In the Windows 10 operating system, users get full control over files and folder they create, but it will deny access to other files if you don’t have the specific permission. These files could be from an old user account where the user is no longer a part of that group or could be some system files as well that need to edited to customize few aspects of the operating system. However, a user account with administrative privileges can take ownership of such files and folders on the system and use the advance file system of Windows 10 to grant access to any user or group to access files and folder on the computer. In this guide, we will show you can take ownership of files and folders in Windows 10.
How to Take Ownership of Files and Folders in Windows 10
- First of all, you need to right-click on the start menu and select File Explorer
- Find the file or folder from the list you want to have full access
- Right-click on that file and select Properties
- Click on Security tab to get access to NTFS permission
- Click on Advanced button located at the bottom
- Advanced Security Settings windows will pop up, click on Change link
- Click on the Advanced button
- Select User or Group page will pop up, click on Find Now
- You will see the list of user accounts under search results, select your user account and click OK
- Now you are back to Select User or Group page, click on OK
- You are back to Advanced Security Settings, click on Apply then OK
- Click on OK again, and then click on OK button once again to complete the task
On the Advanced Security Settings section, you will find an option that says ‘Replace ownership on sub containers and object.’ You can put a checkmark on it once you take the ownership of any folder. It will let you take control of subfolders within that folder.
How to give full access control to files and folders for your account in Windows 10
- In File Explorer, Right-click on the file or folder and select Properties again
- Click on Security tab
- Click on the Advanced button
- There are three tabs, Permission, Auditing, and Effective Access.
- Under the Permission tab, click on Add
- Click on Select a Principal to add your user account
- Again Select User, or Group window will pop up, click on Find Now
- Find your user account under search results, select it and click on OK
- On Select User or Group page, click on OK
- On Permission Entry Windows under Basic Permission, put a checkmark on Full Control and click OK
- Click on Apply and OK, and then click on OK again to complete the task.
Once you take the ownership of any Folder, it is essential to check one more option. Available as a checkbox, select Replace all existing inheritable permissions on all descendants with inheritable permissions for this object. You will find on the Advanced Security Settings page. It will make sure that the authorization from subfolders gets replaced with the settings from the parent folder.
So, this is the full tutorial that will help you to take control and ownership over files and folders in Windows 10. Do let us know if you find it difficult to follow the process, and we will help you out.
