Quick Links
The “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” Windows error arises when performing certain actions like accessing files, folders, or a drive on your PC. It can also appear when attempting to modify their permissions. Although the cause may vary, ranging from insufficient admin privileges to corrupted system files, resolving the error isn’t too difficult.
1. Switch to an Administrator Account
A common reason why you may have trouble changing permissions for a file, folder, or drive is if you are not using an admin account. To avoid this, make sureyour Windows account has administrative privileges.
If you are using a standard account, switch to an administrator account and try again. Alternatively, you canchange a user account typefrom standard to administrator via the Settings app or Control Panel—though you’ll of course need to use an admin account to do this.
2. Take Ownership of a File or Folder Using the Command Prompt
At times, Windows may display the “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” error message even when you’re using an admin account to take ownership of a file, folder, or drive. In such instances, you can try using the Command Prompt to get ownership of the specific file or folder you desire.
To do this, you will first need tocopy the full path of the file or folderin question. Here are the steps:
Once you complete the above steps, you should be able to access and modify the file or folder without any errors.
3. Temporarily Disable UAC
Another step you can take to fix the “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” error is to disable User Account Control (UAC) temporarily on your Windows computer. To do so, use these steps:
Try accessing or modifying your file, folder, or drive and see if the error still appears. Remember thatUAC is a security feature that helps protect your systemfrom unauthorized changes, so it’s important to re-enable this right after making the desired changes.
4. Run CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM Scans
Errors like “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” can also arise due to issues with the file system and core system files. Fortunately, Windows includes a few tools that can help you repair such issues with ease. In this case, you should run the CHKDSK (Check Disk), SFC (System File Checker), and DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management Tool) scans using the following steps:
Wait for the scans to complete, then restart your PC. Following that, you shouldn’t encounter further errors.
5. Try Safe Mode
If nothing else works, you’re able to consider booting your Windows PC into safe mode, which will load the system with a minimal set of programs and drivers. Doing so allows you to access and modify the permissions of a file or folder without any interference from third-party apps and services, helping you avoid"Access Denied" errors on Windows.
Refer to our guide onbooting your Windows PC in Safe Mode, then run through the steps to take ownership of the file or folder one more time. If all else has failed, this more advanced step should help you resolve this error.
