Windows 10: Quickly take ownership of files

I'm a computer tech and on my old computer I could plug in a customer's drive and save files without having to take ownership of the user files first. The folder would just open. I can't figure out what settings to set on my new windows 11 system

:)

 

file permissions/ownership troubles

a while back my main user account got corrupted somehow and the only way to get to my files was to take ownership of them in my other admin account. but now i'm stuck with having to retake ownership of these files every time i try to access it from another computer or user account, which makes sharing multimedia to my xbox 360 impossible. is there a way to just remove all of these permission settings back to normal? its REALLY getting frustrating with the access denied crap, its even interfering with some .msi install files. *Mad *Cry :cry:

this also puts my new computer build on hold since i need to transfer the files but i'm stuck with the ownership crap

edit: btw its on windows xp pro sp3

 

File Ownership, and Permissions

So, I've thoroughly messed up some files on my pc somehow, as I have what appears to be "Full Control" and "Ownership" of the files.

The problem however is that even though these things seem to be true, I'm still met with a message suggesting I need permission from a user that technically doesn't exist anymore. These are Windows.old files after I performed a recovery of the system.
They are taking up a massive chunk of my OS drive, and I want that space.

I've done everything I know to do to take ownership, and subsequently add all the permissions to the files that I need. Beyond that I removed every other credential so that my primary account (which is also an administrator) would be the only one with full
control of the files (System, admins as a group, and the account itself all have "Full Control" listed.)

Does anyone know why these ghost permissions are still in effect, and how I could remove it? This account it's saying I need permission from is NOT listed on any of it's permissions. Besides, the account literally doesn't exist anymore.

Help?

 

how to remove file ownership in windows 10

Hello oussoutis

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate that you've taken the time to post your concern here in Microsoft Community Forum.



In regards to your issue that you are facing this moment. Let me go ahead and assist you.

You may try to follow this steps to possibly fix the issue.

• Open Windows File Explorer
  
• Right click on the area Name, Modified
  
• Uncheck File Ownership there or select More at the bottom and get the next dialogue window.
  
• Uncheck File Ownership there.
  

Screenshot :

• Once done, it will be best to close out, restart and then check the result.
  

We look forward to your response.



Sincerely,

,

Consumer M365 Forum Moderator