Destination Folder Access Denied: You need permission to perform this action is an issue that has been bugging many Windows users, especially Windows 10, since its inception. The case costs users ample time deliberating and scratching their heads in agony and frustration.

To Fix the Destination Folder Access Denied Error, try Transferring Ownership Using the Command Prompt Approach, Ownership Registry File installing approach, or try Manual Ownership Transfer Approach.

But before focusing on the solutions to this particular issue, let us briefly discuss the causes. Also, sometimes files ask for administration permission when you want to delete them; you can even fix that just by clicking here!

Why Did Destination Folder Access Denied Error, Occur?

This error mainly occurs due to the Ownership status of the user with the Windows. The unavailability or void in the ownership does not let the users copy, paste, or modify a folder. Thus the error pops up when the user tries to do so.

The ownership problem is because the Windows ownership might be present by some other name. Windows has, by default, a TrustedInstaller service that checks ownership issues. Hence, when an unauthorized user tries to modify the service stops him from doing anything and turns off that functionality.

error

If you are signed in as an administrator, and the owner is not the same registered, the problem will persist. The Destination Folder Access Denied error will loom around with its sharp tentacles to torment you ever after.

How to Fix the Destination Folder Access Denied error?

We’ve bundled & explained some of the working methods to fix this error. Go through them to resolve this error quickly.

Method 1: Transferring Ownership Using Command Prompt Approach

1. At First, press Windows Key+X together.

2. Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list of options displayed.

command prompt (admin)

3. Now, let’s assume you want to take ownership of a folder Software inside D drive. The full address of the drive is D:\Software.

4. Then type the following inside the command prompt:

takedown/f “D:\Software.”

takedown ownership using command prompt

5. If the above command is not working, then try this one (Including double quotes):

icacls “full path of file”/grant (username): F

Example: icacls “D:\Software”/grant Garvit: F

icacls command

6. Finally, a message named Successfully process one file; Failed processing 0 files will be displayed.

Hence by following the above steps, you are transferring the ownership of the faltering folder to your own. The Destination Folder Access Denied: You Need Permission to perform this action Windows 10 issue would be resolved by doing so. Therefore you will be free from the problem. If it didn’t work out for you, No problem! You can try the following method to fix the issue.

Method 2: Ownership Registry File installing approach

1. First, download the following registry file using this link.

take ownership by registry file

2. The first file InstallTakeOwnership.reg, is used to take ownership of a particular file or folder,r, and the second file RemoveTakeOwnership.re,g, is mainly used to uninstall the InstallTakeOwneship registry software.

3. Afterwards downloading the above two files, click InstallTakeOwnership and install it.

4. After completely installing it, go to the file or folder with ownership you would like to transfer. Right-click on it, and you will notice a new option named “Take Ownership.” Click on it.

take ownership

5. Afterwards, your ownership will be transferred to the individual file or folder, and the issue will be resolved.

6. After following the above steps & installing the RemoveTakeOwnership registry file you downloaded previously, you can restore the registry settings to the original.

remove take ownership

Thus, going through the above steps, the Destination Folder Access Denied issue will go into the air like thin smoke.

Method 3: Manual Ownership Transfer Approach

Suppose the above methods didn’t work for you. In that case, you can adopt the following foolproof way, which will resolve the abovementioned issue and finally rid you of the menacing problem that has been tormenting you for a long time.

1. First, navigate to the File/folder you want to change the ownership, such as D:\Software, and right-click on it.

2. Then click on Properties from the list of options displayed.

properties

3. Afterwards, the properties window will be opened. From the list of tabs in the properties window, click on Security.

4. Then click on Advanced, which is displayed in the lower corner of the Security tab.

select advanced

5. The Advanced security settings for Software will be opened. Afterwards, click on the Change option beside the owner detail in the window.

click on change

6. The Select User or Group window will appear.

select user or group window

7. Select the respective user account with which you want to associate the ownership either by typing your account name under Enter the object name to select and then clicking on Check Names or by clicking on the Advanced Tab and then filling in the Name and Description in a more detailed manner and then clicking on Find now.

find now

8. Then type the username of the account in Enter the object name to select which you want to give access to.

enter username

9. You can also check the option Replace owner on sub containers and objects in the Advanced Security Settings window. Doing so will grant ownership access to all the subfolders and files a particular folder contains. Click on OK to change ownership.

replace owner on subcontainers and objects

10. Now, you’ll have to provide full access to the file or folder for your account. To do so, right-click on the file or folder & choose Properties.

11. Then click on the Advanced button under the Security Tab.

select advanced

13. After doing that, click on Add button. The Permission Entry window will open.

add to change user control

14. Afterwards, click on Select a principal and select your account.

select a principal

15. Set permissions to Full control and then click on OK.

set permissions to full control

16. Optionally, you can click on Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object. This will permit all the sub-folders and the files of that particular folder.

replace all existing inheritable permissions on all descendants with inheritable permissions from this object

Voila! You have entirely and manually changed the ownership of the folder permanently and successfully resolved the Destination folder Access Denied: You need permission to perform this action in Windows 7.

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FAQS

What causes the 'destination folder access denied' error?

The error can be caused by incorrect folder permissions, file ownership, or external factors such as antivirus software or user account control (UAC) settings.

How can I fix the 'destination folder access denied' error?

Changing folder permissions, taking ownership of the folder, turning off antivirus software, or disabling UAC.

Can antivirus software cause the 'destination folder access denied' error?

Yes, some antivirus software can block access to specific folders or files. Try turning off the software temporarily to see if this resolves the issue.

Can file ownership cause the 'destination folder access denied' error?

Yes, if the user does not have ownership of the folder or file, they may not be able to access or modify it. Try taking ownership of the folder or file to see if this resolves the issue.

Can folder permissions cause the 'destination folder access denied' error?

Yes, incorrect folder permissions can prevent users from accessing or modifying the folder. Try changing the folder permissions to see if this resolves the issue.

Can the file system cause the 'destination folder access denied' error?

If the file system is corrupted or damaged, it may prevent users from accessing or modifying specific folders or files. Try running a file system check to see if this resolves the issue.

Conclusion

These were some of the primaries, and most followed fixes a user could adapt to solve the tedious and annoying issue.

80 % of the users have reported that their problem was resolved within the ballpark of these fixes as collected from feedback in various discussion portals. I hope you also find the repairs worthful. Until then, stay updated and stay ahead.