Microsoft allows Windows users to delete the folders using the Command Prompt application. You can even right-click on the folder name to remove it from the device. But, sometimes, the permission required error message might appear while deleting the files. Restart the computer to eliminate this critical Windows error. Move the required folder to another location, and then remove it to fix this issue.
Change the ownership of the files to stop getting this error message. Configure the Windows 10 or 11 settings to overcome this permission error. Still, experiencing “You require permission from the system to make changes to this folder? It might be caused if there is a virus or malware in the folder that you want to delete. Scan the device with an antivirus program to fix this problem immediately.
But, before that, it is important to acknowledge the reason behind the error. Once you find that, use the following troubleshooting methods to fix it:
3 Solutions to Resolve the “You require permission from Administrators to Make Changes to this Folder” Error
Windows users should modify the User Account Control (UAC) settings. Did the folder you want to remove be protected by “Trusted Installer”? It could be another potential reason behind this Windows error.
Disable this built-in Windows service and delete the folders without any further interference. Access the hard drive’s properties, go to “administrator” and remove the permissions. Now, select the folders that you want to delete – the error message won’t further display.
Sometimes, third-party applications can prevent you from deleting the folders. Uninstall these programs from the Control Panel to fix this permission error. Replace the corrupted hard drive with a new one to solve this file removal issue. Don’t try to install an HDD or solid-state drive with D-I-Y videos. Instead, contact an IT expert for an instant hard drive replacement.
But, if that doesn’t resolve this error, implement the solutions that are mentioned below:
Change the Ownership of the Folders
The permission error occurs when users remove folders that they didn’t create. Only the administrators of the Windows folder have permission to delete them. Thus, changing the ownership of the folders will solve this complicated error. Log in to the administrator account, access the folder and right-click on it immediately. Choose “Properties” and head towards the “Security” tab to choose “System”.
Tap on “Advanced”, select “Ok”, and wait until the following window appears. Now, move to the “Owner” section and click on “Change” to get the “User or Group” tab. Opt for the “Find Now” option, choose “OK”, and then go to the “Permissions” section. Click the “Add” option and tap on “Full Control” when the pop-up menu opens.
Then, tick the checkbox of the “Basic Permission” tab and select “OK”. Restart the device, open the file, and display the permission error message. If you can not find the folder inside the “:C/” folder, check if it’s hidden in Windows. Open the File Explorer, go to the “View Tab”, click on “Hidden Items” to locate the folder.
Modify the Folder Permissions
Having ownership of the file or folder is not enough, and you might need to change the folder’s permissions to solve this problem. Not aware of how to do it? First, open the Windows folder, right-click on it and choose “Properties” afterwards. Move to the “Security” tab, tap on “OK”, and proceed to the “Advanced” section. Choose the user’s account name from “Permissions” and click on “Change Permissions”.
Select the ‘Add’ button when the next window opens and check the folder’s location once. Did you notice the “replace all child object permission entries from this object” checkbox? Click on that, select “OK, “ and close the folder’s permissions tab. Now, you can delete or move the folders without getting this error message.
While changing permission might help you to prevent this issue. But, this solution might not work in the Windows system files. Further, it can cause problems with specific Windows applications. Moreover, a few applications might stop working and freeze continuously. Thus, consult with an expert before applying this solution.
Get into the Safe Mode
Safe Mode lets Windows users troubleshoot critical issues, including permission file errors. Restart the device in this diagnostic mode to delete the files without hassle. And, the steps to enable the Safe Mode varies depending on the device’s OS.
Do you use an older version of Windows OS? Then, press the F8 key after rebooting the computer. Use the up and down arrow keys to choose this option. Once done, hit the “Enter” button to access the Safe Mode.
How to Enable Safe Mode in Windows 8, 10 and 11?
The Windows 8 and 10 users need to hold the Windows and I key together. And, when the Settings menu opens, tap on “Update & Security”, then click on “Recovery”. Head to the “Advanced startup” tab, choose “Restart Now”, and turn off the PC afterwards. Restart the device, tap on “Troubleshoot”, choose “Advanced Options”, and select “Startup Settings”.
If prompted, opt for the “Restart” option and enter the recovery key. The PC will reboot within a few minutes, and press the F4 key to enter Safe Mode. Choose option 5 or press F5 if you need internet access after enabling this Windows mode.
Did you update the device from Windows 10 to Windows 11? Then, hold the Windows and R keys together; when the pop-up window opens, enter “msconfig”. Press the “Enter” key, go to the “Boot” tab and tick the “Safe boot” checkbox. Restart the device, and this error won’t display while deleting a folder or subfolder.
Alternative Ways to Solve “You require permission from Administrators to Make Changes to this Folder” Error
Use the Command Prompt tool to change the folder’s security permissions. Additionally, Windows users can run SFC to replace the corrupted files with new ones. Scan the device with Windows Defender to fix this permission error. Disable the User Account Control option from the computer settings. And, take an expert’s help if these solutions don’t solve the file permission error.