In October, Microsoft introduced a dedicated support document outlining Experimental Agentic Features, describing the operations of AI agents and their connectors alongside Windows 11 and Copilot. A subsequent revision to this document revealed that such AI agents could examine files within six designated Windows 11 directories—Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, Pictures, and Videos—prompting valid user apprehensions.
Microsoft has since confirmed that explicit user consent is necessary before AI agents can view files in these six directories. Available consent levels are “Allow Always,” permitting access on demand without further checks; “Ask Every Time,” which notifies the user for approval during each instance of needed access; and “Never Allow,” rejecting all such requests outright.
It's worth mentioning that granular permissions for specific folders aren't supported. The overall decision governs access to the entire group of six directories or blocks it completely.
Users can modify this configuration by launching the Settings application in Windows 11, proceeding to System > AI Components > Agents, choosing the desired AI agent from the available options, moving to the Files category, and picking one of the three consent choices via the dropdown selector.
This piece initially ran in our affiliated title PC för Alla, with adaptations and translation from the Swedish source material.
Mikael reports on a broad spectrum of consumer technology topics for our outlets. His earlier professional experience involved Macworld, though he now focuses chiefly on contributions to PC för Alla and M3. He maintains strong knowledge of upcoming device announcements, shifts in streaming platforms, and emerging AI developments.