How to Copy and Backup Files Without Admin Privileges

Many users have encountered the “You need administrator permission to copy this file/folder” error while using Windows 11/10/8/7. When this error message pops up, most average users might not be aware of what's wrong with their computer or device.

Figure: Cannot copy files without administrative privileges

When you attempt to copy a file and Windows 10 requests administrator permissions, it's likely because you're trying to access a protected system file or perform an operation that requires elevated privileges. To resolve this issue, follow these steps: 1. Right-click on the file or folder you wish to copy. 2. Select "Copy as Administrator" or "Run as Administrator" (depending on your available context menu options). 3. If a User Account Control dialog appears, confirm that this is the action you intend to take, then click "Yes." 4. You should now be able to copy the file. If the above method doesn't work, try these alternatives: - Log in to Windows with an administrator account. - Add the location of the file or folder to your trusted sites or temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall and real-time protection (be cautious, as this might increase your system's vulnerability). - Use a third-party file manager, as some may not require administrator privileges for certain actions. If the problem persists, consider checking for Windows updates or reaching out to Microsoft Customer Support for further assistance.

Don't worry: there are two powerful tools that can help.

• Method 1: Copying a File Without Administrator Privileges
• Method 2: Resolving the "Administrator Permission Required" Error and Copying a File/Folder

Method 1: Copying Files Without Admin Privileges

What do you do if you need to copy or back up files and folders on your computer right away, but the system won't let you without administrator privileges?

Recommended read: Unable to copy files to external hard drive on Windows 11

With the best Windows backup and recovery software installed, you can quickly copy and back up your files to a target storage device in just three simple steps:

Step 1: To start a backup, tap Choose Backup Options.

Step 2. There are four backup types to choose from: Files, Disk, System, and Mail. Click on Files.

On the left, you will see local and network files. You can expand the directories to select the backup file.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose a location to save your backup.

Click on Options, set a password for encrypted backups under Backup Options, then click Backup Schedule to specify when the backup should occur and initiate backups at specific events. You can also select additional options to customize the backup process according to your needs.

Step Five: The backup can be stored on a local disk, the tool's online service, or a NAS.

Step 6: Todo Backup also lets users back up their data to third-party cloud storage services, in addition to its own.

If you want to back up to a cloud service provided by a third party, choose “Local Disk,” scroll down, add “Cloud Device,” and then sign in and add your account.

You can also choose to back up to cloud storage. Sign up for an AOMEI account and click "AOMEI Cloud" to log in.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to start the backup process. When complete, the backup job appears as a card on the left pane. Right-click the backup job for further actions.

Then, all you have to do is wait for the process to complete, and you'll have all the necessary files backed up and copied to your destination storage device.

More information: If needed, you can use the “Browse and recover” feature in the Todo Backup tool to restore a file image to a safe location and use it again.

Method 2: Fix the “Requires Admin Permission to Copy This File/Folder” Error and Copy the File

Typically, when you're asked to provide administrative or escalated permissions, you need to take ownership of a file or folder to access or open it.

Step 1: Take ownership of the file or folder

1. Open File Explorer, locate the file/folder, right-click on it, and select "Properties."

2. Click “Advanced,” and then click the “Owner” tab.

3. To change ownership to a user or group not listed, click Change > Other Users and Groups, type the user name or group name in the Type the object names to select box, and then click Check Names > OK.

To change the user or group listed:

Click the “New Owner” field, and change it.

To change the owner of all child containers and objects within the scope of the tree, select the Replace owner on child containers and objects check box.

Change the subcontainers to fix the “You need administrator approval” issue.

Step 2: Turn off User Account Control (UAC)

1. Right-click the Windows icon, select “Search,” type: Control Panel, and then click “Control Panel.”

2. Under the "View" option on the right, select "Large icons." 3. Locate and click on "User Accounts," then click "Change user account control settings."

4. Click Never Notify, and then click OK.

5. When finished, set the slider to Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer, and click OK to keep the changes.

Step 3: Enable the built-in admin account

1. Right-click the Windows icon, select “Search,” type: Command Prompt, then right-click it and choose “Run as administrator.”

Run Command Prompt to fix the error “Cannot copy files”

2. Click Yes to allow Command Prompt to run on your computer.

3. Type net user administrator /active:yes in the Command Prompt, and press Enter.

After that, you should be able to copy the files without admin or elevated permissions without any issues.

Last Words

If you're an average user who needs to copy files to another storage device, but Windows won't let you do it without administrator permissions, don't worry. You can easily and quickly fix this error by following Method 1 and Method 2.

Todo Backup is a reliable file backup tool that lets you save your files to other locations, even if you don't have administrative rights. It's a comprehensive guardian for your computer's safety, safeguarding your files, disks, system settings, app data, and more. You won't be disappointed if you download it and give it a try.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I remove administrator permissions from a file?

You can remove admin permissions from a file by following these steps: Open Windows Explorer, right-click the file, select "Properties," then click "Security" tab. In the Permissions window that pops up, uncheck the "Allow" checkbox next to "Full Control." Finally, click "OK" to save the changes.

Why does my computer say I need administrator permissions?

This issue can occur due to several reasons, including: not being logged in with an administrator account, the file being protected by Windows, or your user account lacking the necessary permissions. To resolve this, you can try logging in as an administrator or altering the file's permission settings.