If you are using Windows 10 or 11 and trying to change permissions for a folder or file, you might have come across an error that says: “Failed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is denied.” This error typically occurs when you attempt to modify the security settings or ownership of a file or folder. It can be confusing, especially when you are just trying to manage your own files.
However, this is a common error and can be fixed. In this blog, we will explain what failed to enumerate objects in the container error means and how you can fix it easily, even if you are not a tech expert.
What Does “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” Mean?
The failed to enumerate objects in container error happens when Windows can’t read or list the permissions inside a file or folder. This usually occurs when you try to change security settings but don’t have the right permissions, or when the permission settings are broken or conflicting.
A common cause of the failed to enumerate objects in the container access is denied error is not having administrator rights. Corrupted permissions or security restrictions can also block access, especially in shared or system folders. These issues stop Windows from managing the file or folder permissions properly.
Problems with inherited permissions from parent folders can also cause this error. When inheritance fails, Windows can’t apply permissions correctly, leading to the message “Failed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is denied.” This means Windows is blocking you from changing or accessing the files due to permission problems. Understanding these causes is important to find the right way to fix the error and regain access to your data.
How to Fix “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” Error in Windows 11/10
Since this issue is caused by permission and access problems, fixing it usually means getting administrative control, changing some settings, and, if necessary, repairing system files. Here are some reliable methods you can try to solve the failed to enumerate objects in the container error.
Method 1. Log In Using an Administrator Account
One common reason for the failed to enumerate objects in the container access is denied error is that you don’t have the right permissions. Standard user accounts in Windows have limited access to certain files and folders to protect the system. Without administrator rights, you will not be able to change ownership or modify permissions, which causes this error.
Before trying other fixes, check if you are logged in as an administrator. If not, switch to an admin account to resolve the issue. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings, then go to Accounts. Under the Your Info section, check if your account says “Administrator.”
Step 2: If it does not, go to the Family & other users tab, find an administrator account, and log in with that account. Once logged in, try accessing or changing the permissions on the folder again to see if the error is fixed.
Also know: You Require Permission from Administrators to Make Changes to This Folder: FIXED
Method 2. Take Ownership of the Folder or File Using Command Prompt
If using an administrator account does not fix the failed to enumerate objects in the container error, the next step is to manually take ownership of the folder or file. This gives your user account full control and helps bypass permission conflicts. The easiest way to do this is by using the Command Prompt.
This method is especially helpful for system-protected folders, which usually can’t be changed using normal settings. Follow these steps to fix the failed to enumerate objects in the container access is denied issue:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as Administrator. You can do this by typing cmd in the Windows search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:
takeown /f “C:\Path\To\Folder” /r /d y
Replace “C:\Path\To\Folder” with the full path to the folder you want to access.
Step 3: Now type the second command to give full permissions to administrators:
cacls “C:\Path\To\Folder” /grant administrators:F /t
After running these commands, your account should have full control over the folder, and the failure to enumerate objects in the container error should no longer appear.
Method 3: Temporarily Turn Off User Account Control (UAC)
User Account Control (UAC) is a Windows feature that helps protect your computer by preventing unauthorized changes. While it is useful for improving security, sometimes it can cause permission issues like the failed to enumerate objects in the container error. In some cases, temporarily turning off UAC can help you change file or folder settings without restrictions.
However, it is important to turn UAC back on after you fix the issue to keep your system safe. Follow the steps below to disable UAC and see if it helps resolve the failed to enumerate objects in the container access is denied error:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run box, then type Control and hit Enter to open the Control Panel. Go to User Accounts and click on Change User Account Control settings.
Step 2: Drag the slider all the way down to Never Notify, then click OK. Restart your computer to apply the change.
After the restart, try adjusting the folder permissions again. If the error is gone, you can make the necessary changes. Don’t forget to re-enable UAC afterward for better security.
Method 4: Restart Your System in Safe Mode
If none of the regular solutions work, restarting your system in Safe Mode can help fix the failed to enumerate objects in container error. Safe Mode is a special Windows mode that runs only essential system processes, which makes it easier to troubleshoot issues without interference from third-party apps or strict security settings.
This method is especially useful when you are being blocked from accessing a folder or changing its permissions due to security conflicts or background programs. Safe Mode helps you isolate and fix the root cause of the access is denied error.
Follow these steps to boot into Safe Mode:
Step 1: Click the Start Menu, then select the gear icon to open Settings. Go to Windows Update > Recovery, then click Restart now under the Advanced startup section.
Step 2: After your PC restarts, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, then click Restart again.
Step 3: When your computer reboots, press F4 or 4 to enter Safe Mode.
Once you are in Safe Mode, locate the file or folder causing the error. Try adjusting its permissions or taking ownership. When you are done, restart your PC normally and check if the failed to enumerate objects in the container access is denied message is resolved.
Also know: How to Fix System Restore Failed to Extract the File Windows 10,11
Method 5: Run CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM Scans
If the failed to enumerate objects in container error still shows up, it might be caused by corrupt system files or disk errors. These problems can stop Windows from managing file permissions correctly. Thankfully, Windows has built-in tools—CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM—that can scan and fix these issues.
- CHKDSK checks your hard drive for errors and repairs them.
- SFC (System File Checker) scans for and fixes missing or broken system files.
- DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is used to fix deeper Windows corruption and restore the system image.
Here’s how to run these tools step-by-step:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Then run the CHKDSK command (replace C: with your drive letter if different):
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Let it complete and restart your PC if prompted.
Step 2: After rebooting, open the Command Prompt again with admin rights and run:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to finish; it may take a while.
Step 3: Next, run the DISM commands one by one:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These tools will help repair any corruption or issues that may be causing the failure to enumerate objects in the container. After completing all scans, try adjusting the file or folder permissions again.
Conclusion
The “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” error can happen for different reasons, such as permission conflicts, missing admin rights, or system file corruption. These problems make it hard to access, modify, or delete certain files or folders in Windows. It is especially common when trying to change advanced security settings.
Fortunately, the methods explained in this guide can help you fix the error step by step. Whether it is switching to an admin account, using Command Prompt, or running system repair tools, each solution is designed to restore access and control.
