How to Fix 'PermissionError: [WinError 5] Access is Denied' Error on Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide for Troubleshooting

As a developer, you might come across the 'PermissionError: [WinError 5] Access is Denied' error while trying to run certain commands or access files on your Windows computer. This error occurs when your user account doesn't have sufficient privileges to perform the desired action. In this guide, we'll show you how to troubleshoot and fix this error on Windows step-by-step.

Step 1: Run the Command Prompt as an Administrator

The first step is to run the Command Prompt as an administrator. This will give you elevated privileges to perform the desired actions. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Click on the Start menu and search for 'Command Prompt'.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt app and select 'Run as administrator'.
3. If prompted, enter your administrator password.

Step 2: Check the File or Folder Permissions

The 'PermissionError: [WinError 5] Access is Denied' error can occur when you don't have sufficient permissions to access a file or folder. Here's how to check the permissions:

1. Right-click on the file or folder that's giving you the error and select 'Properties'.
2. Click on the 'Security' tab.
3. Check if your user account is listed in the 'Group or user names' section. If it's not listed, click on the 'Edit' button and add your user account.
4. Check if your user account has the necessary permissions in the 'Permissions for user' section. If not, click on the 'Edit' button and grant the necessary permissions.

Step 3: Disable User Account Control (UAC)

The User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature in Windows that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. However, it can also cause the 'PermissionError: [WinError 5] Access is Denied' error. Here's how to disable UAC:

1. Click on the Start menu and search for 'User Account Control'.
2. Click on 'Change User Account Control settings'.
3. Move the slider to the 'Never notify' position.
4. Click on 'OK' and restart your computer.

Step 4: Check the Antivirus Settings

Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with certain actions on your computer and cause the 'PermissionError: [WinError 5] Access is Denied' error. Here's how to check the antivirus settings:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Look for any settings related to file or folder access.
3. Make sure that your user account has the necessary permissions in the antivirus settings.

FAQ

Q1: What causes the 'PermissionError: [WinError 5] Access is Denied' error?

A: The error occurs when your user account doesn't have sufficient privileges to perform the desired action.

Q2: Can I fix the error without running the Command Prompt as an administrator?

A: No, you need to run the Command Prompt as an administrator to get elevated privileges.

Q3: What permissions do I need to grant to my user account?

A: It depends on the action you're trying to perform. For example, if you're trying to access a file, you need to grant 'Read' permissions.

Q4: Is it safe to disable User Account Control (UAC)?

A: Disabling UAC can make your computer less secure. Only disable it if you know what you're doing.

Q5: What should I do if the error persists after following these steps?

A: You might need to contact your system administrator or seek further assistance from a technical support team.

Related Links

• Microsoft Support: Error message when you try to install a Windows update, a hotfix, or a service pack after you perform System Restore in Windows Vista: "0x80070005"
• How-To Geek: How to Run a Program as Administrator in Windows 10
• Windows Central: How to disable User Account Control (UAC) on Windows 10