7 Ways to Fix Unable to Enumerate Objects in Containers

When trying to change permissions on a file or folder, you may often encounter the error - Unable to enumerate objects in container Access is denied.

Although as an administrator you can change access permissions, sometimes even administrators may encounter the same error message.

This is a common mistake usually made by users on different forums. In this case, even the administrator cannot change the permissions of a specific user or other user groups when access is denied on Windows 10/11.

Additionally, many users are also experiencing issues with objects not being able to be enumerated during Azure file sharing, which can apparently be resolved by assigning the appropriate RBAC role (the elevated participant role for the SMB share that stores file data).

In this article, we will discuss 7 ways to resolve the Access Denied access to shared folder issue where objects in the container cannot be enumerated.

Why do I see the Failed to enumerate objects in the container error?

Some reasons why you may encounter the Unable to enumerate objects in container error on Windows 11 are:

➜ No administrator rights

If the ownership of the file or folder is incorrect, or you are not an administrator and you still try to make changes to the file or folder, a permission error will pop up.

➜ Folder settings are configured incorrectly

When another user makes any changes to the settings of a file or folder accidentally or intentionally.

➜ Conflict due to another program

Most likely, there will be a conflict between the folder you want to access and another program. This will eventually remove the default permissions entries.

➜ Stale account as owner

If a now-stale account is set as the owner of a file or folder for a period of time, it will leave a stale account Permission entries.

So, to answer your question - how do I grant admin rights? Here are some methods that can help you add permissions to problem folders.

How to fix the Unable to enumerate objects in container error?

1. Take ownership of the file or folder

1.1 Add an administrator account and change permissions

1. Right-click the problem file or folder and selectProperties.
2. Go to the Security tab and click Advanced.
3. In the Advanced Security Settings window, click Change next to Owner.
4. This will open the Select User or Group dialog box, enter the user account name and select Check Names.
5. Once you see an underscore under the account name, press OK to save changes and return to the Advanced Security Settings window.
6. Here, check the box next to Replace owners on subcontainers and objects.
7. Next, check the box next to Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries for this object.
8. Press Apply and then OK Save changes and return to the Properties dialog box.
9. Here, under the Security tab, go to the Permissions field below and click Edit.
10. Now, next to Full control, select Allow.
11. Press Apply and OKApply changes and exit.

1.2 Add your user account name

1. Go to the issue folder, right click and select Properties.
2. Now, go back to the "Properties" tab, and under the "Security" tab, click "Advanced".
3. In the Advanced Security Settings window, go to Permissions and click Add.
4. When the Permissions Entry window opens, click Select a principal.
5. You will now see the Select User or Group dialog box.
6. Here, go to Enter Object Name to select the field and enter your user account name.
7. Press the Check Name button. Press OK to save changes.
8. Exit the "Properties" window.

Now, try to open your file or folder and check if you are still encountering the Unable to enumerate objects in container access denied error persists.

2. Disable User Account Control

1. Press the Win R shortcut key combination to start the run command.
2. Enter useraccountcontrolsettings in the search bar and click Enter.
3. In the User Account Control Settings window, move the slider down and set it to "Never notify" .
4. Press OK to apply changes and exit.

After disabling the notification option, you should now be able to modify the permissions of your files/folders and the error popup should not appear again.

3. Run chkdsk scan

1. Press the shortcut key - Win R and open the run console.
2. In the search bar, type cmd and simultaneously press the Ctrl Shift Enter key to launch with administrator access Command prompt with permissions.
3. Now, execute the following command and press Enter (replace D: with the actual letter of the drive if necessary): <strong>chkdsk D: /F /R</strong>
4. The chkdsk utility will now scan the drive (containing problem files/folders) for any errors and fix them immediately.

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Click here to download and start repairing.

Once completed, restart your PC and the Failed to enumerate objects in the container access is denied error should be fixed.

4. Use the command prompt to provide permissions

1. Press the Win R hotkey to open the run command.
2. In the search field, type cmd and simultaneously press the Ctrl Shift Enter key to launch an elevated command prompt symbol.
3. Now, run the following commands one after another in the Command Prompt window and hit Enter after each command:
   • <strong>takeown /F "FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER" takeown /F "FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER" /r /d yicacls "FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER" /grant Administrators:Ficacls "FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER" /grant Administrators:F /t</strong>
4. Replace FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER with the path to your user folder, for example, use C:\Windows\System32.
5. After executing the command, close the command prompt, restart your PC, and check if you now have permissions.

You can also run the above command to fix Failed to enumerate objects in the container error on Windows Powershell.

5. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware

1.1 Update drivers via the manufacturer’s website

1. Open your browser and visit the PC manufacturer’s website.
2. Go to their driver download page and find the latest driver version.
3. For example, for chipsets, display adapters (such as Nvidia drivers, audio, USB3, Bluetooth, network adapters, etc.).
4. Now, download and install the driver on your PC.

Restart your PC and check if the “Unable to enumerate object access denied in container” error on Windows 11 is resolved.

1.2 Automatic driver update

In order to fix the Failed to enumerate objects in the container error, if repairing the driver manually seems too time-consuming, we recommend using an automated solution.

It is well known that missing drivers can cause problems, and manually searching for drivers takes time and requires extensive knowledge of the driver you are looking for.

Driver repair and installer programs, such as DriverFix, will help you automatically update your drivers and prevent damage to your PC caused by installing incorrect driver versions.

Additionally, you will get a complete report detailing the exact condition of your Windows with missing, corrupted, or outdated drivers.

With just a few clicks, the program scans your PC hardware and peripherals for potential driver upgrades. Use one to save yourself some valuable time.

⇒ Get Driver Repair

1.3 Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

1. When the PC boots and you see the login screen, hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
2. You will now see the Select an option screen. Click Troubleshooting.
3. Next, click on Advanced Options.
4. Now, for more information, follow our tutorial on how to update BIOS or UEFI firmware to the latest version.

Once completed, restart your PC and check that you now have permissions to the folder.

6. Start Windows in Safe Mode

1. Go to the Start menu, click it, and then click the Power icon.
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click Restart.
3. When you arrive at selecting an option, select Troubleshoot.
4. Next, click Advanced Options.
5. In the Advanced Options screen, click Startup Settings.
6. On the startup settings screen, Restart button.
7. After the PC restarts, press number 4 or F4 on your keyboard to start the PC in Safe Mode.

This will help you determine if any third-party programs are interfering with the folders you want to access, causing the Unable to enumerate objects in container error.

Safe Mode helps you easily identify a program and get rid of it to solve problems.

7. Perform repair upgrade

1. Visit Microsoft’s official website to create the Windows 11 media creation tool.
2. Now, install the bootable ISO image file on your PC.
3. When you reach the installation wizard, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. To learn more, follow our tutorial on how to perform a repair installation/upgrade.

This will help you reinstall Windows 11 without losing important files, apps, and most of your settings.

Also, to ensure that your Windows operating system is installed correctly in case it needs any repairs, and if it is optimized for optimal performance, you can follow this checklist.

Meanwhile, if you want to know how to fix bad app security in Windows 10/11, you can refer to our detailed tutorial.

You can also follow the same method to fix the Unable to enumerate objects in container error on Windows 10.

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