How to Get Permission From Trustedinstaller in Windows 10

Get around the 'you require permission from Trustedinstaller' pop-up

By
Daniel N. Martin
Daniel Martin
Daniel N. Martin
Writer
  • University at Buffalo
Daniel Martin is a writer and researcher with 10+ years' experience. He is a professional librarian and an experienced tech and information literacy teacher.
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Updated on November 10, 2021

What to Know

  • Command Prompt: Type TAKEOWN /F filename and then press Enter.
  • File Explorer: Right-click > Properties > Security > Advanced > Change Permissions > enter username > Check Names > Apply.

When you go to remove a particular file on Windows 10, you may receive an error message stating, "you require permission from TrustedInstaller" to delete it. This article explains how to resolve the Windows 10 TrustedInstaller error using the Command Prompt or File Explorer.

How to Fix the 'TrustedInstaller' Error Using the Windows 10 Command Prompt

The Command Prompt function allows PC users to fix Windows 10 issues by enabling you to perform administrative tasks. Every Windows PC has Command Prompt, and it's easy to use with a little instruction.

Make sure you're using Windows as an administrator.

 

  1. Open Command Prompt using the Windows Start Menu or Search Bar.

    Command Prompt Search

  2. Enter the following text to take control of a particular file: TAKEOWN /F (filename).

    Command Prompt Window

    Enter the full file name and path. Do not include any parentheses.

  3. If the command was entered properly, you'll receive the following notification: Success: The file (or folder): “filename” now owned by user “Computer Name/User Name.”

How to Fix the TrustedInstaller Error Using File Explorer

If you don't feel comfortable using the Command Prompt to take ownership, there is another option. Once you use File Explorer to gain access using the following steps, you can delete or modify files as needed.

Make sure you are logged in as an administrator.

  1. Open File Explorer, then right-click the folder or file you want to take ownership of.

    File Explorer Downloads Folder

  2. Select Properties from the menu that appears.

    Folder Properties

  3. Select the Security tab, then select Advanced.

    Advanced Button

  4. Select Change Permissions.

    Change Permissions Button

  5. Input your User Name into the blank space and select Check Names.

    Check Names Field

    If your account name doesn’t pop up, you can look for it manually in the list of users.

  6. Check the box next to Replace owner on sub containers and objects.

    Replace Checkbox

  7. Select Apply, close the Properties Window, then open it again.

  8. Once again, select the Security tab again, then select Advanced.

  9. From the Permission window, select Add.

    Add Button

  10. Choose Select a Principal, input your User Name, check all permission boxes, then select OK.

    Select A Principal Button

  11. Check the box next to Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object, then select Apply.

    Replace Checkbox

What Is the 'TrustedInstaller' Error and Why Does It Appear When I Try to Delete Files?

Provided you're the primary user of your home computer, you might be surprised to find out you need anyone’s permission to deal with files on your PC.

All Windows 10 PCs have an in-built Microsoft account, known as the NT SERVICE/TrustedInstaller. This account exists to prevent accidental damage to your Windows PC and is given ownership over many important files on your computer. For you to be able to take control of your files, you'll need to make yourself the owner of the files.

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