Some apps need to access your file system to allow you to take full advantage of the functionality they provide. Allowing an app to have file system access enables it to have access to the same files and folders to which you have access. The app must request this access, and you can choose to allow or deny the request.

Allowing access to your file system might give apps access to personal content that you want to manage. This is why we give you control over the files you share by letting you choose which apps you’ll allow to access your file system. If you give an app permission but change your mind later, you can turn off that app’s access to your file system. Here’s how:

In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Privacy > File system.


In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > File system.

Notes:

File system access might be turned off already if you’re using a device assigned to you by your workplace, or if you’ve added a work account to your personal device. If that’s the case, you’ll see a message telling you that “Some settings are managed by your organization” at the top of the File system settings page.

How the file system access settings work

To allow or block file system access for a specific app and service

Do one of the following:

In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Privacy > File system and make sure Allow apps to access your file system is turned On.


In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > File system and make sure Let apps access your file system is turned On.


Choose which apps and services can access your file system by turning individual apps and services settings On or Off.

To deny file system access for most apps

Do one of the following:

In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Privacy > File system and make sure Allow apps to access your file system is turned Off.


In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > File system and make sure Let apps access your file system is turned Off.

This will prevent apps from accessing your file system on that device while you’re signed in to it. If other people share the same device, they can still turn on file system access when they’re signed in with their own accounts.

Exceptions to the file system access privacy settings

Not all apps will appear in the list where you can choose which apps can access your file system. Certain Windows programs, such as those that are downloaded from the internet or installed with some type of media (such as a CD, DVD, or USB storage device) won’t appear in that list and are not affected by the setting that lets apps access your file system. To allow or deny file system access for one of these programs, check the settings in the program itself.