2 Simple Ways to Change File Permissions on Windows 7

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An easy-to-follow guide so you can change the permissions in Windows 7 computers
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Permissions in Windows 7 determine which users can access, modify, and delete files and folders. Every file and folder on your Windows computer has individual permissions settings. Changing permissions allows you to lock down or open up files for the users on your computer. If you've recently recovered data from an old hard drive, you may need to take ownership of the files so that you can access them.

Things You Should Know

  • You can only change permissions for your own user account.
  • Right-click a folder and select "Properties > Security > Edit."
  • To take ownership of a folder, right-click the folder and select "Properties > Security > Advanced > Owner > Edit."
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Changing Permissions

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  1. If you aren't logged in as an administrator, you'll only be able to change permissions for your own user account. In order to change permissions for other accounts on the computer, you'll need to be logged in with an account with administrator privileges.
    • If you are not logged in as an administrator, you won't be able to access most of the permissions settings.
  2. You can change the permissions for any file or folder. Changing the permissions for a folder will change the permissions for all of the files and folders inside. [1]
    • You won't be able to change permissions for files that are currently in use. Make sure that you close any programs currently using the file or folder that you are attempting to change permissions for.
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  3. This will open the file or folder's Properties window. [2]
  4. This will display a list of groups and users that currently have permissions for the object. [3]
    • If you don't have a "Security" tab, you are likely trying to change the permissions for a file stored on a USB drive. If your USB drive is formatted with the FAT32 file system, you can't set permissions for the object. The disk must be using the NTFS file system.
  5. This will allow you to change the permissions for that file or folder for any user on the computer.
  6. If you want to add a new user to the list of users with permissions for that file, click the "Add" button to begin. [4]
    • Click "Advanced" and then "Find Now" to find all of the users and groups on that computer.
    • Select the user you want to add to the permissions list and click "OK." They'll be added to the "Group or user names" list.
  7. The available permissions will be displayed in the "Permissions for User " list.
  8. Each permission in the list has an "Allow" and "Deny" box. Check what permissions you want to give to or restrict from the user: [5]
    • Full control - User can read, write, change, or delete the file.
    • Modify - User can read, write, and change the file.
    • Read & execute - User can read or run the selected file.
    • List folder contents - User can view the files in the selected folder.
    • Read - User can open the file.
    • Write - User can edit the file or create new files.
  9. If you aren't able to change any of the permissions, you may have to adjust some settings: [6]
    • Click the "Advanced" button in the Security tab.
    • Select your user and click "Change Permissions/Edit."
    • Uncheck "Include inheritable permissions from this object's parent."
    • Save your changes. You should now be able to check the permissions boxes.
  10. The changes that you make will be saved and applied to the user. If you were changing permissions for yourself, the changes will take place immediately.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Taking Ownership

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  1. Only accounts with administrator privileges are able to change the ownership of files and folders.
  2. This will open the object's Properties window.
  3. This will display the list of users that have permissions set for the object.
    • If you don't see the Security tab, you're likely trying to change the properties of an object on a FAT32 USB drive. Security options are only available on drives with the NTFS format. Most USB drives are FAT32 format.
  4. This will open the Advanced Security Settings window.
  5. This will display the path to the selected object, the current owner, and a list of possible owners.
  6. This will allow you to select a different owner from the list.
  7. If the user or group that you want to give ownership to isn't listed, click the "Other users or groups" button to find and add them:
    • Click "Advanced" and then "Find Now" to find all of the users and groups on that computer.
    • Select the user you want to add to the permissions list and click "OK." They'll be added to the "Change owner to" list.
  8. This will give the new user ownership of any subfolders for the object you have selected.
  9. Click "OK" to save your ownership changes. If you re-open the Properties window and switch to the Security tab, you'll be able to see that the ownership has been changed in the Advanced Security Settings window.
  10. You may still need to set your permissions for the file at "Full control," even after taking ownership of it. Follow the instructions in the first section of this article to do so. [7]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why is the computer still asking for permission to delete the folder?
    Jak Walker
    Community Answer
    It's because your PC can hold accounts for different users who can log onto your computer. Only the administrator (main account) can delete accounts, so it's just verifying you are the admin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 8
  • Question
    What do I do if I get "access is denied?"
    Community Answer
    Check and make sure that you are logged in as an administrator. If you are not the system administrator, ask the admin to change whatever settings you are looking to fix.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 7
  • Question
    I am logged in as an administrator but I can't change permissions on "avast" folders. Access is denied, no matter what I try. Do you have any suggestions for me?
    Community Answer
    "Avast" folders have permissions similar to folders like C:\Windows\WinSxS, so you can't delete those folders.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ Scott St Gelais. IT Consultant. Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.
      2. ↑ Scott St Gelais. IT Consultant. Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.
      3. ↑ Scott St Gelais. IT Consultant. Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.
      4. ↑ https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754344.aspx
      5. ↑ https://www.howtogeek.com/72718/how-to-understand-those-confusing-windows-7-fileshare-permissions/
      6. ↑ https://www.thewindowsclub.com/change-file-or-folder-permissions-windows
      7. ↑ https://www.digitalcitizen.life/take-ownership-and-change-permissions-files-and-folders/

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