software ecosystems. Microsoft’s intention is to replace ‘Suggested actions’ with tools that are both reliable and possess a level of intelligence that can genuinely assist users in completing tasks efficiently.

For many users, the departure of the ‘Suggested actions’ feature may not bring about a profound sense of loss. Feedback suggests that the overall sentiment surrounding this feature was largely negative, with many users expressing that they had seen limited benefits from its presence.

As Microsoft looks ahead, it faces the challenge of ensuring that any new AI-driven features deliver tangible improvements to the user experience. Many have yet to see significant advantages from AI implementations, and skepticism remains regarding how effectively these tools will integrate into existing workflows and processes.

While innovation is crucial, the end-user’s perception and acceptance play vital roles in determining the success of these new additions. The future endeavors of Microsoft in enhancing Windows 11 with AI capabilities will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by the community.