en-US chrome computer user

Control use of the File System API for reading

Verified with Google Chrome — updated on July 10, 2026

Supported on: Microsoft Windows 7 or later

Path in the GPO console

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Google\Google Chrome\Content settings

Description

Setting the policy to 3 lets websites ask for read access to files and directories in the host operating system's file system via the File System API. Setting the policy to 2 denies access. Leaving it unset lets websites ask for access, but users can change this setting.

Registry

HKLM Software\Policies\Google\Chrome
HKCU Software\Policies\Google\Chrome

More options available

Options

Control use of the File System API for reading
DefaultFileSystemReadGuardSetting enum
  • Do not allow any site to request read access to files and directories via the File System API -> 2
  • Allow sites to ask the user to grant read access to files and directories via the File System API -> 3

Export Builder

BETA

Configure the state, scope and options, then generate .reg, PowerShell, Intune and SCCM outputs — or add the setting to a multi-setting collection.

These exports write the registry — this is not a managed GPO.

Scope

.reg file

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; Exported from gporais.com
; Policy: Control use of the File System API for reading
; State: Enabled
; Scope: Computer (HKLM)
; Supported on: Microsoft Windows 7 or later

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome]
"DefaultFileSystemReadGuardSetting"=dword:00000002
More formats (PowerShell, Intune, SCCM)

PowerShell

# Exported from gporais.com
# Policy: Control use of the File System API for reading
# State: Enabled
# Scope: Computer (HKLM)
# Supported on: Microsoft Windows 7 or later

$path = 'HKLM:\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome'
New-Item -Path $path -Force | Out-Null
Set-ItemProperty -Path $path -Name 'DefaultFileSystemReadGuardSetting' -Value 2 -Type DWord

Building a multi-setting collection? Add this setting and generate combined .reg / PowerShell / GPO scripts.

Open the Builder

Embed this policy on your site

What to embed
Theme

Adds one script line: the theme follows your site’s appearance and the height fits the content. If your site blocks scripts, the embed follows the visitor’s system theme.

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