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App access to the Pictures folder

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Recommendation

Depends

On a gaming system, blocking is appropriate if Store apps do not work with your photos.

Importing from a camera, collages and choosing an avatar from Pictures stop working; Win32 programs and browsers are unaffected.

Main effect
Blocking access to Pictures
FPS and memory
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What changes

Section titled “What changes”

BoosterX applies a global block for Store/UWP apps — the same global toggle as on the Windows page “Settings” → “Privacy” → “App permissions” → “Pictures”. After the block, apps cannot see the Pictures library: for example, “Photos” loses the ability to import photos from a camera and collages from the library, and a Store app, when choosing an avatar, does not find your images. A file selected manually in the system dialog remains available to the app.

Exceptions and differences

Section titled “Exceptions and differences”

The block applies only to Microsoft Store apps. Win32 programs and browsers open and save images directly and do not lose access. A per-app block for a single app remains on the same system page. BoosterX supports this setting on Windows 10 and Windows 11; the name of the “Settings” section and the set of permission pages depend on the version — check them on your system.

How to verify the result

Section titled “How to verify the result”

Open “Photos” and make sure that the collection and import from a connected camera work. Apply the block, restart the app and repeat the import: saving new photos to “Pictures” should not be possible.

How to change and revert

Section titled “How to change and revert”

Open “Optimization” → “Privacy” → “App permissions” → “App access to the Pictures folder”, move the toggle to the “On” position: BoosterX will apply the block on access to the Pictures library. Click “Apply”. If “Instant apply” is enabled, a separate button is not required. To revert, move the toggle to the “Off” position and apply the change again: BoosterX will return Windows to its default state with access to the Pictures library allowed.

Confirmation

Section titled “Confirmation”

Last check: 2026-09-20.