With Windows 10 build 17101, Microsoft introduced new granular controls for users to decide which Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps can access the full file system on their PC. As part of the plan, users can either turn off access globally, or for each app individually in a few simple steps. So today, we will show you how to restrict, enable or disable (allow or deny) file system access for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps on your Windows 10 computer.

Here, we will show you how to easily restrict apps from accessing files in Windows PCs using global privacy settings. We will also show you how to restrict Windows 10 apps from accessing certain types of files while allowing access to other types. For example, you can prevent an app from accessing video files on your device while allowing it to access documents, etc. So without further delay, let’s check out how you can restrict, enable or disable (allow or deny) file system access for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps in Window 10 computers.

  • Step 1: Enable or Disable Access Globally
  • Step 2: Enable or Disable Access to Pictures, Videos and Documents Separately

Step 1: Enable or Disable Access Globally

  • To turn off file system access for apps in Windows 10, go to Settings (Windows key + I) > Privacy.

Note: If you want each user on that device to independently decide whether or not to allow apps access to the file system for their account, keep the above toggle on and follow the next step.

Alongside the global settings, you can also separately choose which apps can access which types of files on your PC. For example, you can allow MS Word to access document and image files, but restrict access to videos. Here’s how to do it:

  • Go over to Settings > Privacy as described earlier. Now scroll down to the ‘App Permissions’ section on the left pane and click on Documents [1]. If documents library access is ‘On’, click on the Change button [2] on the right pane and toggle it off [3].

Disabling file system access for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps enhances your privacy by preventing applications from unnecessarily accessing your personal files. However, some apps need file system access for obvious reasons. So if you use apps like that, it would be for the best that you disable access on a per-app basis.

Either way, there are also other things you can do to enhance your privacy on Windows 10, like disabling camera and microphone permissions. Along with that, you should also disable location tracking on your Windows 10 device to ensure complete peace of mind. Finally, also check out our guide explaining the best windows 10 tips and tricks to use your PC like a pro.