Windows 10: Trying to unblock all files in folder/sub-folders with Powershell

Well, I'm not having success accomplishing what apparently is supposed to be possible using Powershell. I'm running Win10 1803 and Powershell is Major 5, so the "unblock-file" feature is definitely available.

I have recently discovered that I have a number of assorted folders (with sub-folders and files underneath each) that apparently has the security "this file came from another computer..." flag on in an unknown number of files. I'm trying to synchronize these folders to a second "master version" and this requires the ability to delete "orphans" or older versions from one side in order to "mirror" the files on the other side.

Normally, simply manually checking the "unblock" box on Properties for the file and then pushing OK would accomplish the goal one file at a time, except that with potentially hundreds of files in any number of sub-folders this is a daunting task. And besides, this is precisely the kind of job that the Powershell UNBLOCK-FILE function was invented for.

So, apparently it's supposedly very simple to do, in a single Powershell command:

dir "c:\mydir" -Recurse | Unblock-File

Alternatively this second equivalent command is also supposed to work:

get-childitem "c:\mydir" -recurse | unblock-file

I've tried both commands, but neither one is 100% succeeding. Neither of these is actually successfully unblocking ALL of the files in ALL of the sub-folders under c:\mydir.

Without actually knowing in advance which of each and every file started by having its blocked flag on to begin with so that I could confirm that the Powershell commands actually were or were not accomplishing anything at all (i.e. that after the command the blocked flag had now been removed), I can't determine if there is some pattern to the failure. But there's no doubt that when I look at assorted files in the tree structure after the commands have run, that quite a number of files have obviously never been touched and corrected.

Why not???

:)

 

sub folders

Hi Paulette,

You can move the sub-folder by dragging the sub-folder from the other Picture Folder up to the main Picture Folder. However, the sub-folder will remain as a sub-folder.

If you want to make the sub-folder as a stand alone folder, we suggest that you create a new folder on your desired location, then move over the files from the sub-folder to the new folder that you created.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

Regards.

 

sub Folder for outlook

Hello,

Thank you for writing your query in Microsoft Community. I would like to have some more understanding to the issue so that we can diagnose and work on the issue faster. Kindly provide me the following information:

• 
  Where are you trying to create a sub folder is it on mail app or other application?
  

If it is mail app, unfortunately there is no option to create a sub folder in Mail app, I would suggest you to share your feedback in Windows Feedback app.

 

?? How do I PW protect Folders in windows

hmmm?
Sharing files and folders overview You can share the files and folders stored on your computer, on a network, and on the Web. The method you choose depends on whom you want to share files with, and what computer they will use to access the files.

When you share files or folders, they are not as protected as they are when you do not share them. People with access to your computer or your network might be able to read, copy, or change files that are in a shared folder. You should always be aware that the files and folders that you share are available to other people and be sure to monitor your shared files and folders on a regular basis.

Important

If your computer is not joined to a domain, you can use the Network Setup Wizard to automatically turn file and printer sharing on or off. To start the Network Setup Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
If you both use the same computer

You can put the files you want to share in the Shared Documents folder. Files stored in the Shared Documents folder or its subfolders are always available to other users on your computer.

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, the Shared Documents, Shared Pictures, and Shared Music folders are not available.
If both computers are on the same network

You can share a folder or drive on your computer with others on the network. You can also control whether the files in the shared folder can be modified by other users.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, you will need to set the Access control for the folder or drive after sharing it. For more information, go to To set, view, change, or remove file and folder permissions.
If you want to share your files online

You can publish pictures and documents on the Web using the Web Publishing Wizard. The files will be stored in a private, online folder that you manage.

Step-by-step procedure

If you don't want others to access your files

You can prevent other users from accessing your folders and the files they contain. When your computer is connected to a domain, this is called setting permissions for your file or folder. When your computer is connected to a workgroup, this is called making your folders private.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure

'HELP' it can be your friend *Smile