NVIDIA App AI Agents On by Default: How to Turn It Off

A recent update to the NVIDIA App has raised concerns among gamers and tech enthusiasts, as it appears that the app’s AI agents setting is enabled by default. The latest version of the app, 11.0.9.565, adds a local server that allows compatible AI assistants to control parts of the app using natural-language requests.

According to NVIDIA’s release notes, the update includes a local MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that enables a compatible AI agent to control the NVIDIA App. The company names Hermes, OpenClaw, and Perplexity as example assistants that can take advantage of this feature.

However, many users have reported finding the AI agents setting enabled after updating their app, with some expressing concerns about potential security risks. Game designer Agustín Cordes was among those who sounded the alarm on social media platform X, warning that the default setting could be a ‘high security risk you may not want.’

The NVIDIA App update also includes several other features and improvements, such as native RTX Spark support, a new DLSS Frame Generation Performance Mode (Beta) called ‘Model C,’ extra CPU stats in the overlay, and various bug fixes. While these changes are likely to be beneficial for many users, the default AI agents setting has sparked controversy.

So what exactly can AI agents do within the NVIDIA App? According to VideoCardz’ analysis of NVIDIA’s documentation, 12 tools are exposed by the server, ranging from reading information about detected games and apps to changing settings on your PC. Some of these actions include launching games and apps, applying game presets, starting or stopping ShadowPlay recording, saving Instant Replay clips, taking screenshots, showing or hiding performance overlays, toggling RTX Dynamic Vibrance, checking installed drivers, available updates, and driver release notes.

However, the main concern surrounding the AI agents setting is not about what it can do, but rather that it appears to be enabled by default. This has led many users to wonder why NVIDIA would set this feature on without explanation or notification. As of now, there is no clear answer from the company as to whether all installations have the setting turned on.

The server itself listens only on the loopback address 127.0.0.1 and port 13508 by default, according to NVIDIA’s documentation. This means that it does not connect your PC to an AI service or send data to an external company without explicit permission from you. Nevertheless, there is still a risk of information being pulled from the app if you install an agent that relies on cloud models.

To turn off the AI agents setting in the NVIDIA App, users need to navigate to Settings > Features and toggle ‘Allow AI agents to control NVIDIA App’ to the off position. This will stop the persistent server from running, as confirmed by NVIDIA’s MCP documentation. Users can switch it back on if they decide to use an AI agent later.

While some may be tempted to skip this update altogether due to concerns about the default setting, it is worth noting that the same release includes several other features and improvements that are likely to benefit many users. Updating and then turning off the AI agents toggle will allow you to keep these changes without leaving an unused server running.

Ultimately, whether or not to install this update depends on individual preferences and needs. However, it is essential for users to be aware of the default setting and take steps to turn it off if they are concerned about potential security risks.