Quick Summary
Error 5, commonly known as "Access Denied," indicates that the current user account lacks the necessary permissions to perform a specific action or access a particular resource. This often occurs when attempting to modify system files, access restricted folders, or run programs with elevated privileges without proper authorization.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Permissions: The user account does not have the required read, write, or execute permissions for the file, folder, or registry key being accessed.
- UAC (User Account Control) Restrictions: UAC prevents unauthorized changes to your computer. It might be blocking the action even if you are an administrator.
- File or Folder Ownership: The user account is not the owner of the file or folder, and therefore lacks the necessary permissions.
- Conflicting Security Software: An antivirus or other security program might be incorrectly flagging the action as malicious and blocking it.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run the Program as Administrator
Step 1: Right-click the program's executable file (e.g., .exe).
Step 2: Select "Run as administrator." This will prompt a UAC dialog box; click "Yes" to proceed.
Method 2: Modify File or Folder Permissions
Step 1: Right-click the file or folder and select "Properties."
Step 2: Go to the "Security" tab.
Step 3: Select your user account from the "Group or user names" list.
Step 4: Review the permissions listed below. If you lack "Modify" or "Full control" permissions, proceed to the next steps.
Step 5: Click "Edit."
Step 6: Select your user account again.
Step 7: Check the "Full control" box under the "Allow" column. If UAC asks for permission, click yes.
Step 8: Click "Apply" then "OK" to save changes.
Method 3: Take Ownership of the File or Folder
Step 1: Right-click the file or folder and select "Properties."
Step 2: Go to the "Security" tab.
Step 3: Click "Advanced."
Step 4: Next to "Owner", click "Change".
Step 5: Type your username in the "Enter the object name to select" box.
Step 6: Click "Check Names".
Step 7: If your username is found, click "OK".
Step 8: Check the box labeled "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects."
Step 9: Click "Apply" then "OK" to save changes.
Step 10: You may need to modify the file's permissions as shown in the previous fix, to grant your user account full control.
Method 4: Disable User Account Control (UAC)
Step 1: Type "UAC" in the Windows search bar and select "Change User Account Control settings."
Step 2: Drag the slider to the lowest setting ("Never notify").
Step 3: Click "OK" and restart your computer. Note: Disabling UAC can make your system more vulnerable to security threats, so re-enable it after troubleshooting.
Method 5: Temporarily Disable Security Software
Step 1: Temporarily disable your antivirus or other security software.
Step 2: Try the action that was causing the error.
Step 3: If it works, reconfigure your security software to allow the program or action. Important: Remember to re-enable your security software immediately afterward.