Local execution is off unless you mean the laptop
Your Grok Bot cloud computer is separate from the Mac or Windows machine in front of you. Local execution is the switch that lets a Bot run commands on that laptop. Leave it closed unless you have a specific local-files job.
The documented Settings path
Official docs put the control here:
Settings → General → Agent → Execution on Local Computer
You choose whether local commands:
- Always require approval
- Are always allowed
- Are never allowed
The default is Ask every time. Docs guidance: use Never allowed unless a Bot has a specific reason to work on your local files.
Those labels are the wording from Approvals, security, and privacy. If your app UI shows a slight phrasing difference (for example shorter “Always allowed” / “Never allowed” chips), trust what you see on screen and match it to this path. Do not invent extra menus.
What this setting does not do
Turning local execution off does not block the shared cloud computer. Bots still use /workspace, the browser on the cloud desktop, plugins, and Agent Computer as usual. The gate is about your laptop, not the cloud workbench.
Use the computer and apps says the same split: cloud computer first; local commands only when that capability is enabled and your local-computer policy allows them.
Shop practice
- Open Settings → General → Agent → Execution on Local Computer.
- Set Never allowed as the standing choice.
- If a Bot truly needs a Desk or laptop path, flip to Always require approval for that session, watch each prompt, then return to Never allowed when the job ends.
- Skip Are always allowed unless you have a narrow, documented reason and you accept that local shell access is open.
Organization administrators can restrict local-computer execution. On a managed plan, your org policy may already lock this down.
Pair with the shared-computer lesson
Separate Bots are still not separate sandboxes on the cloud computer. Local execution is a different boundary: whether the Bot may reach the machine under your hands. Keep both stories straight:
- Cloud: one shared computer per user account across your Bot roster.
- Local: off by default preference (Never allowed), intentional when you mean Desk or laptop files.
For Firecracker isolation, Auto Review, and Network Controls, see the Security FAQ. For the shared cloud workbench, read Your Bots share one computer (not a sandbox per Bot).
Sources: docs.x.ai approvals-security-and-privacy + computer-and-apps. Soft outbound only.
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