If you want to decide whether apps on your Windows 11 PC can talk to devices that aren’t paired (or connected) to your computer — like an Xbox or other gadgets — this guide will help you turn that feature on or off.

Windows 11 gives you ways to manage how apps connect with other devices, helping you protect your privacy and control what your apps can do.

What Does “Communicate with Unpaired Devices” Mean?

This setting controls whether apps on your PC can send or receive info with devices that your PC hasn’t officially connected to (or paired with). For example, apps might try to share or sync info with devices nearby like gaming consoles or smart gadgets.

How to Turn This Setting On or Off Using Windows Settings

Follow these easy steps:

1. Press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Or click Start and then select Settings.
2. In Settings, click Privacy & security from the menu on the left side.
3. Scroll down on the right, then click on Other devices.
4. Look for the option that says Communicate with unpaired devices.
5. Toggle the switch to On if you want apps to communicate with unpaired devices, or Off if you want to block this.

How to Change This Setting Using Local Group Policy Editor (For Advanced Users)

If you want a more detailed control, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor (only on Windows 11 Pro or higher):

1. Click the Start button, type Edit group policy, and press Enter.
2. In the Local Group Policy Editor window, on the left side, follow this path:
   
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy
3. On the right, find and double-click Let Windows apps communicate with unpaired devices.
4. Choose one of the options:
   • Not Configured – This is the default setting.
   • Enabled – Allows apps to communicate with unpaired devices.
   • Disabled – Blocks apps from communicating with unpaired devices.
5. If you select Enabled, under “Options” choose Force Allow to let all apps communicate. If you select Disabled, choose Force Deny to block all apps.
6. Click OK to save your changes.
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.

Summary

• You can control whether apps on your Windows 11 PC communicate with devices that are not paired to your PC.
• This helps protect your privacy and stops unwanted connections with nearby devices.
• Use the easy Settings app for most users, or the Group Policy Editor if you want more control and have Windows 11 Pro or higher.
• Turning this off means apps won’t be able to share data with unpaired devices, giving you more control over your system.

If you want to learn more about Windows 11 settings, check out this guide on how to open the Registry in Windows 11.