How do I take ownership of a folder in Windows 10?

You may find yourself unable to move, edit or copy a file in Windows 10, and often times that's because of the permissions attached to it. It may be a file or folder that the system doesn't want altered or one created by a user that's been deleted. Fortunately, you can reclaim the file.

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Here's how to take ownership and get full access to files and folders in Windows 10.

MORE: How to Use Windows 10

1. Right-click on a file or folder.

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2. Select Properties.

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3. Click the Security tab.

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4. Click Advanced.

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5. Click "Change" next to the owner name.

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6. Click Advanced.

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7. Click Find Now.

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8. Select your username and click OK.

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9. Click OK.

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10. Click Apply. If you're modifying a folder, you might want to 

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11. Click OK.

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12. Click Add. Now it's time to make sure you have all kinds of permissions.

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13. Click Select a principal.

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14. Click Advanced.

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15. Click Find Now.

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16. Select your user name and click OK.

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17. Click OK.

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19. Click OK.

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20. Click OK.

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21. Click your user name, it's time to verify your new permissions. 

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22. Click OK, as you've taken ownership and full permissions for the folder! 

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With this tutorial under your belt, it's time to learn more about Windows, including how to password protect a folder in Windows 10 and how to create a new folder in Windows 10, how to create a shortcut to a website in Chrom, how to delete old emails in Gmail so you don't need to pay for OneDrive and how to map a network drive.

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How do I take ownership of a folder?

Press the Check Names button, and click the OK option. Click the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects checkbox to select it. Then select Apply > OK to change the folder permission as configured. Click OK on the prompt that confirms you've taken ownership of the folder.

How do I take ownership of a user folder in Windows 10?

Click the Security tab. Click on Edit to change the permissions. Click the box to allow Home Users full control..
Right-click the folder and go to Properties..
In Properties, go to Security (tab) > Advanced (button at the bottom) > Owner (tab).
In the Owner tab, the current owner will be listed..

How do I take full ownership of files and folders in Windows 10?

To take full Ownership of Files & Folders in Windows 11/10:.
Open File Explorer..
Navigate to the File or Folder you want to take ownership..
Right-click on the target file or folder and select Properties..
Select Security tab..
Click Advanced button..
Select the Owner tab..

How do I change folder ownership permissions?

Setting Permissions.
Access the Properties dialog box..
Select the Security tab. ... .
Click Edit..
In the Group or user name section, select the user(s) you wish to set permissions for..
In the Permissions section, use the checkboxes to select the appropriate permission level..
Click Apply..
Click Okay..