Few things are more frustrating than hitting a virtual brick wall with an “access denied error” or “you don’t have permission” message on your screen. These errors are not uncommon but it can still be a roadblock when working on important tasks. As these errors can stop you from accessing your files or folders. But, don’t worry you are not alone, you are better here reading this post as we will explain all about this issue’s occurrence and its fixes. There are simple steps to fix the Windows access denied error messages.
Why am I suddenly getting access denied?
If you are a constant user of the device not displaying the drive not accessible error, then it might be puzzling. But, let us tell you that these errors can occur due to various reasons, such as changes in file or folder permissions, antivirus or firewall restrictions, or recent updates altering the security settings. It could also be caused by corrupted user profiles, conflicts with third-party applications.
How to fix the “Drive Access Denied” issue?
To fix Windows access denied error on your computer, you can try the following methods.
Fix 1: Check Permission
- Step 1: Right-click on the file or folder causing the issue and select Properties.
- Step 2: Now in the newly opened Properties, go to the Security tab and click on Edit.
- Step 3: Here you need to add your user account or select Everyone. Now grant Full Control under the Allow section.
This will help you with fixing the ‘disk not accessible access is denied’ error.
Fix 2: Take Ownership
- Step 1: Right click on the file/folder and select Properties.
- Step 2: Under the Security tab, click on Advanced.
- Step 3: Now, change the owner to your user account by clicking “Change” next to the owner field.
Fix 3: Enable Administrator Account
- Step 1: Go to This PC and select Manage, now open Computer Management.
- Step 2: Now click on Local Users and Groups, here you can ensure that the Administrator account is enabled.
- Fix 4: Run as Administrator
The disk is not accessible, access is denied error occurs when it requires an Administrator account. If a disk requires administrative rights to access system files, make changes or interact with protected parts of your drive, you need to switch your account. If you are trying to open a program, right-click on it and select the Run as Administrator.
Fix 5: Disable Antivirus temporarily
Sometimes, antivirus software or firewall settings can interfere with the disk permissions. Disable the antivirus software temporarily and check it resolves the issue or drive not accessible. Although a Windows Firewall should be enabled immediately after as it can put your computer to vulnerability.
Fix 6: Use Command Prompt
- Step 1: Open Command Prompt by typing in the Start and click on run as administrator.
- Step 2: Now use command icacls
Reset permissions using it and get rid of the drive access denied error.
Fix 7: Check Group Policy Settings
This method only works for Windows Pro and Enterprise editions.
- Step 1: Open Group Policy by using the Run command which opens by pressing Windows + R keys. Next type gpedit.msc and press Enter key.
- Step 2: Now the Group Policy window will open and you can modify the security settings.
- Step 3: Go to the desired policy under the User Configuration.
Double-click on the policy to view and modify its settings.
Conclusion:
In the end we would like to say that encountering access denied error is very common. If you are facing ‘disk not accessible’ or ‘you don’t have permissions’ issues in Windows, try out these aforementioned methods. By using straightforward methods such as checking permissions,taking ownership of disk and regaining access can help you fix the issue. There are always reasons to which the error might occur, if nothing works, try taking a backup and then rebooting your computer. But first make sure that you are operating with the necessary administrative privileges and consider temporary factors such as an interfering software. In case of an antivirus software, try turning it off or uninstalling it.
Frequently Asked Questions –
Q1. How do I fix an access denied error?
Make sure your account has the administrator rights and privileges. This error can be fixed by taking the ownership of the file/folder by changing the properties or running it with your Administrator account. Make sure to ask for permissions in case of work or school or shared computers.
Q2. How do I fix a permission denied error?
To fix an access denied error, right-click the file or folder, go to the Properties and then Security tab. Here you can check if you have the proper permissions or not. If not, Take the ownership or add your account with full control. Alternatively. Run the program or disable the antivirus temporarily.
