Microsoft begins preparing Windows 11 for its agentic AI future

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Microsoft released a new insider preview build to the developer and beta channels of Windows 11. The new build 26220.7262 introduces several new features and changes, including a new "experimental agentic features" toggle in the Settings.

If you recall, Microsoft announced this month that it is turning Windows into an agentic operating system. The post, by Windows-chief Pavan Davuluri on X, faced heavy criticism. To the point that Davuluri limited the commenting ability.

The new AI component setting in the development edition of Windows 11 is a major step towards that goal. First, the good news. Microsoft is shipping the feature turned off. Windows users who want to enable the experimental AI features need to turn it on first before they can do so.



Here is what happens when you activate the toggle: Only administrators may activate the feature, but it will then be enabled for all users on the system automatically.

 Once enabled, three main and far-reaching changes occur on the system that give AI access to a wider range of features.

1. Windows may create AI agents with separate accounts on the device, that act on the user's behalf.
   
2. Creation of agent workspaces, that allow them to "work in parallel with a human user". This happens using runtime isolation and scoped authorization, according to Microsoft.
   
3. Agentic apps may request and access six folders: Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, Pictures and Videos.
   

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