NEW YORK, Nov 27:  Microsoft has quietly introduced a new AI feature that automatically accesses your data in Word and Excel documents. The feature, called Connected Experiences, was rolled out across all Microsoft 365 apps last month. It is enabled by default for users with Windows X and above, and must be manually disabled if users wish to turn it off.

Connected Experiences analyzes user content to provide design recommendations, grammar and editing suggestions, and relevant links to additional resources. The data it uses includes information such as search history, app usage, and location, all aimed at personalizing results when the feature is active.

Some users have expressed concerns about this feature, accusing Microsoft of using the data from its 365 apps to train its AI models. However, a company spokesperson denied these claims, stating they are inaccurate. Despite this, Microsoft’s Services Agreement includes a clause stating that users agree to grant the company "a worldwide and royalty-free intellectual property license to use your content."

To disable the feature, users must open their Office app, go to the Account tab under the File section, select Account Privacy, and Manage Settings. Here, users can choose which types of Connected Experiences they want to use or completely turn off the feature.

Microsoft defended the tool, stating that "Connected experiences play a significant role in enhancing productivity by integrating your content with resources available on the web" and that these features "allow applications to provide more intelligent and personalized service."

The company also admits on its website that it collects user data through its affiliates, subsidiaries, and third parties, though it does not specify who these parties are. Microsoft processes this data using both automated and manual (human) methods. While Microsoft insists it does not use this data to train its AI models, it acknowledges that some output from automated methods is manually reviewed to improve accuracy, including in AI development.

The Connected Experiences feature is activated by specific keywords that trigger suggestions for relevant websites to assist with user research or provide additional material. For example, if a user is working on an Excel chart, the feature may prompt them to "find relevant stock data for this chart." In Word, it might suggest grammar checks or the insertion of online images. It also tracks user searches for images and videos, offering more tailored suggestions for photos, templates, 3D models, and videos.

An internet connection is required for real-time suggestions, such as grammar and style prompts. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) commented about the feature, with one person noting that Connected Experiences was not enabled on their device. Others mentioned that they did not have to adjust settings, as the feature was turned off by default.

Despite Microsoft's claim that the feature can be easily disabled, some users, particularly on Macs, have reported difficulty turning it off. One user expressed frustration, stating they had followed all the instructions but still couldn't disable it. On Macs, users can follow the same steps as on PCs but need to uncheck additional boxes under the Connected Experiences section for features they don’t want to use.

If users are logged into a Microsoft account through a school or workplace, administrators may have already disabled the feature for them. Additionally, organizations using specific PowerShell settings, such as Block Content Analysis Services or Double Key Encryption, can prevent the feature from being set up automatically.