With Windows 10 build 17101Microsoft has introduced new granular controls for users to decide which Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications can access the exact file system on their computer. As part of the plan, users can turn off access globally or individually for each app in a few simple steps. That’s why today we’re going to show you how to restrict, enable, or disable (allow or block) file system access for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps on your Windows 10 computer.
How to Enable or Disable (Restrict) File System Access for Apps in Windows 10
Here we will show you how you can easily restrict apps from accessing files on Windows PCs using general privacy settings. We will also show you how to restrict Windows 10 apps from accessing certain file types while allowing access to other types. For example, you can prevent an app from accessing the video files on your device and also prevent it from accessing documents etc. You can allow access. So without further delay, let’s check out how you can restrict, enable or disable (allow or deny) filesystem access for Universal. Windows Platform (UWP) apps on Windows 10 computers.
Step 1: Enable or Disable Access Publicly
- To turn off file system access for apps in Windows 10, go to: Settings (Windows key + I) > Privacy.
- Now scroll down in the left pane and click/tap on it file system [1]. then shoot Change button [2] under ‘The file system is open for this device’.
- Finally, close transition in the popup window. This disables file system access for all apps for all users on that device.
Note: If you want each user on this device to decide independently whether to allow apps to access the file system for their account or not, keep the above button on and follow the next step.
- Scroll down and turn off the toggle under ‘Allow applications to access your file system’. This disables file system access for all apps for the current user on that device.
Note: If you want to allow the file system to access certain applications, keep this switch on and proceed to the next step..
- Under ‘Choose which apps can access your file system’ whitelist/blacklist each app individually.
Step 2: Enable or Disable Access to Images, Videos, and Documents Separately
Besides the general settings, you can also individually select which applications on your PC can access which type of files. For example, you can allow MS Word to access document and image files, but restrict access to videos. Here’s how to do this:
- go to Settings > Privacy as previously described. Now go to the ‘App Permissions’ section in the left pane and documents [1]. If document library access is ‘Open’, Change button [2] in the right pane and close [3].
Note: The above actions will disable document access for all apps. However, if you want to allow some apps to access documents, keep the above button on and follow the next step..
- Scroll down and to close every pass for apps [1] repeat the whole process as you don’t want to access your documents. Pictures and Videos choosing these options [2] in the left pane.
This much! You have now successfully disabled access to file systems for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps on your Windows 10 computer. If you change your mind at any time, you can go to Settings > Privacy > File System and undo your changes. Also, don’t forget to undo any changes you may have made under App Permissions as described in Step 2.
Enable or Disable File System Access for UWP Apps in Windows 10
Disabling file system access for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps increases your privacy by preventing apps from accessing your personal files unnecessarily. However, some applications require file system access for obvious reasons. So if you use such apps, it would be best to disable access on a per-app basis.
Either way, there are other things you can do to improve your privacy in Windows 10, such as disabling camera and microphone permissions. However, you should also disable location tracking on your Windows 10 device for complete peace of mind. Finally, check out our guide to the best Windows 10 tips and tricks for using your PC like a pro.
