Windows 10: Change app permissions - how it works

Some of the apps in Windows 10 have permission to query and use certain data, such as your location. However, in Windows settings, you have the option to customize such permissions.

How to customize app access permissions

If you want to customize the permissions of installed apps, it works through Windows 10's privacy settings, where you have the option to restrict access rights to personal data, such as location, account information, and contacts. In addition to the individual setting options, you can also set general permissions. Follow these steps to customize app permissions:

1. Call up the Start menu via the Windows icon in the taskbar.
2. Click the gear icon in the bottom left of the Start menu to open the Windows settings. Alternatively, you can also access the settings directly via the key combination [Windows] and [i].
3. Select the item "Privacy" in the overview.
4. Scroll down in the navigation on the left until you see the category "App permissions". Below that you will find all the permission categories for which you can define settings.
5. For example, click on "Position" to call up all the settings associated with this permission.
6. In the overview, in addition to the general options, you will also find a list of the various apps via which you can individually define access rights. For example, if you want to prevent a certain app from accessing your location data, simply set the slider at the corresponding app in the list to "Off".