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Windows 11 Access Denied Issue on Samsung Laptops

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Last updated
1 unique sources, 3 articles

Summary

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Microsoft and Samsung have released recovery guidance to resolve persistent Windows C:\ drive access issues affecting Samsung laptops running Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. Users experiencing 'Access denied' errors, app failures, or permission-related problems must follow a 29-step procedure to restore default Windows permissions and uninstall the Samsung Galaxy Connect app. The fix reinstates TrustedInstaller ownership of the C:\ drive and normalizes system behavior without modifying personal files. Affected users are advised to contact Samsung Support if issues persist after applying the update.

Timeline

  1. 16.03.2026 15:14 2 articles · 1d ago

    Samsung Galaxy Connect App Identified as Cause

    Microsoft identifies the Samsung Galaxy Connect app as the cause of the access denied issue on Samsung laptops running Windows 11. The app is temporarily removed from the Microsoft Store, and Samsung republishes a stable previous version to prevent further issues. Microsoft and Samsung are still working on a fix for affected devices. Microsoft and Samsung publish detailed recovery guidance, including a 29-step procedure to restore default Windows permissions, uninstall the Samsung Galaxy Connect or Samsung Continuity Service app, and apply a batch file repair to reinstate TrustedInstaller ownership of the C:\\ drive. Microsoft advises escalation to Samsung Support if issues persist after applying the recovery steps.

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  2. 14.03.2026 00:11 3 articles · 4d ago

    Microsoft Investigates Access Denied Issue on Samsung Laptops

    Microsoft is investigating an issue affecting Samsung laptops running Windows 11 after the February 2026 security updates. Users lose access to the C:\ drive and encounter 'Access denied' errors. The problem impacts Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, primarily affecting Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and desktop models in Brazil, Portugal, South Korea, and India. Microsoft and Samsung release recovery guidance requiring a 29-step procedure to restore standard Windows permissions on affected systems. The guidance includes uninstalling the Samsung Galaxy Connect app, temporarily allowing Windows to repair drive permissions, adding a temporary permission, and restoring Windows default permissions using a .bat repair file. After completing the procedure, drive ownership is restored to Windows (TrustedInstaller) and the Local Disk (C:\\ drive opens normally. Microsoft advises affected users who cannot access the C: drive after applying the fix to contact Samsung Support with reference to 'C: drive access issue caused by Galaxy Connect app permissions.'

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