How to Fix You Don’t Currently Have Permission to Access This Folder Error

Recoverit Editorial Team

Oct 23, 2026 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions

TL;DR:

To fix the Windows you don't currently have permission to access this folder error, you must use an administrator account to reconfigure the folder's security permissions or forcefully take ownership.
    ● Grant access manually by adding Everyone in the Security tab of the folder Properties, or change the owner in Advanced settings while ensuring you select the option to replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
    ● Override restricted permissions via an elevated Command Prompt using the takeown /F "full path of folder or drive"/A /R /D Y command, or disable Admin Approval Mode through Local Policy Settings using gpedit.msc.
    ● If all configuration changes fail due to underlying file system corruption from malware or improper shutdowns, the drive must be formatted and the inaccessible data restored using a recovery tool like Wondershare Recoverit.

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You most likely found yourself on this page while trying to solve the error "you don't currently have permission to access this folder" on your Windows computer. This problem is common during upgrades from one Windows version to the next and can also happen due to a sudden change in User Access Control configurations. But, you're in luck; there are several ways to deal with this error in Windows. In this article, we take you through six solutions to fix the error, "you don't currently have permission to access this folder."

Part 1: Reasons for the error "You don't currently have permission to access this folder."

Let's begin by examining the reasons for the error, "you don't currently have permission to access this folder." According to Microsoft, there are primary issues that lead to this notification.

1. The user has been erroneously removed from the Administrators group.
2. The user has explicitly been denied certain functions, such as access to the folder.
3. There is permission and share conflict. This often happens during an upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

There are several workarounds and solutions to this problem. We explain them below.

Part 2: 6 Solutions to the error "You don't currently have permission to access this folder."

Let's consider the solutions below.

Solution 1. Get Access by Allowing Everyone

You can get access to the folder by giving access to everyone. Note that you will need an administrator account or password. Follow the steps below to get access by allowing everyone.

Step 1: Right-click the folder that you can't access, scroll down and click Properties.

Step 2: Click the "Security" tab. To change permissions, click Edit under Group or user names.

Step 3: Click Add, then click Check Names.

Step 4: Select Everyone and then click OK.

Go back and attempt to open the folder once more.

Solution 2. Change the File/Folder Ownership

For this solution, you will attempt to change the ownership of the inaccessible file or folder. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Right-click the folder or file, scroll down and click Properties.

Step 2: Click the Security tab.

Step 3: Click Advanced and then click Change. You will need an administrator account or a password.

Step 4: Enter your account name and click on Checknames. Make sure you check the box that says "replace all child object permiswith inheritable permission entries from this object," then click OK.

Step 5: Check the box that says, "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects." Click Apply, then OK.

Go to the folder or file and try opening it again.

Solution 3: Deselect the 'Read Only' Option

This option rarely works, but it is worth trying when you can't make any headway with the first two solutions. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Right-click the inaccessible folder or file. Scroll down and select Properties.

Step 2: In the Attributes section, deselect the Read-Only option.

Step 3: Click Apply, then OK.

Try opening the file or folder and see if removing the Read-Only attribute solves the problem. If the solution doesn't work, you will get an "Access Denied" error message. Move on to the other solutions below.

Solution 4: Use Command Prompt

The Windows Command Prompt is a utility that helps you make advanced configurations to your Windows computer. It is accessed from the Windows Search bar by typing "Command Prompt" or simply "CMD." You can use the command prompt to get ownership of the root folder. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Type "CMD" in the Windows search bar.

Step 2: Click Run as an Administrator to launch the Command Prompt.

Step 3: Type the following command "takeown /F "full path of folder or drive"/A /R /D Y."

Step 4: Press Enter

Step 5: Restart your computer.

Try opening the file or folder to check if the error is resolved.

Solution 5: – Modify the Local Policy Settings.

This method involves modifying the Security Options of the local policy in Windows Settings. To proceed, follow the steps below:

Step 1: In the Windows search bar, type "gpedit.msc" and click Run as an administrator. This opens the Microsoft Common Console Document.

Step 2: On the left pane, navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.

Step 3: Identify the policy named "User Account Control Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account "in the right pane.

Step 4: Double-click this to make changes. Click the "Disabled" radio button—Click Apply, then OK.

Try accessing the problematic folder once more. If this still doesn't work, move on to the final solution below.

Solution 6: Recover Files in Inaccessible Folder with a Professional Data Recovery Tool

If all else fails, then the most likely reason is file system corruption. File system corruption occurs for a variety of reasons, they include:

• Improper system shutdown: Computers shut down should follow proper protocols. Always select the power button and choose Shut Down. Sometimes this is not possible such as when there is a power blackout, and the computer is not connected to an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) unit. The power cable may also be accidentally yanked. Improper system shutdown is one cause of file system corruption that leads to permission errors and loss of data.
• Virus infection: Malware also leads to file system corruption. Malicious code can also lock some files and folders, leading to the error "you don't currently have permission to access this folder."
• Hardware malfunction: Hardware can malfunction due to several reasons such as physical impact, water damage, or a factory defect.
• Software malfunction: Computer software can also malfunction due to problems during installation or a bug that prevents the software from operating as intended.

One of the ways to solve the above problems is to format your hard disk. Unfortunately, formatting erases your files and folders.

When this happens, no amount of settings configuration will get your files back. You have to use a professional data recovery tool.

We recommend Wondershare Recoverit, a state-of-the-art data recovery tool that can recover all data types in various file system formats. It is trusted by over 5 million customers and has been in the market since 2003. At a glance, some of the features on Wondershare Recoverit include:

• Over 1000 file formats: Wondershare Recoverit supports the restoration of all types of files and file systems.
• Any storage media: This tool recovers data from all types of storage media, hard disks, flash disks, USB, external hard disks, smartphones, tablets, SD cards, and much more.
• High recovery rate: Wondershare Recoverit boasts one of the best data recovery success rates in its class.
• 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee: With a money-back guarantee, you can take it for a test drive and see if it lives up to its billing. You have access to all features during this period.
• 100% Secure Virus-Free Guarantee: The software is tested and trusted with 5-star ratings and a high trust score to boot.
• 24 x 7 Free Tech Support: Live chat support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to get help when you need it.
• Clean, intuitive dashboard: The dashboard is easy to use for novices. Everything is laid out neatly, and the Wondershare website carries a detailed user guide to get you started.

In addition to these features, using Wondershare Recoverit to get access to files and folders is a simple three-step process as follows:

Step 1: Select the Location

Download and install Wondershare from the developer's website. Next, launch Wondershare Recoverit using the desktop icon and choose the location that contains the inaccessible file or folder.

Step 2: Scan the Location

Click Start to begin the scanning process. You can preview each file before recovery.

Step 3: Recover the Data

Once the scanning process is over, click Recover to access the file or folder that was inaccessible.

It is a simple as that!

The Bottom Line

From the preceding, it is clear that there are several reasons for the error "you dont currently have permission to access this folder." The most likely causes are that there is a configuration problem arising from a system upgrade. However, a corrupt file system can also throw this error. It may also be that your rights to the folder or file have been an accidental or deliberate revocation of your privileges. Follow the solutions provided methodically. When all else fails, you can always rely on Wondershare Recoverit to get your files back. And, if you get stuck, Wondershare offers 24/7 support to ensure you get assistance when you need it.