Windows privacy settings that apps use
Applies To
Windows privacy settings let you control which apps can access your personal data and device features—such as your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and calendar—so you can decide what information apps can use and when.
Tip: Privacy settings mostly apply to apps from Microsoft Store. Desktop apps might not appear in these lists and can access some data differently.
How privacy settings work
Each privacy setting controls access to a specific type of data, such as your location, camera, or contacts. You can turn access on or off for individual apps.
If you turn off access for an app, that app can’t use the related data or feature.
Manage privacy settings in Windows 11
You can review and change privacy settings at any time.
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Select Start , then select Settings > Privacy & security.
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Select the capability you want to allow apps to use, such as Calendar or Contacts.
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Turn the setting on or off that allows anyone using the device to have access to the capability.
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Choose which apps can access the capability by turning individual apps and services on or off.
Exceptions to the privacy settings
Desktop apps won't appear in your lists of apps and services that you can turn on and off and are not affected by the setting that allows apps to have access to a capability. To allow or block desktop apps, use the settings in those applications.
Note: How can you tell if an app is a desktop app? Desktop apps are usually downloaded from the Internet or installed with some type of media (such as a CD, DVD, or USB storage device). They're launched using an .EXE or .DLL file, and they typically run on your device unlike web-based apps (which run in the cloud). You can also find desktop apps in Microsoft Store.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
Tip: Privacy settings mostly apply to apps from Microsoft Store. Desktop apps might not appear in these lists and can access some data differently.
How privacy settings work
Each privacy setting controls access to a specific type of data, such as your location, camera, or contacts. You can turn access on or off for individual apps.
If you turn off access for an app, that app can’t use the related data or feature.
Manage privacy settings in Windows 10
You can review and change privacy settings at any time.
-
Select Start , then select Settings > Privacy.
-
Select the capability you want to allow apps to use, such as Calendar or Contacts.
-
Choose your preferred setting to allow apps to use, access, control, or read the capability
-
Choose which apps can use, access, control, or read the capability by turning individual apps and services on or off.
Exceptions to the privacy settings
Desktop apps won't appear in your lists of apps and services that you can turn on and off and are not affected by the setting that allows apps to have access to a capability. To allow or block desktop apps, use the settings in those applications.
Note: How can you tell if an app is a desktop app? Desktop apps are usually downloaded from the Internet or installed with some type of media (such as a CD, DVD, or USB storage device). They're launched using an .EXE or .DLL file, and they typically run on your device unlike web-based apps (which run in the cloud). You can also find desktop apps in Microsoft Store.
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