Share via

File permissions access problem

Fran Fanizzi 20 Reputation points
2025-10-13T20:24:41.92+00:00

I'm trying to delete the file windows.old from my new Windows 11 install. I see I have to change permissions from administrators to gain permission to do this but when I put in user name (my name) it says cannot be found - I'm not sure that's what the user name should be but I've tried other situations as well. Nothing's working here. Can someone help me please?

Thank you,

Fran Fanizzi

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

JC 8,225 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-13T21:11:41.25+00:00

Hello,

If you want to delete a file from an old install you’ll need to change the folder’s permissions and ownership, I’ve done this myself on my personal computer when I formatted my computer and cleared out the windows.old folder.

You can follow this video guide.

Windows 11 Permissions - Change Owner w/ Effective Access + Step by Step tutorial (Notion Link) - YouTube

Hope this helps,

JC

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.