How to Review and Manage Windows App Permissions

Take control of your data privacy. Learn how to review and modify specific app permissions in Windows 11 settings to secure your device.

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 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.
  4. 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. 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.

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