Microsoft explains how Windows 11’s AI agents will get access to your files – but bigger worries remain – December 2025

Author/Source: Darren Allan See the full link here

Takeaway

This article explains how new AI assistants in Windows 11 will be able to look at your computer files. It covers how Microsoft plans to keep this access mostly on your device to protect your privacy, though some experts still have concerns about security.

Technical Subject Understandability

Intermediate

Analogy/Comparison

Imagine hiring a smart personal assistant for your home office. This assistant can look at your physical papers and computer files right on your desk, but they only know what’s on your desk and don’t automatically send copies of everything to a big shared company cloud without your say-so.

Why It Matters

This topic is important because it deals with who can see your personal information on your computer. Microsoft says it’s trying to keep AI file access local to protect privacy, meaning your private documents aren’t automatically sent to the internet. For instance, the article explains the “Local Grounding API” is designed to help keep your data on your device, addressing a major privacy concern for users.

Related Terms

AI agents, Local Grounding API, Microsoft Graph. Jargon Conversion: AI agents are smart computer programs inside Windows 11 that can help you with tasks by understanding and working with your files. Local Grounding API is a special set of computer instructions that allows AI agents to look at files stored directly on your computer without sending them all to the internet. Microsoft Graph is a service that helps connect different Microsoft online tools and data, like files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, that the AI might also be able to use.

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