Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Microsoft Rolls Out Agentic Preview in Windows 11, Warns Users on Security Risks

Agents operate in separate workspaces with scoped access to common folders, reflecting a phased opt‑in approach focused on isolation and oversight.

Overview

  • An Insider build adds an off‑by‑default “experimental agentic features” toggle that enables Agent Workspace in a private developer preview for Windows 11.
  • Microsoft’s guidance says agents run in parallel Windows sessions with their own accounts, isolated runtimes, tamper‑evident logging, and principles such as non‑repudiation, confidentiality, authorization, and least privilege.
  • When enabled, agent accounts can receive read/write access to known folders—Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Pictures, Videos, and Music—with Windows cautioning about performance, privacy, and prompt‑injection risks that could lead to malware installation.
  • New UI previews tie agents to the taskbar through Ask Copilot, letting users invoke agents, monitor progress via hover states and badges, and @‑address agents directly in the search box in an opt‑in experience.
  • Copilot Actions is named as an early adopter and third‑party agents will be supported, while a separate Agent 365 tool enters early access to let enterprises discover, approve, monitor, and quarantine agents across their environments.