How You Can Take Ownership Of Windows 10 Folder And Files

Here’s a situation, you tried to open a folder and were welcomed (rather unwelcomed) by this message –

“You don’t currently have permissions to access this folder.”

Bewildered, you are now scratching your head as to what to do next? This is a scene which is quite common for many of us.

Ever wondered why you were not able to make changes to that particular file or folder in Windows 10? Why is it that you are not able to access its contents or make modifications to them? It would help if you took ownership of folders in Windows 10. We’ll streamline every step for you so that when in need, you can access a folder or file without any delay.

We’ll even turn the table and show how you can change permissions or ownership of files and folders as well.

But First, Put Your Guard Up!

If it’s your first time taking or changing ownership, we’d recommend you take a backup of all your essential files and folders. So that in the worst case, even if a file or folder becomes inaccessible, you’ll have a backup from where you can restore your files and folders.  Here’s how you can automatically Backup a PC in Windows 10.

Here’s an even easier way to backup files and folders in Windows 10. You can install a backup utility to do this task for you. For instance, Right Backup is an outstanding backup utility which keeps all your data safe on the cloud. It even lets you schedule backup, so you don’t have to worry about backing up your data now and then. Right Backup even makes restoring data from the Backup a piece of cake.

Download Right Backup Here

1. Choose your desired folder or files

2. You can choose from custom and smart restore options and restore data to the desired location. You can even search for a file and folder.

3. Customizable settings where you can see Backup and restore logs, exclude files and folders from backup and schedule backup too.

How To Take Ownership Of Folders And Files In Windows 10

Here’s how you can take ownership of folders in Windows 10 –

1. Pick your desired folder and right-click on it
2. Click on Properties
3. Choose the Security tab and click on it

4. At the bottom right corner, you will find Advanced button, click on it

5. Click on Change which you will find next to the owner’s name

6. Again, click on Advanced at the bottom left

7. Click on Find Now

8. Select your username and then click OK

9. Again, click OK
10. If you are modifying something in the folder, you might want to check to mark the Replace owner on sub containers and objects checkbox. If not simply click the Apply button

Talking of modifying folders, want to know how to make them invisible?

11. Click OK
12. At this point, we will fetch all kinds of permissions. So, click on Add
13. Click on Select a principal

14. At the bottom left click on Advanced

15. At the right-hand side click on Find Now

16. Click on your username and then click OK

17. Click OK again

18. Tick mark Full Control checkbox and click OK

19. Click OK yet again
20. Click your username and verify permissions and click on OK again

How To Assign Folder And File Permissions In Windows 10

To set or assign permissions on files and folders in Windows 10. Follow the steps mentioned below –

1. Right-click on your desired file or folder
2. Select Properties

3. Click on Security tab
4. Select your username from the upper part of the window and if you want to change the permissions click on Edit button

Note: If you don’t see the user you desire here click on Add. Enter the username and click on OK else move with the next step.

5. Now, you can edit the permissions by first selecting the username and then clicking on Edit. Tick mark Allow or Deny check boxes against each permission. Click on OK to accept permissions.

You might also want to read: Steps To View Shared Files & Folders in Windows 10

The Folders And Files Are At Your Command

Now, you are all set to access any kind of file or folder, especially at the time of emergency. We hope that with steps above you have successfully been able to take ownership of Windows 10 files and folders. If you have more such troubleshooting queries shoot them right in the comments below.Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.