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

Why do I keep getting access denied?

There are various reasons you can be getting the Access is denied error on Windows 11. Below are some of the factors that can cause it:

Lack of permission: If a folder or external hard drive shows the Access is denied prompt on Windows 11, it might be because you lack the right permission to view or open the file. You need to take full control of the folder to circumvent this. Lack of ownership: This error can also show up if you don’t have ownership rights to the folder. So, you must take ownership of the folder or file and restart your PC to fix this. Encryption: If a folder is encrypted on one user account, you can’t open it from another. So, you need to change your account to admin or provide the admin password to access it. Antivirus interference: Sometimes, your antivirus might deem a safe folder or file as dangerous due to some of its properties. This can lead to this error. You need to disable or remove the security software and switch to one of the best antiviruses for Windows 11.

How do I fix the Access denied error in Windows 11?

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

It is advised to disable your antivirus. This is because it might be flagging the folder or file, thereby preventing it from opening. Ensure the file you are opening is not corrupt or problematic, say, lesser than the intended size. Check that, and if that turns out to be the case, restore the file from another PC or download it from the web.

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 you have the destination folder access 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

Keep in mind that after switching back to your main account, the Windows 11 Access is denied issue might persist. SPONSORED If needed, you can use the Administrator account to make the necessary changes to your system and fix things when you have Drive is not accessible Access is denied error in Windows 11.

6. Take ownership of the file

6.1. Take ownership via properties

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

6.2. Take ownership via Command Prompt

If you were trying to find out how how to remove access denied in CMD, reconfiguring the permissions by using the icacls command 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. The Windows 11 Access is denied error can be frustrating as it can stop you from opening important files. But with the fixes in this guide, you should be able to fix it for good. In the same vein, if you want to know how to fix Error 5 Access is denied on Windows 11, check our detailed guide for the steps to follow. Feel free to let us know which procedure worked for you in the comments area below.

Name * Email * Commenting as . Not you? Save information for future comments
Comment

Δ