Fix Permission Errors & Decrypt Files/Folders in Windows 10: The Ultimate Guide

Updated at: 14/06/2025

Frustrated with cryptic permission errors and inaccessible files in Windows 10? This ultimate guide provides comprehensive solutions to decrypt files, regain control of your folders, and troubleshoot common access issues. Learn how to resolve permission problems, fix encrypted files, and regain full access to your data, step-by-step. Say goodbye to frustrating error messages and hello to seamless file management!

Methods: Fixing Permission Errors

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Granting Basic Permissions

    • Right-click on the drive you want to grant permission to.
    • Click on 'Properties', then the 'Security' tab.
    • Click 'Edit', then 'Add'.
    • Type 'Everyone' in the 'Enter the object names to select' field, check names, and click 'OK'.
    Type 'Everyone' in the 'Enter the object names to select' field, check names, and click 'OK'. Type 'Everyone' in the 'Enter the object names to select' field, check names, and click 'OK'. Type 'Everyone' in the 'Enter the object names to select' field, check names, and click 'OK'. Type 'Everyone' in the 'Enter the object names to select' field, check names, and click 'OK'.
    Granting Basic Permissions
    • Select 'Everyone' and under 'Permissions for Everyone', check 'Full control' and click 'Apply' then 'OK'.
    Select 'Everyone' and under 'Permissions for Everyone', check 'Full control' and click 'Apply' then 'OK'.
    Granting Basic Permissions

  2. Granting Advanced Permissions and Ownership

    • Repeat steps 1-5, but instead of 'Edit', select 'Advanced'. Ensure you are under 'Permissions' and click 'Change'. Repeat the process of adding 'Everyone' and granting full control.
    • In the Advanced Security Settings, importantly check 'Replace owner on subcontainers and objects' then click 'Apply'. Click 'Yes' to any prompts to grant full permission.
    In the Advanced Security Settings, importantly check 'Replace owner on subcontainers and objects' then click 'Apply'. Click 'Yes' to any prompts to grant full permission. In the Advanced Security Settings, importantly check 'Replace owner on subcontainers and objects' then click 'Apply'. Click 'Yes' to any prompts to grant full permission.
    Granting Advanced Permissions and Ownership

  3. Restart System

    • Restart your computer.
    Restart your computer.
    Restart System

Tips

  • Changing ownership might take a while, be patient.

Methods: Decrypting Files/Folders (using BitLocker)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access File Properties

    • Right-click on the encrypted file/folder, select 'Properties', go to the 'General' tab, click 'Advanced'.
    Right-click on the encrypted file/folder, select 'Properties', go to the 'General' tab, click 'Advanced'.
    Access File Properties

  2. Decrypt using GUI

    • Uncheck 'Encrypt contents to secure data'.
    • Click 'OK', 'Apply', and 'OK'. If prompted, re-enter your password.
    Click 'OK', 'Apply', and 'OK'. If prompted, re-enter your password. Click 'OK', 'Apply', and 'OK'. If prompted, re-enter your password.
    Decrypt using GUI

Tips

  • This method only works with Windows 10 Pro or higher.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Ownership Assignment

Reason: Attempting to modify permissions without first taking ownership of the file or folder.
Solution: Take ownership of the file or folder using the Security tab in its Properties before modifying permissions.

2. Ignoring User Account Control (UAC) Prompts

Reason: Dismissing UAC prompts, preventing necessary administrative privileges for permission changes or decryption.
Solution: Allow UAC prompts to grant the necessary administrative access to complete the process.

FAQs