Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo see which apps have Full Disk Access on a Mac and revoke it, open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access on macOS 13 or later. Review the list and switch off any app that no longer needs the permission or that you do not trust. On macOS 12 or earlier, use System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
What Full Disk Access allows
Apple describes Full Disk Access as allowing an app to access all files on the computer, including data from other apps such as Mail, Messages, Safari and Home; Time Machine backup data; and certain administrative settings for all users on the Mac. Because this is a broad grant, it is worth checking which apps have it and whether they still need it for the way you use them. Apple Mac User Guide
Apple’s platform security documentation says apps that need access to the full storage device must be explicitly added. Full Disk Access is distinct from other privacy permissions, so it does not represent a blanket switch for every sensitive capability on your Mac. Apple Platform Security
How to review and revoke access
- Open System Settings. Choose the Apple menu, then select System Settings.
- Open the privacy controls. Select Privacy & Security in the sidebar. Scroll down if needed.
- Choose Full Disk Access. The list shows apps with this permission.
- Turn off access where appropriate. Switch off the entry for an app you no longer need to grant this access to, or no longer trust.
If you are uncertain why an app requests Full Disk Access, consult the app’s official documentation or contact its developer before changing the setting. Whether access is necessary depends on the app and your workflow; Apple does not provide a universal list of apps that should be allowed.
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For macOS 12 or earlier
Apple’s security guidance gives the older route as System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy. Newer macOS versions use System Settings, so the interface names differ by operating-system generation. Apple Platform Security
How this differs from other Mac permissions
- Files & Folders: This separate control lets you manage access to specific locations, including Desktop, Downloads and Documents. Review it separately; changing Full Disk Access does not automatically change these location-specific grants. Apple Mac User Guide
- Accessibility and Automation: These are separate permission categories from full storage access. If a feature is blocked, check the permission named in the app’s request rather than assuming Full Disk Access governs it. Apple Platform Security
What changing the setting does not tell you
The settings list shows which apps have been granted access; it does not establish what an app previously collected or retained. Apple notes that third-party apps’ and websites’ data practices are governed by their terms and privacy policies, which users should review. Apple Mac User Guide
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Apple’s guidance explains where to change Full Disk Access but does not establish that a restart is always required or that every app responds identically immediately after access is revoked. If an app behaves unexpectedly, consult its developer’s instructions rather than assuming a universal restart rule.
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