how to fix Access is Denied Error in windows 10

Are you getting 'Access Denied' error in Windows 10, though you are the sole administrator on your computer? This error typically arises due to permission issues, security settings, or conflicts with user accounts. This video we explorer common reason reasons behind the "Access is Denied" error and provides practical solutions to fix it.

Common Reasons Behind the "Access is Denied" Error
Insufficient Permissions: One of the primary causes of this error is insufficient permissions. If your user account does not have the necessary rights to access or modify a file or folder, you will encounter this error.

File or Folder Ownership: Sometimes, the ownership of a file or folder may change, especially after a system update or migration. If your user account is not the owner, you may be denied access.

Read-Only Settings: Files or folders set to read-only mode can also trigger the "Access is Denied" error when you try to modify or delete them.

User Account Control (UAC) Settings: Strict UAC settings can prevent users from accessing certain files or folders, especially those requiring administrative privileges.

Encrypted Files: Encrypted files are protected and can only be accessed by users who have the proper decryption key. Without this key, access is denied.

Conflicts with Third-Party Security Software: Antivirus or other security software can sometimes block access to files or folders if they are deemed suspicious or harmful, resulting in this error.

Check and Modify Permissions:

Right-click on the file or folder and select "Properties."
Navigate to the "Security" tab and click on "Edit."
Select your user account and ensure the appropriate permissions are checked (e.g., Full control, Modify).
Click "Apply" and "OK" to save changes.

Take Ownership of the File or Folder:

Right-click on the file or folder and select "Properties."
Go to the "Security" tab and click on "Advanced."
Click on the "Owner" tab and then "Edit."
Select your user account from the list or enter your username, then click "OK."
Check the box "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects" and click "Apply."

Remove Read-Only Attribute:

Right-click on the file or folder and select "Properties."
Uncheck the "Read-only" box and click "Apply."
Confirm any prompts and click "OK."

Adjust User Account Control Settings:

Open the Control Panel and go to "User Accounts."
Click on "Change User Account Control settings."
Move the slider to a lower setting to reduce the restrictions.
Click "OK" and restart your computer.

Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily:

Open your antivirus or security software.
Temporarily disable real-time protection or other security features.
Try accessing the file or folder again.
Remember to re-enable your security software after resolving the issue.

#windows10

[tarakirby]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! HOURS of trying other solutions and nothing worked and your second fix was the issue. This just saved me a ton of money on our IT Company coming in to fix it.

[MegocompRu]

It's strange, but I don't have "Local users and groups" option in the Computer Management window.

[dusty]

there is no local and users option appearing when i click on manage

[gia]

ummm i don't have the local users and groups

[harshavardhangudipati]

My windows updating is not disabling. It keep on showing access is denied when I apply disable to windows update. I want to fix this problem

[cherybomber]

I dont have the local users and groups folders. This is driving me up the wall

[ratrim]

Nice video, thanks for sharing, the first method solve my issue with windows 10. But got trouble in typing the command, please mention the command clearly in your video description.

[jobnacional]

local users and groups doesn't show! what should i do?

[andri]

dude i dont see local users and groups on the computer management

[bingoeh]

Doesn't work because of Access is denied. I don't know why but have followed your instructions here but for some reasons won't let me to do this. Here is the error message: Local Users and Groups The following error occurred while attempting to save properties for user John: Access is denied.

[tomrisar]

Dude the music is stopping me to follow your extremely fast pace video, even with the sound muted it's too confusing.

[ReachShaunNow]

Windows 10 Home and Windows Vista Home Editions do NOT have Local User and Groups under Computer Management (or anywhere else on the system.... Just FYI.... Some other OS versions may be the same, but that part I'm unsure of. However, open the Command Prompt (CMD) with administrator privileges. Make sure you are on C:\Windows\System32>

If not: type cd.. and press enter until you are back to the drive letter. For this example, it would take you to C:\>

Note: If you are on a different drive like D:, G:, etc... you need to be on whatever drive letter your OS is installed on (usually drive C)

Okay, from C:\> enter the following commands in CMD to get to C:\Windows\System32>

C:\>cd windows

It will change to C:\Windows> (type cd system32) and press enter

Looks like this C:\Windows>cd system32

It will change to: C:\Windows\System32>

Now type: net localgroup administrators and press enter

Looks like this: C:\Windows\System32>net localgroup administrators

Note: If you changed the name of your administrators group then you will need to substitute "administrators" with the new name you have chosen.

Anyway, after the command "C:\Windows\System32>net localgroup administrators" You should see:

Alias name     administrators
Comment        Administrators have complete and unrestricted access to the
Administrator
(Here it should show the name of your User/Administrator Account)
The command completed successfully.
C:\Windows\System32>


So, if your administrator user account shows up after entering that command "C:\Windows\System32>net localgroup administrators" then you are already promoted to the administrators group!!

If not, type in this command: net localgroup then press enter

Then type: net share concfg*C:\/grant:PutYourUserNameHere, full and press enter

If that doesn't work, try this command instead: net share SHARE_NAME=c:\ /grant:PutYourUserNameHere, full

IF YOU STILL HAVE PROBLEMS CONTACT ME AND ILL TRY TO HELP BECAUSE I HAD A NEVERENDING NIGHTMARE WITH WINDOWS 10 PROBLEMS AND DID ALL THE TRIAL AND ERROR CRAP AND MESSED UP THE PC AND REINSTALLED WINDOWS NUMEROUS TIMES AND COULDNT GET ANYWHERE EVEN WITH LEVEL 2 TECHS FROM MICROSOFT BUT WAS ABLE TO SOLVE MOST WINDOWS 10 PROBLEMS ON MY OWN. FIND ME ON FACEBOOK

I CAN HELP WITH WINDOWS 10 INCOMPATIBILITY ISSUES TOO... just saying :) good luck

[trxshlord]

Thanks buddy. Worked for me, I gave myself admin access, even though I already had it, applied it, and it worked. Much love.

[andrewjonsson]

So why the living hell did the poster not address the fact that many here pointed out THERE IS NO Local Users and Groups Item shown!!!
CHRIST!!!

[Warkillable]

'Local Users and Groups' is not found on Home edition of Win 10...

[tamngocle]

Hi, my technician forgot to tick the box "password never expired" and my computer now says "your password is expired, you need to change" but when I changed to the new password, it still says " your access denied". I desperately need some help, cant use my computer and the technician does not know how make it work. Cant run the windows. Please help!!!!

[shinjansaha]

after type "gpupdate/force" any file is not opening.what can I do?please tell me...

[ZapytajFotografa]

Second solution was for me. Thank you!

[vruiner]

btw id didn't work .. how can i delete the new user ??

[mohamedsiddique]

Sorry boss I tried all the options but again I am facing same issue in windows 10 kindly suggest something else