Destination Folder Access Denied in Windows 10 error frequently occurs if multiple users are configuring on the same system. Second, this error could also occur when the users provide up-gradation to their existing operating system.
It also occurs when they try to provide modification to a pre-existing folder or file of their operating system. The scenario to this error could be different, but the root cause of the issue is only the own properties of that particular target file or the folder.
Here the various troubleshooting solutions are provided to you. Go through them carefully.
When working with files and folders on your computer, you may encounter errors like “Destination Folder Access Denied.” While the term “Destination Folder” is relatively straightforward, understanding why access is denied and how to resolve it on the C drive can be less intuitive.
In this SEO-optimized article, we’ll dive into what a destination folder is, explore common reasons behind the ‘Access Denied’ error, and guide you through solving it, particularly when dealing with the C drive.
What is a Destination Folder?
In computing terms, the “Destination Folder” refers to the directory or location where files are moved, copied, or saved. It could be any folder on your computer, an external hard drive, or a network location.
For example, when you download a file from the internet, the download dialogue often asks you to specify a “destination folder” where the file will be saved.
Causes of Destination Folder Access Denied Error
Here are some common reasons why you might encounter the “Destination Folder Access Denied” error:
Administrative Privileges
The C drive typically contains essential system files and folders. For security reasons, you may need administrative privileges to make changes to this drive.
File/Folder Permissions
Every file and folder comes with a set of permissions, dictating who can read, write, or execute them. Incorrect permissions can lead to the ‘Access Denied’ error.
Third-Party Software
Sometimes, third-party software like antivirus programs can interfere with file operations, causing this error.
File/Folder In Use
If the file or folder is open in another program, you might not be able to move or delete it.
How to Fix Destination Folder Access Denied in Windows 10
Solution 1: Check Connectivity and Sharing
When you are trying to access any shared file or the folder, there is a chance that the permissions from the other computer have been messed up due to some reasons. This error takes place then.
So, when you experience this, the first and foremost step is to check the connectivity. If you find that the connectivity is alright, then check the Share Permission. Rectify and be sure that the systems which you are using are both in the online phase.
I would advise you to refer the system that is sharing the folder as the source system, and the one that is accessing the folder be the host. Now follow these steps:
Step 1: Press Windows key + R. Dialog box of Run opens. Type cmd. Now, on the command prompt window, type “ipconfig /all“. This will provide you with the local IP of the source system.
Step 2: As soon as you have the IP Address with you, go to the host system where the error “Destination Folder Access Denied Windows 10” is occurring. Now call the source.
Step 3: If you are getting the replies, this means connectivity to the network has been done. If the time limit is crossed, then you are not connected yet. If at all you are connected but the firewall is blocking it, then disable the security software or the antivirus.
Step 4: Once the ping is receiving the replies, this shows that you have well followed those mentioned steps. Now, check the sharing permissions. For this move, reach to the file or folder to be shared. Then, right-click on it and select Properties.
Step 5: Now, click the Sharing/share tab and select Share.
Step 6: In the share properties, you are able to check or add or delete users. You can add the list of all the other computer users who are trying to get access through the folders. Be sure of it. This can be done through the command prompt.
Step 7: Well! The command line is the easiest way for including a new user. If the adding of a user and trying with the new credentials is not allowing you to have access, please go through the 2nd solution.
Solution 2: Turn on Network Discovery & File Sharing
Make sure to enable the Network Discovery & File Sharing on both of the Computer i.e. Source and Destination, while copying or moving any file to or from a network location.
Because this error “Destination Folder Access Denied Windows 10” may occur if not enabled. Follow these steps:
Step 1: After pressing the Windows key, type Network, and Sharing center in the search box. Then, click Enter to open.
Step 2: Click on Change advanced sharing settings from the left panel in the Network and sharing center’ window.
Step 3: Now, click the arrow that is against Home or Work. Be sure to select the network discovery and click on file and printer sharing radio buttons. Then press Enter or click OK.
Solution 3: Using Advanced Sharing
The users can use Advanced sharing while accessing a source file that is shared on another system. This will provide more control over the items that are being shared with whom and with what level of access. Follow the steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the source file or folder. Then click the Properties.
Step 2: Now, click on the Sharing tab. Then click Share. Write the ComputerName\Username for the user who is in need to provide modification, then click on Add. If the user is already existing then you can skip this.
Note to you: The user’s name is visible at the upper right corner of the menu when you click on the start button. Now, for launching the computer properties, press the Windows key + Pause or Break. The computer name of your system will be provided there.
Step 3: Now, against the name of the user, choose Read/Write under Permission Level. Then click Share followed by Done.
Step 4: Click the Advanced Sharing. If the User Account Control (UAC) appears with the warning box, click Yes.
Step 5: Click on the Share this folder so that you can put a check on it.
Step 6: Click on Permissions and then click Add.
Step 7: Type YourComputerName\YourUserName & then click OK.
Step 8: Make sure to check the “Full Control” in the permissions panel, under the Allow column. Then click Apply followed by OK.
Step 9: Click Apply à OK from the Advanced Sharing window. In the end, just exit the properties.
Solution 4: Disabling User Account Control
UAC can also be the reason for denying access to any folder. Follow these steps in that case:
Step 1: Click the Start button. Then type UAC on the search box. Click Change User Access Control Settings from the search results. Shift the slider to the bottom to “Never notify” which is on the left side of the window. Then click OK.
Step 2: A UAC warning window appears, click Yes.
Start your computer again. Identify whether the issue still exists. If the answer is yes, try the next solution in the row. You can also change the UAC settings to default that is second on the slider after completing the above steps.
Solution 5: Transferring Ownership of the File/Folder
When the system restricts the user to provide any modification to the file or folder, there can be a scenario that the ownership to the account is unavailable. Generally, this occurs when the file or folder is copied from any other system or might be located on an external drive. For taking the ownership to follow these steps:
Step 1: Log in with the Administrator Account.
Step 2: Then, right-click the target file or folder. The pop- up menu appears. From it, click the Properties.
Step 3: Click on the Security tab from the folder’s Properties window. Then click the Advanced Button.
Step 4: A new window opens. Click on the tab named as Owner. In the bottom, click the Edit button for changing the owner.
Step 5: Now click the Other user or groups. Then enter your account’s user name in the following format: YourComputerName \ YourUsername (or you can just enter the username and click check names) if at all the user is local, it will immediately be identified.
Also note: Hit the start button. Your User Name will be visible on the upper right corner of the menu displayed. To open the computer properties, hit the Windows key + Pause or Break. The Computer name will appear there.
Step 6: Click OK for adding the user as the owner. Now click the checkbox named Replace owner on subcontainers and objects. Click Apply and then press OK. To confirm the process, just keep clicking OK. Then close all the opened windows.
Step 7: At last, try to provide modification to the folder that is on target. If the outcome is negative, then you are left with only one piece of advice. Repeat the process for each and every folder and file that is within the folder you are trying to provide modification to.
Solution 6: Setting Permissions for your User Account
To provide modification to the target file or folder, your account must have required permission. So, to add permission in your account favor follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click the target file or folder you want to copy or move or delete or rename.
Step 2: Click on Properties.
Step 3: Make sure to clear the Read-only checkbox from the Properties window.
Step 4: Click the Security tab. Then click the Edit button after it.
Step 5: Click on “Groups or user names” if you find your user name on the list already.
Step 6: Click on the box which is next to “Full Control“. If it is already been checked, just clear it and again click on it to place a check on it.
Step 7: Click Add to add your user name on the list.
Step 8: Enter your account’s user name by following the steps mentioned in Solution 4.
Step 9: Apply, OK.
Step 10: Click on Apply from the Properties window. Then choose “Apply changes to this folder, files and the subfolders” from the window that appeared. Windows will complete the process if you click OK.
Step 11: Click OK to close the Properties window.
Step 12: Now, try to modify the folder in the target. A negative result then follows another solution. If the folder in the target is a subfolder, then apply Solution 3 and then followed by Solution 4 on the parent folder.
Solution 7: Through Command Prompt
The following solution is to grant them full access to the user through the cmd and also provide ownership of the file or folder in the target. Just follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Type cmd after pressing Windows Key.
Step 2: Click on Run as administrator after right-clicking on cmd.
Step 3: Type this code: icacls “full path of the file” /grant % username% :F /t. This will let you find the full path for the target folder or file. Now, open the folder when you have arrived.
Step 4: Click the address bar from the top. Then, copy the whole address that appears in- front of your screen.
Step 5: Write the full path along with the quotes accordingly. Then press Enter to execute the code.
Step 6: Type: takeown /f “full path of file” /r.
Write the full path of the file or folder in target, similarly along with the quotes in the command as above. Then press Enter for running the code. Now you try to provide modification to the target file or the folder.
How to Solve Access Denied in C Drive
Run As Administrator
- Right-click on the program you’re using to move or manipulate files (like File Explorer).
- Choose ‘Run as administrator.’
Modify Permissions
- Right-click on the folder you’re trying to access and choose ‘Properties.’
- Navigate to the ‘Security’ tab.
- Click on ‘Edit’ to change permissions.
Disable Third-Party Software
Sometimes disabling third-party antivirus or other software temporarily can resolve the error. Make sure to turn it back on immediately after you’ve completed the task.
Close All Programs
Ensure that no programs are using the file or folder you’re trying to move or delete and then try again.
Use Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Use the
takeowncommand to take ownership of the folder and then try accessing it.
takeown /f foldername /r /d yConclusion
Many of the users have reported this error “Destination Folder Access Denied Windows 10″ while they were trying to copy, move or delete a folder or a file both from a local or from a shared resource.
The issue says “Destination Folder Access Denied Windows 10,” but the main cause that gave rise to this problem is only the source folder’s properties. So, give a try to every solution at least once. I am sure you will succeed in one or the other. We are just one click far to solve your issue.
