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The latest Windows update corrupted the permissions on my laptop and local disk C.

Gustavo Aquila 20 Reputation points
2026-03-13T20:13:35.8266667+00:00

Since the last security update for Microsoft Windows (KB5079473) installed on March 10, 2026, my notebook no longer functions correctly, with corrupted permissions and unable to access anything.

Need some support asap

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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Answer accepted by question author

John DeV 164.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-03-13T21:35:38.14+00:00

Hi, good day!

Please try this if it helps.

Make sure you sign-in using a Windows account with Administrator privileges

Open File Explorer > Right click on C: drive

Select Properties > Security > Advanced > Change

On the text box, type Everyone

Click Check Names

Tick the option to replace the owner on subcontainers and objects

Click Change and type and select the "Everyone" option again

Click OK and Apply

When prompted for any warning messages, just click Enter to continue with the process until the full scan of your C drive is complete

Once finish, restart your computer

Delete any files from the recycle bin if prompted.

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-13T20:13:53.1433333+00:00

    KB5079473 is a cumulative security update for Windows 11 24H2/25H2 that also includes the latest servicing stack update (KB5083532). The official documentation for this update does not list any known issues, including permission corruption, so the behavior described indicates severe local system damage rather than a documented bug in the update itself.

    When file system or registry permissions are broadly corrupted, there is no supported way to fully roll back those changes other than reinstalling Windows. Microsoft’s guidance for similar scenarios (for example, when default registry or file permissions are modified and core components stop working) is that the only guaranteed way to return to a healthy, out‑of‑box state is to reformat the drive and reinstall the operating system.

    Given that the device can no longer access “anything” due to permission issues, the practical support path is:

    1. Back up personal data
      • If possible, sign in with any account that still has access and copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
      • If normal sign‑in is not possible, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or bootable installation media to access files and copy them off the C: drive before reinstalling.
    2. Attempt a non‑destructive repair first (if still bootable)
      • Use Reset this PC with Keep my files from Settings > System > Recovery (or from WinRE > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC) to reinstall Windows while preserving personal files. This replaces system files and default permissions but removes apps and custom settings.
      • If the system is not bootable or Reset fails, proceed to a full reinstall.
    3. Perform a clean reinstall if needed
      • Boot from Windows 11 installation media or use the OEM recovery option.
      • Delete/reformat the Windows partition and install a fresh copy of Windows.
      • Reinstall applications and restore backed‑up data.

    If BitLocker or other drive encryption is enabled and the drive is corrupted, recovery must use the appropriate recovery key and tools (for example, repair-bde with a recovery key package) before or during data backup.

    There is no supported tool to globally “undo” permission corruption caused by an update or other change; reinstallation is the only guaranteed remediation once core system access is broken.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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