This guide will help you turn on or off a new experimental feature in Windows 11 that lets smart AI helpers—called “agents”—work in the background to make your computer tasks easier.

What Are Experimental Agentic Features?

Starting with Windows 11 build 26220.7262, Microsoft introduced a setting called Experimental agentic features. When turned on, it lets AI-powered apps (agents) help you with tasks like:

• Organizing your files
• Scheduling meetings
• Sending emails
• Interacting with your apps just like a person would

One cool example is Copilot Actions, an AI assistant that can do complex jobs for you to save time.

How Do Agent Workspaces Work?

When enabled, Windows creates a special, separate space just for these AI agents called an agent workspace. Here’s what that means for you:

• Agents get their own accounts separate from yours, so your files and apps stay safe.
• They only see and use the files and folders you allow, like Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Music, Pictures, and Videos.
• They run in the background, so you can keep working without interruptions.
• You stay in control — you can manage what agents access and turn the feature off anytime.

Important Things to Know

• This feature is off by default and must be turned on by an administrator (someone with special permissions on your PC).
• When on, it applies to all users on the computer.
• Agents only get access to folders you approve; they don’t automatically see everything.
• Because it’s experimental, it might affect your PC’s speed or security, so be cautious.

How to Turn On or Off Experimental Agentic Features in Windows 11

Option 1: Using the Settings App

1. Press Win + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
2. Click System on the left menu, then select AI components on the right.
3. Find Experimental agentic features under Agent settings.
4. Click the toggle to turn it On or Off (Off is the default).
5. If turning on, click Turn on to confirm.
6. Close Settings when done.

Click here to open AI components Settings directly

Option 2: Using Windows Registry (For Advanced Users)

Warning: Editing the registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. Make sure to back up your PC before proceeding.

To turn on Experimental Agentic Features, run the command below:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\IsoEnvBroker" /v Enabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To turn off Experimental Agentic Features, run the command below:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\IsoEnvBroker" /v Enabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Double-click the .reg file you created and allow it to make changes to your device.

Summary

The experimental agentic features in Windows 11 bring smart AI helpers to your PC, making routine tasks easier and faster. But remember:

• You control what these AI agents can do and see.
• Only administrators can turn this feature on or off.
• It’s still in testing, so use it carefully and watch your PC’s performance.

By understanding and managing these features, you can safely get the benefits of AI while keeping your files and privacy secure.

Learn More

Microsoft official support page: Experimental Agentic Features – Microsoft Support

Windows blog on security of AI agents: Securing AI agents on Windows