How to Review and Manage Windows App Permissions

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open the Privacy & security settings

   Press the Windows key on your keyboard and select the Settings gear icon. Once the Settings window is open, navigate to the Privacy & security tab located in the left-hand sidebar.

   Note: Ensure your Windows version is updated to the latest build for full permission granular control.
2. 30 sec

   Locate App permissions

   Scroll down within the Privacy & security menu until you reach the App permissions section. This list displays all hardware categories such as Location, Camera, Microphone, and Contacts.

3. 1 min

   Audit specific hardware access

   Click on a specific permission category, such as Camera. Review the list of applications toggled to 'On' and evaluate if they require active access to that hardware.

   Note: Disabling access for an app may result in that app failing to perform specific functions.
4. 30 sec

   Adjust permission switches

   Flip the toggle switch to 'Off' for any application you wish to restrict. The change is immediate and does not require a system reboot to take effect.

5. 1 min

   Check individual app settings

   Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Click the three-dot menu icon next to an app and select Advanced options to view a consolidated list of permissions specifically for that individual software installation.

   Note: Advanced options are only available for apps installed via the Microsoft Store or modern MSIX installers.