An image processing apparatus includes an operations unit configured to be directly operated by a user; a main unit configured to operate based on a request from the operations unit; a determination unit configured to determine a device that is to use an external storage device of the operations unit, in accordance with one of a function of the main unit that is activated through the operations unit and an application of the operations unit; and a switching unit configured to switch a current connection of the external storage device to a connection between the determined device and the external storage device.