You have to save a file on your Windows PC after making changes. But, how would it feel if you come across a warning like this: ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location?’. This error is pretty common for Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. The error message can appear on any application or system directory.
Applications such as PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop, etc., are more prone to this particular error, reportedly. However, this error can take place if you lack admin privileges.
On the other hand, denied folder control, software conflicts, and bugs might trigger the issue. Let’s check out a few proven solutions to recover your PC from this problem and successfully save the intended file.
Allow Full Control to Administrators for the Erroneous Folder
The folder where you want to save the file might be problematic due to the lack of administrative permissions.
Here’s how you can address the ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location’ error:
- Right-click the folder and click Properties.
- Navigate to the Security panel. After that, hit the Edit button.
- Next, you have to choose the Administrators option. A few options will appear.
- Ensure that you check the Allow box beside the Full Control option.
- Save all the changes with a click on the OK button.
Remember that allowing full control of any folder can lead to other issues. Hence, you should allow full control of trusted system folders and directories. For example, it’s safe to allow full control of the C: drive on your Windows system.
Try Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
Probably, specific software or app causes the system to show the error message: ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location’. If yes, we recommend running Program Compatibility Troubleshooter for a quick fix.
Follow the guidelines below to troubleshoot the issue:
- Launch File Explorer with the Windows+E shortcut. Locate the application’s folder under File Explorer.
- Right-click the application and choose the Troubleshoot Compatibility option.
- Next, allow the troubleshooter to investigate the issue.
- Go for the Troubleshoot Program option.
- Check the box next to the option that says, ‘The program requires additional permissions’.
- The troubleshooter applies suitable fixes for the defective application. Choose the ‘Test the program’ option, afterwards.
Now, attempt saving the file in the application and check if it works.
Deactivate the User Account Control
Interference with the User Account Control settings can interrupt the save function. Hence, you can disable the control to resolve the ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location’ error:
- Press the Windows key and type user account. Choose ‘Change User Account Control Settings’ from the search results.
- Bring down the vertical slider to its ‘Never notify’ position.
- Click the OK option followed by the Yes option to prevent the UAC prompt.
We recommend disabling User Account Control prompts only if it’s necessary. Otherwise, you should keep it enabled because it is a security feature. Deactivating the UAC prompt can escalate risks for your Windows PC.
Change the Folder’s Owner
If you don’t want to tweak UAC settings, then you can change the owner of the involved folder. Yes, it’s possible and here’s what you have to follow:
- Go to the erroneous folder and right-click on it.
- Navigate to its Properties and land on the Security tab.
- Click the Advanced button and locate the Owner.
- Hit the Change button next to Owner.
- Now, enter the object name inside the empty space provided.
- Hit Check Names to find out if that’s a legitimate name.
- You can proceed with OK if there’s no issue.
Make sure that you mark the box next to the ‘Replace owner on sub containers and objects’ and click OK. You have to give full control to the current owner as mentioned in the first solution. Restart your Windows system and check if the problem persists.
Disable Current Antivirus Software
Antivirus software has the power to manipulate file operations when it’s active. Thus, it can stop saving and other operations to prevent the spread of malware, viruses, and other threats. In addition, particular antivirus software can lock applications from accessing specific tasks and permission.
If your Windows PC has a third-party antivirus installed, then you check its permissions. You can prevent it from accessing certain file actions on that particular application. Turn off the antivirus and check if the ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location’ error disappears.
Opt for a Different Browser
Probably, the web browser that you’re using right now might be preventing you from saving the downloaded file. Countless users have reported that the error is more likely to happen with Microsoft Edge. Temporary bugs with the internet browser can prohibit you from saving the file in that desired location.
Thus, you should try another internet browser other than the current one. It’s better to use a browser built on Chromium engine technology. Use a secure browser and check if you can save the file.
Build a New Directory
Are you still experiencing the ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location’ message? If yes, then you can create a new directory followed by moving all files to the new location.
Go through the instructions below:
- Access the parent directory of the defective folder. Create a new folder under that parent directory and name it New Folder or so.
- Copy all items from the defective folder and paste them into the New Folder.
- Next, you can save any file to the New Folder. It’s fine if you use any application.
- If your PC allows you to save the file in New Folder, you can delete all files from the defective folder.
You can also rename the New Folder with the name assigned to that defective folder.
Summing up…
The warning ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location’ can get stubborn. You can save the intended file to a different folder, and then you can move it to the desired folder.
Ensure that you are not sharing the directory with anyone. You can even add admin privileges to the fault app and check if it lets you save the location in the preferable place.
