Permissions

Desktop/Documents access prompts, Full Disk Access, and common permission issues.

Permissions for file access (macOS)

macOS protects certain locations (Desktop, Documents, etc.). Explorer can’t access them until you grant permission.

Permissions are not “global trust” - they’re feature‑gated. You only need them if you actually work with those folders.

What you might see

  • a macOS prompt the first time you open Desktop or Documents
  • “permission denied” errors when a folder is protected

What to do (recommended order)

1) Grant “Files and Folders” access (Desktop / Documents)

System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders

Enable the folders you want Explorer to access (Desktop, Documents).

2) Use Full Disk Access only if you really need it

Full Disk Access is for protected locations and system‑level restrictions.

System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access

Enable it only if you consistently hit access errors outside the normal protected folders workflow.

After changing permissions, quit and relaunch Explorer.

Why we ask

Permissions are feature-gated: Explorer only requests what’s needed to show and manipulate your files.

Next steps