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When you try to access certain files and folders in Windows 10, you might bump into the “access is denied” error. This can be quite frustrating, especially when you need to manage or work with some of your files quickly.
You could resolve this issue by configuring your settings, but this often involves several steps. Alternatively, you can take ownership of files and folders using a third-party app.
This article will show you the best tools you can use to take ownership of files and folders. Let’s get started.
1. TakeOwnershipPro
TakeOwnershipPro is a great alternative to taking ownership of files and folders manually. This is a free program that allows you to change file ownership and access rights effortlessly. The best part is that it allows you to take ownership of multiple files at the same time. It’s a lightweight app, so the download and installation process is quick and easy.
It’s completely adware-free and features an intuitive graphic interface that’s easy to use.
To get started, drag and drop your files to the program or press the Add button. From there, press the Take Ownership button. If you want to take ownership of all the files within a folder, tick the Include subfolders and files box. To clear the files and folders on the program, press the Clear button.
To make things easier, the tool also appears in the Windows 10 File Explorer context menu. If you want to take ownership of a specific file quickly, right-click on the file, and select the TakeOwnershipPro option.
Download: TakeOwnershipPro for Windows 10 (Free)
2. TakeOwnershipEx
TakeOwnershipEx features a minimal interface with only three options. The first two options allow you to either take or restore ownership of your files. The third option allows you to choose a language (English or Russian). Given its simple interface and design, the app is lightweight and easy to use.
To get started, select the Take Ownership option and select your files or folders. If you’ve previously taken ownership of a file, select the Restore Ownership option. This will restore the default permissions that the file had.
Just like TakeOwnershipPro, TakeOwnershipEx integrates into File Explorer’s context menu. To do this, right-click your file and select the Take Ownership/Restore Rights option.
Download: TakeOwnershipEx for Windows 10 (Free)
3. WinOwnership
WinOwnership has a minimalist look and makes taking file ownership a simple process. It’s a lightweight and clean program that doesn’t leave any traces in the Windows Registry.
You can copy the program to a portable storage device and use it on your other PC devices. This makes taking ownership of files a breeze and spares you from installing the program on multiple devices.
To get started, drag and drop files to the program. Alternatively, double-click on the program to browse for your files. Once you’ve selected a file or folder, the program shows you the file type and name. It also shows you whether you already have full access to the file or not.
To take full ownership of your file, press the Apply button. If you’d like to cancel, press the Undo button.
Download: WinOwnership for Windows 10 (Free)
4. Grant Admin Full Control
Grant Admin Full Control features an appealing and intuitive design. It’s light on system resources, so it doesn’t affect your PC’s overall performance. It allows you to take ownership of up to 200 files simultaneously.
To get started, select the Enable Administrator Rights option on the bottom left of the screen. From there, drag and drop your files or folders into the program. Finally, press the Change Ownership button.
The app gives you the option to integrate it into File Explorer’s context menu. To do this, press the menu button on the top left, and then select the Add to Explorer Context Menu option. From there, you can take ownership of a specific file or folder by right-clicking on it and selecting Grant Admin Full Control.
Just like WinOwnership, this is a portable program that you can copy to your external storage devices. You can take it with you anywhere and use it on your other Windows 10 devices.
Download: Grant Admin Full Control for Windows 10 (Free)
5. Easy Context Menu
Unlike the other programs, Easy Context Menu is an all-in-one tool that you can use for various purposes. It adds various context menu options to File Explorer, including the Take Ownership option. The program’s interface contains various options but is easy to use. Also, it’s lightweight and portable, so you can store it on your external storage devices.
The program organizes its options into various categories. To get started, scroll down and locate the Folder Context Menu and File Context Menu categories. Check the Take Ownership boxes for both these categories. Apply these changes by selecting File followed by Apply changes.
To take ownership of a specific file or folder, right-click on it and select the Take Ownership option. Should you wish to disable the context menu option, uncheck the Take Ownership boxes. From there, press File and select Apply changes.
Download: Easy Context Menu for Windows 10 (Free)
6. SysMate - System File Walker
While the other apps give you file ownership privileges, SysMate - System File Walker works differently. It allows you to replace system files that encounter the “access is denied” error. By so doing, it removes file restrictions and allows you to open those files without any trouble.
To get started, press the button next to the Original file location box. Select your file or folder and press Open. Next, press the button next to the Alternate file location box. Select your desired file location and press Open. Finally, press Start to replace the file or folder.
The program creates a backup of each file that you load into it. You can access the backup file by pressing the Open backup folder button.
Download: SysMate - System File Walker for Windows 10 (Free)
Access All Your Windows 10 Files and Folders, Anytime
It can be quite frustrating when Windows restricts you from opening your own files and folders. If you’ve encountered this issue, the tools we’ve suggested here should help you. Just by pressing a button, you can easily take full ownership of all your files and folders.
Happy learning!