Windows Privacy & Security settings
Control which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.
- Camera PermissionCamera Permission controls which applications are allowed to access your device's camera. Managing these permissions helps protect your privacy and ensures that only trusted applications can capture video or images.
- Microphone PermissionMicrophone Permission lets you control which applications can use your device's microphone. This is essential for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized audio recording by untrusted software.
- Windows SecurityWindows Security is the built-in protection center for virus & threat protection, firewall & network protection, and device health. It runs Microsoft Defender Antivirus and lets you review recent scans and threats.
- Privacy & SecurityPrivacy & Security is the central hub introduced in Windows 11 that groups Windows Security (antivirus and firewall), sign-in options, app permissions, and general privacy controls like diagnostic data and activity history into one settings category. It's the starting point for auditing everything related to your PC's security and data posture in one place.
- App PermissionsApp Permissions organizes privacy controls by capability rather than by app, letting you see at a glance which installed apps can access location, contacts, calendar, file system, and a dozen other data types. Instead of checking each app individually, you pick a permission type and review every app that has requested it.
- BitLocker Device EncryptionDevice Encryption (built on BitLocker technology) encrypts your entire system drive so its contents are unreadable to anyone without your Windows sign-in credentials or a separate recovery key, even if the physical drive is removed and connected to another PC. It's automatically available on many modern PCs that meet specific hardware requirements, and can be extended to additional drives on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
- Location PrivacyManages whether Windows and individual apps can access your device's location, including the master location toggle and per-app permissions for location data.
- Diagnostics & FeedbackControls how much diagnostic and usage data your device sends to Microsoft, along with feedback frequency, tailored experiences, and options to view or delete diagnostic data.
- Activity HistoryControls whether Windows stores a history of your app and browsing activity locally and, if signed in, syncs it to Microsoft to power features like Timeline-style continuity across devices.
- General Privacy OptionsGeneral privacy options cover system-wide toggles that don't belong to a specific permission, including advertising ID personalization, app launch tracking for Start menu suggestions, and website language list access.
Other Windows categories
- SystemKeep your device current and configure core system behavior.
- Network & InternetWi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.
- Display & SoundScreen, audio, and alert preferences.
- Storage & BackupManage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.
- Accounts & FamilyAccount sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.
- AccessibilityAssistive features, input, and language & region settings.
- TroubleshootingReset, restart, and diagnose common issues.
- PersonalizationThemes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.
- DevicesMice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.
- AppsInstalled apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.
- System InfoDevice details, advanced settings, and activation status.