How to Disable the Windows 10 ‘Let apps access my documents library’ Option

The Universal File Browser

In Windows 10, the “Documents” folder (typically located at C:\Users\[Username]\Documents) is the default repository for user-generated files, save games, and application configuration data. To help users manage their files, the operating system allows third-party applications from the Microsoft Store to request broad, sweeping access to this entire directory. This is governed by a global privacy setting called “Let apps access my documents library.”

When this setting is enabled, an authorized app can read, modify, or delete any file within that library without needing to prompt you with a “File Open” or “File Save” dialog box every single time. While this is necessary for a dedicated file management app or a cloud backup utility (like Dropbox or OneDrive), it is a massive security risk for almost any other type of application. Your Documents folder often contains sensitive financial spreadsheets, personal tax returns, and private correspondence. You do not want a newly downloaded game or a simple photo editor having silent, unfettered access to scan your entire document history. If you want to force apps to only access files you explicitly hand them, you must disable this global permission.

How to Revoke Documents Library Access

You can instantly prevent all Store applications from indiscriminately browsing your Documents folder via the Privacy settings.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Win + I).
2. Click on the Privacy category.
3. Look at the left-hand sidebar, scroll down to the “App permissions” section, and click on Documents.
4. In the right-hand pane, locate the master toggle switch situated immediately underneath the text Let apps access my documents library.
5. Click the toggle switch to turn it Off.

Once disabled, Windows will block all Store apps from automatically reading the contents of your Documents folder. (Note: Apps can still access individual files if you manually select them using a standard “File -> Open” dialog box, which is much more secure).