How To Fix Folder Access Denied Error on Windows 11

Stuck with the folder access denied error on Windows 11? Unable to access a folder’s content or a file and seeing the “Access is Denied” alert on the screen? In this post, we have listed a handful of solutions that you can use for fixing the folder access denied error on Windows 11.

Image source: AnyRecover

When Windows tells you that you don’t have the permission to view a certain folder or a file, it is probably due to restricted admin rights or misconfigured folder permission settings. Another possible set of reasons that may trigger this alert include conflict with Google Drive, encrypted/password-protected folder or file, the folder contains a corrupt file, limited admin rights, and so on.

But the good thing is that you can easily get past this issue by making some minor changes in the system settings.

In this post, we have listed a handful of solutions that you can use for fixing the folder access denied error on Windows 11.

Let’s get started.

6 Ways To Fix Folder Access Denied Error on Windows 11

Solution #1: Disable the Google Drive Sync

If the folder that you’re trying to access is synced with Google Drive, it may cause a little conflict in rare circumstances. To make sure that’s not the case, we will disable the Google Drive Sync process via Task Manager and see whether it resolves the error.

Press the Control + Shift + Escape key combination to launch Windows Task Manager. Switch to the “Processes” tab.

Scroll through the list of active processes and look for “GoogleDriveSync.exe”. Once you find it, right-click on it and select the “End Task” option to terminate the process.

After terminating the process, try opening the folder again and see if this hack worked.

Also read: Task Manager not Working on Windows 11? Here’s the Fix!

Solution #2: Turn OFF Folder Encryption

If the folder that you’re trying to access is password-protected or encrypted then you may face the “Folder Access Denied Error” on Windows 11. Follow these quick steps to turn off folder encryption.

Right-click on the folder, select “Properties”.

Tap on the “Advanced” button.

Now, make sure that the “Encrypt contents to secure data” option is unchecked.

Solution #3: Manually Grant User Permissions

Right-click on the folder that you are unable to open, select “Properties”.

In the Properties window, switch to the “Security” tab.

Tap on the Edit button and then select your username from the list and then check on all the boxes in the Permissions section to grant full access.

Image source: Guiding Tech

Hit on the Apply button to save your changes.

Also read: How To Force Delete Folder And Files In Windows?

Solution #4: Disable Controlled Folder Access

Here comes the next hack to fix the “Folder access denied error” issue on Windows 11. Here’s what you need to do:

Tap on the search icon placed on the Taskbar, type “Windows Security” in the search box, and hit Enter.

Switch to the “Virus and Threat Protection” section from the left menu pane.

Scroll down and tap on “Manage Ransomware Protection”.

Now, disable the “Controlled Folder Access” if it was enabled by default.

After disabling the “Controlled Folder Access”, try to re-open the folder that you were unable to access to check if you’re still facing any issues.

Also read: Use “Controlled Folder Access” To Block Ransomware On Windows 10

Solution #5: Edit the Registry

Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Regedit” in the textbox and hit Enter.

In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following folder location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/LanmanWorkstation/Parameters

Once you’re in the Parameters folder, right-click anywhere on the right window pane and select New> D-WORD (32-Bit) Value.

Name the new entry as “AllowInsecureGuestAuth” and enter “1” in the Value Data field. Hit on OK when done.

Solution #6: Scan your Device for Viruses or Malware

Tried the above-listed resolutions and still no luck? Still stuck with the “Folder access denied error”? Well, it’s time to run a malware check on your device as there may be some hidden traces of viruses or malware present in your system.

Download and install Systweak Antivirus security tool on your Windows 11 machine. Systweak Antivirus offers real-time protection against all types of viruses, malware, spyware, trojans, adware, and zero-day exploits. It also includes some advanced utility features like USB stick protection, offers regular updates, and cleans unwanted startup apps to optimize your device’s performance.

This comprehensive security software comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and is available for immediate download right after the purchase.

Also read: Top Methods To Access Windows Restricted Folders

So, folks, let’s wrap! Here were the 6 most effective workarounds for fixing the folder access denied error on Windows 11. We hope these troubleshooting hacks prove out to be super helpful to you! For any other queries or assistance, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments section. Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.