Reducing Protections for Agent Connectors on Windows 11

This article explains how to enable or disable Reducing Protections for Agent Connectors in Windows 11

Windows 11 build 26220.7344 introduces native support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard launched by Anthropic in late 2024 to enable AI agents to connect with external tools, data sources, and services.

By default, all agent connectors in the Windows on-device registry operate in a secure environment with their own identity and audit trail. When the option to enable more agent connectors by reducing protections is turned on, they run with increased access and privileges.

Here’s how to enable or disable it.

First, open the Windows Settings app.

You can do that by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings. Or press the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) to launch the Settings app.

When the Settings app opens, click the System button on the left. On the right, select the Advanced tile to expand it.

On the System > Advanced settings pane, under the AI components section, toggle the “Enable more agent connectors by reducing protections” to enable or disable it.

Reduce agent connectors’ protections via the Windows Registry

Another way to enable or disable the new Agent connectors’ protection feature is to use the Windows Registry Editor.

Remember to back up your registry before making any changes, or create a System Restore point as a precaution.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Mcp\Agents

Right-click Agents > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the new DWORD ConnectorEnvironmentPolicy.

Double-click and open the ConnectorEnvironmentPolicy name and set the value to 2 to enable the feature for all users.

Enter 1 to disable it for all users.

You may have to reboot your computer to apply the changes.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Enabling or disabling Reducing Protections for Agent Connectors in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that allows for flexible integration of AI agents with external tools and services.
• By default, these connectors operate securely, maintaining their distinct identities and audit trails.
• Adjusting the protection settings can grant increased access and privileges, which may be beneficial in specific use cases.
• It’s essential to understand the implications of changing these settings to ensure that security concerns are adequately addressed.
• Always refer to official Microsoft documentation for the latest information and best practices regarding AI components and security in Windows 11.