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FIX: Windows 10/11 error applying security
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
When you get aWindows 10apply security error, the issue is usually caused by incorrect settings, or, when you are not the owner of the content you’re trying to access.
Theerror, which reads asFailed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is deniedis usually resolved by changing permission settings and can also be brought about by file encryption.
Another variation of the same error comes with the following message: An error occurred while applyingsecurityinformation to Windows 10.
In order to check whether the problem is with the file encryption, right-click on the folder, then select Properties, and go to Advanced settings.
The same error pops up when you try to save or create a new file on your main drive directly, which essentially is saying you have no permission to create or edit your files even if you’re an admin in Windows 10.
Admin accounts are heavily limited as to what you can do even if your User Account Control settings are on the lowest level possible.
This article looks at the various other solutions so you can try and see which one helps.
How can I fix the applying security error in Windows 10?
1. Create a new user account
1.1 Create another user account
If the issue is resolved in the new profile, then it may mean your other user profile is corrupted, you need to fix the profile.
1.2 Fix your profile
Some Windows operating system files are usually under the ownership of the system by default as these are the core files needed for the smooth running of the OS.
Other files and folders like pictures, videos among others, are under the owner’s name (the current person logged in as user or admin).
If the problem disappears, then you can either fix the old user account or migrate to the new account.
2. Change security settings to open the folder
This will change all the permissions for the child accounts and will prevent the security error from Windows.
If the security settings block you from downloading a file from the Internet, check out thisexpert articlethat will help you fix the problem quickly.
3. Change Permissions
Did you accidentally deleted the Admin account? Here’s a great guide that will help you fix that.
4. Allow permission to Full Control
4.1 Manually change permissions to Full Control
4.2 Use Command Prompt to take ownership
The above process lets you take ownership of the folder and then assigns the Admin group Full Control of the Permissions folder.
If you can’t run Command Prompt as administrator, here’s ahelpful guidethat will help you solve the problem right away.
5. Use UAC setting to change privileges
A notification will pop up sayingYou must restart your computer to off User Account Control.
Restart your computer, and you’re good to go! You can now add, change or edit your files without receiving Windows 10 error applying security, or other permission errors.
However, you need to note that if the UAC is turned off, some potentially bad programs can run without your permission, but these can be thwarted if your security software is up to date.
Did any of these solutions help you fix the Error applying security. Access is denied? Let us know in the comments section below.
More about the topics:security
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.