You might have encountered the Destination Folder Access Denied error when you were trying to move our delete or copy a folder or file from either a shared source or locally. This might happen when you update your operating system or there are multiple users configured on your PC or if you are modifying an existing folder or file on your computer. The main cause of the issue is the target folder’s ownership properties.
Let’s have a quick look at the seven solutions that we are going to provide in this article.
How to Fix Destination Folder Access Denied in Windows 10?
So, we are now going to see how to solve this error. The article includes seven potential solutions. Have a look.
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Solution 1: Check Connectivity and Sharing
If the permissions on the other computer have messed up then there are chances of this occur error occurring. So, as the first solution to this error would be to test the connectivity and later check share permissions if the connectivity test is successful, else make sure that both the systems are online by troubleshooting. Kindly understand that the source computer is the one that will share the folder and host is the one that is trying to access. Follow the steps below –
Step 1: Firstly, you need to get the local IP of the source computer. You can get this by typing ipconfig/all in the command prompt. In order to do this, you have to hold the windows key by pressing R. Then, you will get a run dialog. In that, you have to type cmd which opens up a black command prompt window. Then type ipconfig/all.
Step 2: Now, you need to go to the host computer where you are getting this error and you need to ping the source once you have the IP address.
Step 3: No, check if the replies are coming. If the replies are coming then it is connected to the network or else it isn’t connected or it is getting blocked by the firewall. So, you need to make sure that firewall or antivirus software are disabled for this test. Also, ensure that it is connected.
Step 4: Once this test is completed and the ping is receiving replies, checking sharing permissions is the next step. In order to do this, you need to go to the folder which is shared and right click on it and then you have to choose properties. Later, click to share or sharing tab and choose share.
Step 5: Lastly, you will be able to add or check or delete users in the share properties. You need to make sure that the user who is trying to access the folder from other computer is listed here. If the user isn’t listed you can add it easily via the command prompt.
Solution 2: Turn On Network Discovery & File Sharing
You can solve this error by turning on the network discovery and file sharing option. If you are facing this error while moving or copying a file from or to a network location, then you need to make sure that you turn on Network Discovery and file sharing on both of the system( source and destination ).
You can turn them on by following the below steps –
Step 1: Firstly, you need to press the Start icon. Then, search for Network and Sharing centre option. Then, press on enter to open it.
Step 2: Now, in the Network and Sharing Centre window, you will see an option called Change advanced sharing settings in the left pane. You need to click on it.
Step 3: Now, you need to click the arrow on Home or Work. Then a drop down menu will appear with a set of options. You need to make sure that you selected the Turn on Network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing options are selected. If they are not selected, then select them.
Doing so, your error might get resolved.
Solution 3: Using Advanced Sharing
When you are trying to access source file that is shared on an other computer, you can make use of Advanced sharing. Doing this can provide you more control of what is shared and with whom it is shared and on what level of access. Follow the below steps –
Step 1: Firstly, you have to right click on the source folder/file and then you have to click on the properties.
Step 2: Now, you have to click on the sharing tab. Then, click share and then write the name of the user i.e., username who wants to modify it. Click on Add. You can skip this part, if the user is there already.
Step 3: Now, you need to select Read/Write under the Permission level which is against the username. Then, click on share and then done.
Step 4: You now have to click on Advanced Sharing. You might encounter User Account Control ( UAC ) warning. Click yes if it appears. Now, click on share this folder and check on it.
Step 5: Then, click on permissions and then click add.
Step 6: You need to type YourComputerName\ Yourusername and then click on OK.
Step 7: Now, check the Full Control option under the allow column which is below the permission panel.
Step 8: Finally, click on apply and then OK in the advanced sharing window.
Lastly, you need to close the properties and then check if the error is resolved.
Solution 4: Disabling User Account Control
Access to a folder can also be denied by the User Account Control. So, disabling this can help in solving the error. You can re-enable it later.
Step 1: Firstly, you need to click on the start button.
Step 2: Then, you have to type UAC in the search box.
Step 3: Now, you need to click on Change User Access Control Settings.
Step 4: Then, you have to select never modify by dragging the slider on the left to the bottom. Then, click OK.
Step 5: Lastly, you need to click yes on a UAC warning window that appears on your screen.
the access to Once you perform all these steps then restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Solution 5: Transferring Ownership of the File/Folder
If the owner is not available to your account, then the system can restrict you to modify the folder/file in question. Usually, this happens when the folder is located on an external drive or when it is copied from a different computer. To take ownership, you need to log on with an administrator account.
Step 1: Firstly, you need to right-click on the target file/folder. Then, click on the settings from pop-up menu.
Step 2: Then, click on the security tab in the folders properties window and then click on the Advanced option.
Step 3: You have to click on groups or other users and then enter your username in the format mentioned below.
YourComputer\YourUsername
Step 4: Then, you have to click OK to add the user as an owner. Then, you need to check the checkbox of Replace owner on sub containers and objects. Finally, click on Apply and then on OK.
Now you can try modifying the target folder.
Solution 6: Setting Permissions for your User Account
To modify the target file or folder, you may not have the required permission to do so. So, you need to add permission to modify files.
Step 1: Firstly, right-click on the target folder/file which you want to modify and then click on properties.
Step 2: You need to make sure that the Read-only checkbox is clear. If it is not, clear it.
Step 3: Click on the security tab and then click on the edit button.
Step 4: See if your username is already on the user names or groups list. If it is there, click on it.
Step 5: You need to click on the box that is next to full control and check it.
Step 6: If you didn’t find your username on the list, you have to click add.
Now, you can enter your account user name in the same way as mentioned in solution 4.
Step 7: Then, click on Apply and then click on OK.
Step 8: Then, In the properties window, you have to click on Apply. Click on OK if a window appears as Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files.
Step 9: Lastly, to close the properties window, click on OK.
Check if the issue is resolved. If the issue isn’t resolved yet, you can move to the next step.
Solution 7: Through Command Prompt
This is the final solution that is discussed in the article. Using cmd, we will grant full access to the user by taking ownership of the target file/folder.
Step 1: Firstly you need to press the Windows key and then type cmd.
Step 2: Then you need to click on run as administrator by right-clicking on cmd.
Step 3: Now, type the following code:
Icacls “full path of the target file” /grant%username%:F/t
You can find the complete path, you need to open the folder and then copy the address that is present on the address bar.
Step 4: If the command runs successfully, you need to type the below code:
takedown/f “full path of file”/r
Step 5: Now, press Enter to execute the code.
Check if the issue is solved.
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Conclusion
You can solve the destination folder access denied error using the above solutions. Try following the solutions sequentially, if one solution didn’t work for you, I am sure that the other solutions discussed in the article might help you in resolving the error.
