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Exit Status 5: Access Is Denied. What Is It & How to Fix It
Disabling your antivirus is one effective way to fix this issue
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Error 5: Access is deniedis primarily asoftware installationerror message.
Consequently, when this error message pops up, users can’tinstallcertain software. The cause is usuallyaccount permissions.
In this article, we explain how to change permissions and troubleshoot the mentionederror.
What is error code 5?
Error Code 5 is a Windows error code that shows whenever the user does not haveadequate authorityto access the requested file or location.
This could be because the user does not have administrative privileges.
Why do I keep getting error 5?
There are a series of reasons you get the access denied error on Windows 11. The major one is that your system is yet to grant permission to the user account you are currently using. Below are some of the variations of the error:
Nonetheless, you can address these errors by following the solutions below.
How do I fix error 5 access denied?
1. Switch off or change the antivirus software
Error5:Accessis deniedcould be due to third-partyantivirus software. Some programs can mistake a genuine setup wizard to be something else, which is otherwise false positive detection.
The best solution would be to use an antivirus that detects few false positives or none at all. Up-to-date antivirus software should not faultily detect malicious software as they keep real-time records of all threats, old and new.
You can find plenty ofWindows 10 compatible antivirus toolsthat can silently run in the background and protect you at all times without triggering false alerts or interfering with your system.
If you prefer using your current antivirus, switch it off temporarily to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with theinstaller.
You can temporarily switch off antivirus software by selecting a disable option on the context menus. For example, Avast includes an Avast shield control setting on its context menu.
Alternatively, you can also leave anti-virus utilities out of the Windows startup via Task Manager as follows.
2. Run the installer as admin
Admin rightsare required toinstallsome programs. So a program mightinstallif you right-click its installer and selectRun as administrator.
This is a straightforward fix, but it often does the trick.
3. Switch your user account to an admin profile
If selecting theRun as administratoroption doesn’t do the trick, you might need toinstallthe software within an admin user account.
Thus, you might need to convert your standard account to an admin one. This is how you can switch your profile to an administrator one via the Control Panel:
4. Enable the built-in admin account via Command Prompt
5. Open the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter
Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter can fixinstallationerrors. That’s especially the case if there arecorrupt registry keysblocking softwareinstallation.
This tool is not included in Windows 1o, but you can save it by clicking theDownloadbutton onthis webpage.
Then open the downloaded troubleshooter, and press theNextbutton to run it.
6. Move the installer to the C: Drive
If you’re opening theinstallerfrom an alternative drive to the one Windows is on (usually the C: drive), move the setup wizard to the C: drive.
You can do that by left-clicking theinstallerin File Explorer and dragging it onto the C: drive.
Then you’ll see aMoveto the tooltip.
Let go of the left mouse button to move theinstaller. Thereafter, you can open the program’s setup wizard from the C: drive.
7. Adjust the UAC Settings
8. Restore Windows with System Restore
TheError 5: Access is deniedmessage can pop up as a result of acorrupted system accountor active directory, as well. Restoring Windows to an earlier date will fix such issues.
The solutions mentioned above will help you fix theError 5: Access is deniederrorin Windows so that you can install the required software.
Aside from those resolutions, scanning the registry with aregistry cleaneris never a bad idea.
Updating antiquated driversmight also fix the issue.
As always, if you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.
More about the topics:administrator account,System Errors,windows 10
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
