How to Change “All File Access” on Linked Mobile Device for Phone Link

How to Change “All File Access” on Your Linked Samsung Device

You manage “All File Access” on your Samsung phone, not on your PC. That means working in the phone’s settings and in the “Link to Windows” app. Menu names vary a little between Samsung models and One UI or Android versions, so treat the labels below as close guides rather than exact matches.

1. Open the Link to Windows app on your Samsung phone. It comes pre-installed on most Samsung phones. If you can’t find it on the home screen, swipe up to open the app drawer and look there. If it isn’t installed, get it from the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store. The app’s main screen should appear and show your linked PC.
2. Open the app’s settings. Look for a gear icon or a three-dot menu in the top or bottom corner of the app, then tap it. A settings or options list should appear.
3. Find the permissions area. Look for an entry named something like Permissions, Privacy, Access, or Connected devices. The label depends on your Samsung model and Android version. If the app only links out to Android’s own settings, follow that link. You can also go there directly through Settings › Apps › Link to Windows › Permissions.
4. Find the file or storage permission. Look for All File Access, All files access, or a broader Storage or Files and media category. It may be a toggle, or you may need to tap it to see more options. If “All File Access” is not listed on its own, check inside the storage category.
5. Change the permission. If “All File Access” is on, tap the switch next to it to turn it off. Some phones show a list of choices instead. In that case, pick the most limited option that still does what you need, such as access to media only or to specific folders instead of all files. The switch should now show as off, or your new choice should be marked.
6. Confirm your changes. The phone may ask you to confirm. Follow any on-screen prompts so the new setting is saved. Then go back and check that the permission still shows the value you chose.
7. Refresh the connection (optional but recommended). Permission changes don’t always register right away. Close the Link to Windows app on your phone and open it again. Then close and reopen the Phone Link app on your Windows PC. If the PC still shows old access, restart both devices.

That’s it. Your phone now limits what your PC can reach through Phone Link, and the PC should only see the files you allowed.

To undo the change, follow the same steps and turn the permission back on. If something stops working on the PC afterwards, such as browsing photos or opening files from the phone, a restricted permission is the first thing to check.

If your phone is not a Samsung, the permission lives in a different place. On other Android phones, go to Settings › Apps › Phone Link Companion (Link to Windows) > Permissions. An iPhone works differently and has no “All File Access” setting, so there is nothing to change there. Phone Link features also vary by mobile platform.

Understanding Android’s Permission System

Android has a built-in permission system that protects your personal data from apps you connect to your computer. The “All File Access” setting works like a master switch. When it is on, your PC can read, open, or edit everything saved in your phone’s storage. When it is off or limited, the PC only sees what the narrower permission allows.

Phone Link permissions are what let the phone and PC work together. After setup, you can change them from inside the app or from the phone’s main system settings. On Samsung phones, the system route usually looks like this:

• Settings › Apps › Link to Windows › Permissions

Tap any permission to turn it on or off. Turning one off may disable the matching feature in Phone Link. For example, blocking Contacts can affect calls and messages, while limiting file access affects photos and files.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/phone-link-requirements-and-setup-cd2a1ee7-75a7-66a6-9d4e-bf22e735f9e3

Conclusion

If Phone Link stops showing your photos or files later, open the same Permissions screen first, because the setting may have changed or been reset after an app update or reinstall. To switch access back on, turn “All File Access” on again in that screen. The Notifications and Contacts permissions sit on the same screen, so they are the natural next ones to review.