Microsoft introduces per-app privacy permissions for Windows 11 desktop applications
Microsoft is testing granular privacy controls in Windows 11 that allow users to grant or revoke camera, microphone, and location access for each desktop application individually. The feature, available in an Insider preview build, replaces the previous device-wide permission setting. Microsoft advises users to only grant access to trusted apps, as some may appear under different names.
The new controls arrive via Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26340.9233, accessible through Settings under Privacy & security for camera, microphone, and location categories. Microsoft cautions that some applications may display under unexpected names or appear unsigned when the system cannot verify publisher details, urging users to approve only software they recognize.
This testing follows a February announcement outlining smartphone-style permission prompts for Windows, part of broader "Windows Baseline Security Mode" and "User Transparency and Consent" initiatives. The company plans a phased rollout, adjusting controls based on Insider feedback. Microsoft also recently began testing an accessibility feature that auto-maximizes app windows for tablet users and those relying on screen readers or magnification tools.
This shift toward granular, app-level permission controls could meaningfully change how Windows users manage their digital privacy, bringing smartphone-style consent models to the desktop. Everyday users may gain clearer visibility into which applications access sensitive hardware, potentially reducing unwarranted surveillance or data collection. However, the added complexity of managing individual toggles could overwhelm less technical users, and the warning about unrecognized app names may lead some to inadvertently block legitimate software, creating frustration or disrupting workflows.