Not so long ago, Microsoft put out a security clarification and announcement regarding all the misunderstanding happening between an average user and AI agents about their involvement in accessing any file in Windows 11. Most users were worried that these new AI agents will read files in their personal spaces automatically; however, Microsoft is now saying, important note: automated reading of files by the AI agents "explicitly require user permission."
Windows 11 AI agent technology is officially called Experimental Agentic Features. This consists of agents like Copilot, Researcher, Analyst, etc. Within the AI list, all these are currently under trials. Now, for those agents wishing to have access to your files, none of them can do anything without obtaining permission from you.
What Folders Will Be Asked to Access by Microsoft ?
It stated that the Windows 11 AI agents would ask access for the following "6 known folders":
* Desktop
* Documents
* Downloads
* Music
* Pictures
* Videos
These folders are those wherein personal files are stored most of the time. The AI agent can't read any files from these locations without your permission.
How will permissions work?
New permission setting system introduced by Microsoft will allow you to assign permission for each agent individually. This setting menu has three options:
1. Allow Always (agents can always access files)
2. Ask Every Time (you will have to prompt every time)
3. Never Allow (reject file access)
Access to this control is through Settings > System > AI Components > Agents.
Why is this important
This clarification of Microsoft will take the users away from privacy and security menace. Most people thought AI agents would have their way in accessing personal data without having to do so by consent. Now Microsoft has taken care of that and makes sure AI agents aren't able to read any file without your permission.
However, despite the strong security barriers built in with AI features, specialists note that this won't rule them leak-proof-for new cyber risks will open up forms of sophisticated file access-as cross-prompt injection through which depraved content can incorrect instruction with AI.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Windows 11 will never read your files through its AI agent. Permission has to be granted first before proceeding. This security measure will protect users' privacy and limit misuse of AI. Although in the testing stage at the moment, some enhancement will likely be included in the future.
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