In March, a number of users encountered issues accessing the C: drive on their Samsung laptops. Initially, the online community speculated that the upcoming Windows 11 update was to blame. However, Microsoft later clarified that the root of the problem lay within Samsung’s Galaxy Connect program. Both companies have since collaborated to address the issue, and Microsoft has released comprehensive instructions for users to restore access.
According to Microsoft, the process to regain access to the C: drive typically takes around 15 minutes. Users are advised to log in to Windows with an administrator account. Alternatively, they can reach out to Samsung support for assistance in restoring access rights to the C: drive.
Step 1: Start the affected system
- Switch on (start) the affected device.
- Log in to Windows.
Step 2: Uninstall the Samsung app
- Select Start > Settings.
- Select Programs > Installed programs.
- Find Samsung Galaxy Connect (or Samsung Continuity Service).
- Select the app and then choose Uninstall.
- Restart your device.
Step 3: Temporarily allow Windows to restore drive permissions
- Open Windows Explorer.
- Select This PC.
- Right-click on the Local drive (C:) and select Properties.
- Click the Security tab, then click Advanced.
- Next to Owner, select Change.
- Type All, and then click OK.
- Select Yes when prompted.
Step 4: Add a temporary permission
- In the Properties section, select Security > Edit.
- Select Add.
- Enter All, and then click OK.
- Select OK, and then Yes when prompted.
- If multiple security alerts appear, press Alt + C to continue.
Step 5: Restore Windows permissions to their default settings
Create a restore file
- Open Notepad.
- Copy and paste the following text:
icacls c: /grant BUILTINAdministrators:(OI)(CI)(F)
icacls c: /grant “NT AUTHORITYSYSTEM:(OI)(CI)(F)”
icacls c: /grant BUILTINUsers:(OI)(CI)(RX)
icacls c: /grant “NT AUTHORITYAuthenticated Users:(OI)(CI)(IO)(M)”
icacls c: /grant “NT AUTHORITYAuthenticated Users:(AD)”
icacls c: /setowner “NT ServiceTrustedInstaller”
icacls c: /remove everyone
pause
- Select File > Save As.
- Set the File type to All files.
- Name the file RestoreAccess.bat.
- Save it to your desktop.
Perform the restore
- On the desktop, right-click the RestoreAccess.bat file.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes if prompted.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Restart the device.
It is worth noting that Microsoft’s instructions do not require users to reinstall Windows or delete any data on their drives, aside from the Samsung applications. Should access to the C: drive remain elusive, users are encouraged to contact Samsung technical support for assistance regarding the “C: drive access issue caused by Galaxy Connect app permissions.”
