Windows 10: Is it harmful to change ownership of a file?

Hello,

I have a question regarding taking ownership of an executable that is in the WindowsApps folder in Program Files. I want to take ownership of it so I can make it launch at startup every time I boot up Windows. That's because for some reason, putting a shortcut of the executable in the Startup folder of Windows doesn't launch it at boot.

The current ownership of that executable is TrustedInstaller but I want to change that to myself. I am wondering however if this would lead to any problems or errors regarding automatic processes that Windows uses for that executable. Or if it would lead to problems if I want to uninstall or reinstall the app.

:)

 

forgot my pincode-2 in my nokia c7 and more serveral prblm

you will have to contact the seller, i am not sure that Nokia Care will reset the code for you as you need proof of ownership for the device. no harm in trying though.

 

no access to a file unable to change ownership at all.

My game installation is unable to proceed at there cannot create a file that alr exist. And it was this exact file

 

It might be disastrous. Or you might get away with it. I've had enough difficulty keeping my aging PC afloat that I stay away from such actions. That said, you might look at:

Add Take Ownership to Context Menu in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Customization Tutorials

 

I'd suggest that you don't change any files owned by "TrustedInstaller". *Eek

Have you tried using the "Task Scheduler" to start the App?

The tutorials shown below might help.

Tutorials:
Create Elevated Shortcut without UAC prompt in Windows 10
Create Startup Apps shortcut in Windows 10

 

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

 

When I was testing the W7 Betas, I removed "TrustedInstaller" and then I couldn't restore it.
Installing a new copy of W7 didn't take long in those days.

These days I wouldn't think of removing "TrustedInstaller", without creating a backup image of my OS.

 

Well, I did say it was only to be tried as a last resort (if at all) *Smile

Restoring ownership to TrustedInstaller is only possible if you use its full name. The 'NT SERVICE' bit is essential, else 'check names' says it can't be found.

 

At the time, I wasn't aware of that issue.
I only found out about that "trick" a couple of years ago. *Smile

Even though I know the trick now, (IMO) it would still be prudent to create a backup image (just in case).

 

IMO too. In fact it's a prudent safeguard even if you're not planning on hacking your system. It's part of my monthly routine, make an image before each cumulative update, and keep the previous images for as long as I have space to do so (I think I still have one for 10240, I certainly have the one for the OEM Win7 this system started with).

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm amazed taking ownership just to make it launch at startup can have bad consequences like that.

If I give it back to TrustedInstaller again, do I still have permission to launch the app at startup?

 

Hello Johnny, *Smile

If the app requires elevation to run, then it will not be allowed to run at startup by default for security reasons.

If so, then you could use the tutorial below to create an elevated shortcut of the app, and place the elevated shortcut in your Startup folder as a workaround to run at startup without getting a UAC prompt.

Create Elevated Shortcut without UAC prompt in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Customization Tutorials

 

Hey Brink! *Smile Thanks a lot for the link. I take it that it also can be used for launching exes from WindowsApps folder?

I'll be giving this a try.

 

If you mean for Store apps, then you could try running them at startup using the commands below.

App Commands List for Windows 10 - Windows 10 Apps Features Tutorials