How To Fix The “Access Control Entry Is Corrupt” Error On Windows?

On your computer, there exists something known as an Access Control List (ACL). Its primary role is to inform Windows about the resources users can access, including files and directories. When attempting to access specific resources on Windows, you may see the “access control entry is corrupt” error if the ACL becomes corrupted for some reason. On your Windows PC, we’ll demonstrate how to fix the “access control entry is corrupt” error.

Also Read: How To Fix Folder Access Denied Error on Windows 11

Ways On How To Fix The “Access Control Entry Is Corrupt” Error On Windows?

Method 1: Conduct A System File Checker Scan

The first method to fix the “Access Control Entry Is Corrupt” error is to carry out a SFC scan on your Windows PC. The SFC is a built-in tool that can be run through the Command Prompt and will fix all corrupt system files. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the RUN box.

Step 2: Type CMD and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously to open the Command Prompt in administrative mode.

Step 3: Now type the following command and press the Enter key.

sfc /scannow

Step 4: Wait for the scan to complete and fix the files.

Step 5: Restart your PC.

Also Read: Windows 11 Cannot access shared folder error? Here’s How to fix

Method 2: Perform A DISM Scan

If the SFC scan does not fix your issue then it means that there are certain system files that are missing and DISM can copy those files from a backup image file maintained on all Windows PCs. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the RUN box.

Step 2: Type CMD and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously to open the Command Prompt in administrative mode.

Step 3: Now type the following commands and press the Enter key after each command.

Quick Check Command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Advanced Check: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Replace Files: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 4: Restart and check if the “Access Control Entry Is Corrupt” issue is still troubling you.

Also Read: How To Access & Use The Credential Manager On Windows 11/10 PC (2023)

Method 3: Carry Out A CHKDSK Scan

If the SFC and DISM do not get rid of the problem then there is a possibility that your hard drive might have some errors. To fix hard disk errors you need to run a CHKDSK scan, Here are the steps:

Step 1: Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the RUN box.

Step 2: Type CMD and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously to open the Command Prompt in administrative mode.

Step 3: Now type the following command and press the Enter key.

CHKDSK /F /R /X

Step 4: This command will let you know if there are errors within your hard disk.

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

Method 4: Take Ownership Of The File/Folder

The next step is to check and, if necessary, take the ownership of the file/folder you are trying to access but cannot do so. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Make right-click on the file or folder that you want to access and click on Properties from the context menu.

Step 2: A new box will open where you have to click on the Security tab and then on the Advanced button.

Step 3: Look to see if your username is shown as the owner of the file or folder next to the Owner. If it’s not, that might be the issue.

Step 4: To access the Select User or Group window, click the Change link next to it.

Step 5: To access the Select User or Group (Advanced) window, click Advanced.

Step 6: To find the accessible users on your Windows PC, click Find Now. Select your username from the search results at the bottom, then click OK.

Step 7: Click OK to return to the Select User or Group window.

Step 8: Finally click on the Apply and OK buttons on the Advanced Securities window.

Try accessing the file or folder again now that you’ve changed ownership to see whether the error persists.

Also Read: What Is the ARP Cache, and How Do You Clear It on Windows?

Bonus Method: Use Advanced System Optimizer To Optimize Your PC

Certain issues and errors occur all of a sudden on your PC which means that your computer needs optimization. This process is not just one step but a series of multiple steps that are difficult to follow every time. Hence we recommend using Advanced System Optimizer, a third-party software that automates the optimization process and requires the users to control the entire maintenance of their system with a few mouse clicks. Here are a few features of Advanced System Optimizer:

• Clean Junk & Temp files to save storage space.
• Remove browsing history, cache, and cookies to maintain privacy.
• Fix Registry issues to ensure your PC does not freeze or slow down.
• Optimize hard disk and fix errors along with defragmentation.
• Provides an enhanced gaming experience and optimizes memory.

There are many smaller modules like duplicate finder, driver updater, and many others that ensure that Advanced System Optimizer is the one-stop solution for all your PC’s optimizing needs.

Also Read: Improve Windows Performance With Advanced System Optimizer

The Final Word On How To Fix The “Access Control Entry Is Corrupt” Error On Windows?

The “access control entry is corrupt” issue on your Windows computer is annoying because it prevents you from accessing the resources you require right away. Before you have to take harsh measures like resetting your PC, hopefully, the first four remedies will work. In either case, it’s comforting to know that the error won’t persist permanently.

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