Partition Recovery™
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
Last updated: Aug 26, 2021

What to do when the folder access denied

Here you will find out:

  • why the destination folder access is denied
  • 4 methods on how to solve this problem
  • how DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

Why was folder access denied?

The “folder access denied” error is not widespread enough for every user to know about it. Nevertheless, if you are reading this article, it has affected you and you might be confused.

So, the destination folder access denied issue may happen due to:

  • Insufficient rights and permissions
  • Damage to (or encryption of) the file on the grounds of a system failure or virus attack
  • Maybe you do not own these files and folders

Depending on the foundation, you will find your way to solve the error folder access denied.

The first thing to do!

In this situation, you first need to know if you are an administrator on this computer. Since only an admin has the right to make changes on the computer, if you are not an administrator, then your rights are limited.

Solution 1. Change folder ownership

It may happen that you are not the owner of this folder. But that can be fixed! Change the ownership to you and the error folder access denied will disappear.

How to do this:

Change folder ownership - step1.

Select the problem folder by right-clicking on it. Choose the Properties and then - Security tab. At the right lower corner of this window, tap on Advanced. A new dialog box will appear; pay attention to the Owner line and, opposite it, click on Change.

The window "Select User or Group" will open. Type on the keyboard your user name and click OK. Now, return to the Advanced dialog box and put the tick next to “Replace all permission entries ...” and click OK.

It is recommended to reboot the PC/laptop and then check if the folders are accessible now.

Solution 2. Get rid of encryption

If folder access is denied due to its encryption, you can check it right now: right-click on the file and select the Properties tab from the list.

Choose the General -> Advanced tab. Now carefully look at the new window: at the bottom will be the line "Encrypt contents to protect data"; see if it is active. If yes, you are out of luck; the previous user encrypted the folder and only they can fix it using a special individual certificate.

Get rid of encryption to avoid folder access denied.

All you have to do is find this certificate and decrypt the folder.

Solution 3. What about permissions?

The authority you possess can also be easily checked in the Properties section of the write-protected folder.

Correct the permissions to avoid folder access denied.

Then you need to go into Security and pay attention to what permissions are available for the administrator. If only reading is available, then this may be the cause of the problem because in this case, you can see the folder, but you can’t do anything with it.

Full control can solve all the problems associated with folder access being denied in Windows 10.

Solution 4. Use reader mode in Partition Recovery

DiskInternals Partition Recovery software can help you perfectly and you won’t have to deal with the “folder access denied in Windows 10” error.

There is a reading mode for inaccessible files; you can calmly open any protected folder and get acquainted with its contents. The application will open a file of any type, so don’t even worry about it. Thought out to the last detail, the Recovery Wizard will show you all the possible functions of the program and help save files if necessary.

Use reader mode in DiskInternals Partition Recovery to read folder where access is denied.

Also, DiskInternals Partition Recovery is compatible with many file systems: HFS, FAT12, ReFS, UFS, NTFS, etc.

You can use a free trial version of the program; if there is no need to save the found files, this version will be enough. In the event that saving is mandatory, you will have to buy a license (plus the company will give you nice bonuses).

Therefore, this is a win-win option and perhaps the most affordable at the moment.

Related articles

FREE DOWNLOADVer 8.13, WinBUY NOWFrom $139.95

Please rate this article.
4.734 reviews