Getting the failed to enumerate objects in the container error on Windows? Learn why it happens and follow 3 easy methods—including Command Prompt, File Explorer, and Safe Mode—to fix folder permissions and take back control.
Windows users who attempt to modify file or folder permissions may receive the error “Failed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is denied”. Access is denied”? This problem becomes especially annoying during attempts to get access or share information. The good news? Both the solution and the person needed to resolve this matter remain straightforward for anyone to handle.
This guide shows step-by-step instructions for acquiring ownership of files or folders thus enabling permission updating without further difficulties.
Why Does This Error Happen?
This error, “Failed to enumerate objects in the container,r” emerges during permission changes for files and folders yet Windows is unable to update these permissions effectively. The error occurs because of three main causes.
1. The error occurs after moving or copying files from an external storage device.
External files you retrieve from drives such as USB sticks or external hard drives typically have different permission configurations built into them. Your Windows system may fail to acknowledge the original permissions as a result of which you cannot modify access privileges.
2. Multiple users on the same system share ownership of the selected file or folder
On systems that multiple users access through their accounts, the computer might use permissions to limit data access for protection purposes. Windows will prevent access to any file or directory whose permissions were established by another user.
3. Your account lacks either ownership privileges or administrative rights
Your PC login requires necessary privileges even when you work as a single user of that computer. ImageButton Windows will deny permission for modifying access rights when either you are not the file’s owner or are not operating as a system administrator.
Method 1: Use Elevated Command Prompt (Advanced users)
If you’re comfortable typing a few commands, this is a quick and powerful method.
✅ Step-by-step:
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Open Command Prompt as Admin
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Click the Start menu, type Command Prompt.
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Right-click it and select Run as Administrator.
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Take Ownership of the File/Folder
ReplaceX:\FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDERwith your actual path: -
Grant Yourself Administrator Permissions
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Close the Command Prompt
Now, try accessing the file/folder again—problem solved!
Method 2: Use File Explorer (User-Friendly Option)
Prefer to stay away from the command line? No problem! This method uses File Explorer with a few clicks.
✅ Step-by-step:
- Right-click the file or folder >> choose Properties.
- Then >> Security tab and click Advanced. Next to Owner >> click Change.
- Type your user account name in the box >> click Check Names, then click OK.
- Check:
✅ Replace owner –> subcontainers and objects - ✅ Replace all child object permission entries –> inheritable permission entries from this object
- Click Apply, then OK.
Use File Explorer (User-Friendly Option) - Back in the Advanced Security Settings, click Add, then Select a principal.
- Enter your account again, click Check Names, and hit OK.
- Under Basic permissions, check Full Control, then click OK.
Under Basic permissions, check Full Control, then click OK. - Once again, check the Replace all child object permission entries box.
- Click Apply, then OK.
failed to enumerate objects in the container
That’s it! You now have full control over the file/folder.
Method 3: Use Safe Mode to Change Permissions
Some background tasks and system processes sometimes interfere with successful permission modification. Your system becomes more manageable for permission modifications through the Safe Mode boot process since it enables bare-bones service operation.
Here’s how you can do it:
Step-by-Step:
1- Enter Safe Mode:
- Open the Run dialog >> pressing Windows + R then enter msconfig >> the Enter key.
- To reach the Boot tab >> System Configuration window.
- Select the Safe boot option from the dropdown menu while choosing Minimal as the available option.
2- Click Apply and then OK.
- Restart your computer. The system will initiate the Safe Mode operational sequence after restarting.
- Change Permissions:
- Inside Safe Mode you need to find the specific folder or file where you face difficulties.
- Navigate to Properties through the right-click menu then access Security > Advanced for completing the ownership takeover and permission granting procedure same as Method 2.
3- Exit Safe Mode:
After finishing the steps, return to System Configuration to disable Safe Boot before normal reboot.
Why this Helps in Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container
The process of booting into Safe Mode removes all third-party programs and background services which offer protection against permission modifications so you can effectively apply the fix when other solutions fail to work.
Conclusion – Failed to enumerate objects in the container
This pesky “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” error may seem intimidating, but as you’ve just seen, it’s nothing you can’t handle. Whether you’re comfortable using commands or prefer clicking your way through File Explorer, you can take back control of your files and folders in no time.
Still have questions? Check out the FAQs below!
FAQ – Failed to enumerate objects in the container
Q1: What does “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” actually mean?
It means Windows couldn’t read the permission entries of a file or folder, usually because of missing admin rights or inherited permissions.
Q2: Do I need to be an administrator to fix this?
Yes, you need to be logged into an account with administrator privileges to change ownership and permissions.
Q3: Will changing ownership mess up anything?
Nope! It just gives your account permission to access and manage the file/folder. As long as you follow the steps, you’re good.
Q4: Can I use these steps for external drives or USB files?
Absolutely. Just make sure the drive is connected, and follow the same steps.
Q5: What if I still see the error after trying both methods?
Double-check that you used the correct folder path and that your account has admin rights. Restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, you might want to scan for file system issues using chkdsk.
