Microsoft photo app

Question

Until the most recent update with the photos app from Windows, I had no problems downloading my photos off my SD card into the microsoft photo app on my computer. It now won't allow me to download my photos with my SD card into the app and up pops this box and it says "a notification has been sent requesting you to allow microsoft photos access & import your photos.

I've searched all over and the boxes are clicked as if they're a yes for "allowed". Where do I find this so I can continue working on my photos? I'm not sure where the "notification" is, but if they meant it for me, I've never seen one. Can anyone tell me exactly where I'm to find this box or do I need to reinstall or what? Or how do I get rid of the box that keeps popping up when I try downloading? Thanks so much for your time answering me.

Answer 1

Hello.

This issue usually happens when the Photos app loses its permission to access external devices (SD cards), even if the settings appear to be enabled.

Please check the following:

1. Reset the Photos app permissions

Go to: Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions > Pictures

Make sure Microsoft Photos = Allowed.

Then also check: Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions > File system

Turn Microsoft Photos = On.

Then also check: Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions > Automatic file downloads and make sure it is Allowed.

2. Reset the Photos app

Go to: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Photos > Advanced options Select Repair, then Reset.

3. Try importing again from the Photos app

Open Photos → Import → From a connected device.

Answer 2

The Photos app itself does not send a separate “permission” notification for SD cards. The message being seen is most likely related to Windows’ automatic file download/online storage permissions or to how Photos imports from devices after the update.

Try these steps in order:

1. Check Photos import from devices
   1. Insert the SD card and wait for Windows to detect it.
   2. Open Start > type Photos > open the Photos app.
   3. In Photos, select Import, then choose the SD card if it appears as a connected device, and follow the prompts to pick items and a save location.
   4. If Photos does not list the SD card, open File Explorer and confirm the SD card is visible and accessible there. If it is not, the issue is with the SD card or reader rather than Photos.
2. Verify Photos can see folders on the PC
   1. In Photos, select Gallery on the left.
   2. Select Add folder and add the folder where imported photos are stored (for example, a folder on the SD card or a folder on the PC where photos are copied).
   3. Confirm that photos appear in Photos once the folder is added.
3. Check for automatic file download prompts (OneDrive/online-only files) If photos are stored in a OneDrive folder as “online-only,” Windows may show an automatic file download notification when Photos tries to access them:
   1. When the notification appears, select Do nothing if the download is expected, or
   2. If Cancel download or Block app was selected previously, go to automatic file download settings (ms-settings:privacy-automaticfiledownloads) and unblock the Photos app so it can download online-only files again.
4. Check notifications settings
   1. Open notifications settings (ms-settings:notifications).
   2. Under Get notifications from these senders, make sure Automatic file downloads is turned on so any future prompts are visible.
5. If the Photos app remains stuck on the permission message
   1. Close Photos.
   2. Safely remove and reinsert the SD card.
   3. Reopen Photos and repeat the Import steps above.
   4. If the problem persists only in Photos but not in File Explorer, consider using File Explorer to copy photos from the SD card to a folder on the PC, then add that folder to Photos via Gallery > Add folder.

These steps use the current Photos app behavior: importing from a connected device (SD card), adding folders to Gallery, and handling Windows’ automatic file download notifications.

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References:

• Manage photos and videos with Microsoft Photos app
• Import photos and videos from phone to PC
• Automatic file download notifications in Windows