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Folder Access Denied Windows 11: How to Get Full Permissions

Taking full control of the inaccessible folder or file should fix this

7 min. read

Updated onAugust 16, 2024

updated onAugust 16, 2024

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Key notes

The Windows 11Access is deniederror prevents you fromuninstalling applicationsor accessing particular directories on your computer. The reasons for the error vary from issues with your PC to permission and setting problems.

Fortunately, it is not the most challenging problem to solve, requiring just a few tweaks on your PC.

Why do I keep getting access denied?

You can get the Access is denied error on Windows 11 for various reasons. Below are some of the factors that can cause it:

How do I fix theAccess deniederror in Windows 11?

Before making changes to your PC, here are a few quick things to do:

If this does not solve the issue, you can now proceed to the fixes below:

1. Use the Registry Editor

If you are getting the Windows 11 Access denied as administrator, the steps above will help remove all restrictions that might be causing the issue.

2. Use Computer Management

3. Set your account as administrator

Restart your computer once you’ve completed the procedures outlined above to determine whether or not the external hard drive access denied in Windows 11 problem has been resolved.

4. Check your permissions

This is a rather simple solution when the destination folder access is denied in Windows 11. But if your user name isn’t on the list, you’ll have to add it manually and then change its permissions.

5. Enable the hidden Administrator account

Remember that after switching back to your main account, the Windows 11 Access is denied issue might persist.

If needed, you can use the Administrator account to make the necessary changes to your system and fix things when you haveDrive is not accessible Access is deniederror in Windows 11.

6. Take ownership of the file

After applying these steps, the Windows 11 Access is denied error should be solved.

If you were trying to find out how to remove access denied in CMD, reconfiguring the permissions by using theicaclscommand should do the trick.

After running these two commands, you should have full access to them. Reboot your computer once you’ve completed the procedures outlined above to determine whether or not the problem has been resolved.

If nothing else works, you might considerresetting your Windows 11 to factory defaults. It’s not ideal, but it’s a last-resort solution that will wipe the ownership settings and let you access the folder.

The Windows 11 Access is denied error can be frustrating as it can stop you from opening important files. It can also happen to theTemp folder denying you accessto delete junk files. However, with the fixes in this guide, you should be able to fix it for good.

Many reported this error while trying toaccess the user folder from an old hard drive, but that’s not the only instance.

In the same vein, if you want to know how to fixError 5 Access is denied on Windows 11, check our detailed guide for the steps to follow. We also recommend checking our guide on how toassign read/write permissionsproperly and avoid future issues. Additionally, we can help you out if you encounter a pop-up saying “Unable to execute file in the temporary directory.“

Let us know which procedure worked for you in the comments area below.

Folder Access Denied Windows 11: How to Get Full Permissions#

Why do I keep getting access denied?#

How do I fix theAccess deniederror in Windows 11?#

1. Use the Registry Editor#

2. Use Computer Management#

3. Set your account as administrator#

4. Check your permissions#

5. Enable the hidden Administrator account#

6. Take ownership of the file#