Windows 10: I can't change file ownership

Whenever I try to change file ownership for a file it doesn't let me. Changing permissions is also not possible.What I would like to do is change the file permissions, but whenever i do it asks me to provide administrator permission, even though i am the administrator and all permissions are allowed. Deleting, editing and opening things does not work.Edit: Going to the security tab in properties to change permissions is not possible since the tab is not there. The file in question is on a USB drive

:)

 

Changed Ownership of C:\ and Can't Fix

Hi Greg,

Let's get this issue sorted. To better assist you with this concern, we would like to know the following information:

• Which account is the new owner of the C drive?
• Are you using an account with administrator rights?
• Have you tried changing the ownership back to yourself?

In the meantime, let's try taking back the ownership by following the steps provided by
BurrWalnut in the following thread:
Is there a way to take ownership of my C drive?

You may also perform a repair upgrade using a
Creators Update ISO file. This method can repair broken operating system files while preserving your files, settings and installed applications. For more information and steps on how to perform a repair upgrade, kindly refer to the wiki article created
by Andre Da Costa on the following link:
How to perform a repair upgrade using the Windows 10 ISO file.

Keep us updated on the status of the issue, and we will be glad to assist you further.

 

ownership

To take ownership of a file or folder

Open File Explorer, and then locate the file or folder you want to take ownership of.

Right-click the file or folder, click Properties, and then click the Security tab.

Click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.

Click Edit, and then do one of the following:

To change the owner to a user or group that is not listed, click Other users and groups and, in Enter the object name to select (examples), type the name of the user or group, and then click OK.

To change the owner to a user or group that is listed, in the Change owner to box, click the new owner.

(Optional) To change the owner of all subcontainers and objects within the tree, select the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects check box.

 

Is it harmful to change ownership of a file?

I'd agree. Try anything but taking ownership, the consequences are unpredictable.

If you can find no other way, then as a last resort take ownership just long enough to add your user account to the permissions. Then give ownership back to TrustedInstaller straight away. The name you'll need to type in the 'Change owner' dialog is: NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller