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To manage app access to Documents, Pictures, or Videos in Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Privacy & security, choose the library, then adjust its overall access setting and any listed app switches. These library controls are separate from the broader File system setting, and some desktop apps may not appear in either privacy list.
Where are the Documents, Pictures and Videos app permissions?
- Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security.
- Select Documents, Pictures, or Videos, depending on which library you want to manage.
- Set the option that allows apps to access that library. If the page lists individual apps, use their switches to allow or deny access to each one.
These controls apply to the selected library. You can choose different settings for Documents, Pictures, and Videos. Microsoft describes the purpose of the controls this way: “Because these file locations can contain personal content, you’re always in control of which apps can access your pictures, videos, and documents.” Microsoft Support: Pictures, videos, and documents library access and privacy.
How do library permissions differ from File system access?
The Documents, Pictures, and Videos pages control access to those specific libraries. For broader file and folder access, open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > File system. That page has a general access control and controls for individual apps that appear there. File system access is a separate setting, not another name for the three library permissions.
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What happens if you turn off access to a library?
When access to a library is denied, Windows creates a unique folder in that library for the app’s data. The app can use that folder but cannot see data outside it through the denied library access. Some features may be limited or may not work as expected if they rely on choosing content from the library.
For example, Microsoft explains that if a photo-editing app is denied write access to Pictures, Windows creates a unique Pictures folder for it; the app can write to that folder, but not to other content in the library. Turning off a library permission should not be treated as a promise that every possible route to file access is blocked: broader File system access is controlled separately, and desktop apps may not be governed by the library page.
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Why isn’t an app listed?
A missing app may be a desktop app. Microsoft says desktop apps can be downloaded from the internet or installed from media; some apps distributed through Microsoft Store are also desktop apps. They may not appear in the privacy pages and may access data differently. Check the app’s own settings and permissions information, and review the developer’s privacy policy if you want to understand what it collects or uses. Microsoft’s overview of app permissions explains the distinction.
If you are troubleshooting, check the relevant library page first, then the File system page if the concern is broader file access. If the app is still absent, determine whether it is a desktop app or whether device management is restricting the setting.
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What if Windows says settings are managed by your organization?
File system access may already be disabled on a workplace-assigned device or on a personal device using a work account. The page may show “Some settings are managed by your organization.” In that case, your organization may control the setting, so the switch may not be available for you to change. Microsoft’s guide to changing privacy settings in Windows provides broader context for these controls.
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