How to Fix the “You Need Permission to Perform This Action” Error in Windows 11?

Why Does Windows 11 Say “You Need Permission to Perform This Action”? (Simple Fixes for a Frustrating Error)

Windows 11 sometimes stops you from deleting, moving, or changing files and folders. Even if your account is an administrator, you might see a message that says, “You need permission to perform this action.” This can block updates, slow down your work, or make it hard to organize files. The problem usually happens because of:

• Who owns the file or folder
• Programs using the file in the background
• Security software blocking changes

How to Fix the Permission Error

Solution 1: Change Who Owns the File or Folder

1. Right-click the file or folder.
2. Click “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Security” tab.
4. Click “Advanced.”
5. At the top, find “Owner.” Click “Change.”
6. Type your Windows username or type “Everyone” if you want anyone to have access.
7. Click “Check Names,” then “OK.”
8. If it’s a folder, check “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.”
9. Click “Apply.”
10. In the same window, click “Add.”
11. Click “Select a principal.” Type your username or “Everyone.”
12. Click “OK.”
13. Check “Full control.”
14. Click “OK.”
15. Check “Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object.”
16. Click “Apply,” then “OK.”

Try again. If it still doesn’t work, repeat these steps for any files inside the folder.

Solution 2: Run Programs as Administrator

1. Right-click the program you want to use (like File Explorer or WinRAR).
2. Click “Run as administrator.”
3. Try your file operation again.

To run File Explorer as administrator:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find “Windows Explorer.” Right-click and select “End task.”
3. Click “File” > “Run new task.”
4. Type “explorer.exe.”
5. Check “Create this task with administrative privileges.”
6. Click “OK.”

Solution 3: Close Programs Using the File

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for programs that might be using your file.
3. Right-click the program and choose “End task.”
4. Try your action again.

Solution 4: Temporarily Turn Off Security Software

1. Open your antivirus or Windows Security.
2. Turn off real-time protection or shields.
3. Try changing or deleting the file.
4. Turn your security back on right after.

If you use third-party antivirus (like Bitdefender) and nothing else works, uninstall it for troubleshooting. Only do this if you feel safe.

Solution 5: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator

1. Press Windows + X.
2. Choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
3. Type cd and the folder path to go where your file is.
4. To delete a file, type:

   del "filename.ext"

5. To delete a folder and everything inside, type:

   Remove-Item "C:\path\to\folder" -Recurse -Force

Extra Tips

1. Restart your computer after changing permissions.
2. If the file stays locked, start your PC in Safe Mode and try again.
3. Always save a copy of important files before making changes.
4. For stubborn system files, open Command Prompt as admin and run:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Stay patient. Try each step. Most permission problems can be fixed if you keep going. Once you solve it, you’ll have more control over your files and a smoother time using Windows 11.