Which apps have access to your microphone and location

Permissions pile up

Apps often ask for access to the microphone, camera or location when installed or first launched. Over a few years of use you collect more such permissions than you would expect, and many apps no longer need them.

How to review permissions

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I) and choose Privacy & security.
2. Under App permissions choose Microphone, Camera or Location.
3. For every app in the list consider whether it really needs it. Turn off access for those that do not.
4. Windows also shows when an app last used the permission. That tells you which ones are inactive.

Practical rules

Allow access only to apps whose feature you knowingly use. If an app you have not launched for a long time accessed the microphone, that is a good reason to remove the permission. BirdGuard summarises these permissions and points out the ones worth attention.