NVIDIA App's AI Server: A New Connection That Can Be Disabled

NVIDIA has introduced an update to its app that includes a local server, which allows AI assistants to interact with the graphics settings and gameplay recording features. This feature was found to be enabled by default after updating to version 11.0.9.565, according to reports from users who have seen similar behavior. If you don’t use an AI agent to manage your PC, you can turn off this connection in the app’s settings.

NVIDIA’s release notes confirm that the new Model Context Protocol (MCP) support has been added, which enables compatible assistants to connect to the app through natural-language requests. The company lists Hermes, OpenClaw, and Perplexity as examples of supported AI agents. With this feature, an assistant can use a conversational request to find installed games, apply optimal graphics settings, or enable ShadowPlay recording.

The connection allows for more than just choosing a graphics preset; it also grants access to controls for screenshots, instant replay, recording, RTX Dynamic Vibrance, and the performance statistics overlay. Additionally, supported laptops expose Battery Boost and Whisper Mode settings, which puts power-related controls within an agent’s reach. For gaming-laptop owners, these laptop-specific options are worth checking before connecting an assistant.

The local server runs at the loopback address 127.0.0.1 using port 13508 by default. An enabled server doesn’t automatically connect to an external AI service; however, an agent using a cloud service could send information it retrieves to that service depending on how the agent works. This is a separate control path from other graphics technologies like DLSS 5’s faster model for Hogwarts Legacy.

If you prefer to manage your own graphics and recording settings, switching off this connection keeps things straightforward. NVIDIA hasn’t confirmed why the feature is enabled by default; however, users can easily disable it in the app’s settings without uninstalling the app. The toggle to enable or disable the AI-agent connection can be found under ‘Connect Agents & Apps’ in the Features section of the app.