How to Fix “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” Error

You’re cruising through your PC, trying to share a folder like a digital MVP—and boom! Windows hits you with a confusing error: “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container. Access is Denied.” Uh oh. Sounds serious, right?

Don’t panic just yet. We’ll break it all down for you in simple terms, and by the end of this guide, you’ll be a mini tech wizard.

TLDR:

This error happens when Windows throws a fit over permissions. It usually pops up when you’re trying to change access settings for a folder. You need to take ownership of the folder and tweak some advanced settings. It’s easier than it sounds, promise!

What Does This Error Even Mean?

Let’s start with the basics.

The error shows up mainly when you try to change user permissions or share a folder. It basically means: “Hey! I can’t see who’s inside this folder, so you can’t mess with it!”

This is a Windows security thing, but sometimes it acts up and blocks even the admin—you!

Why Am I Seeing This Error?

Here are a few common reasons:

• You don’t “own” the folder. In Windows’ eyes, ownership matters.
• Permission settings are messed up. Maybe changed by accident or locked tight for safety.
• It’s a system folder. These are guarded like treasure chests.

Whatever the cause, we’re going to fix it. Let’s roll up our sleeves.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix It

1. Take Ownership of the Folder

First, you need to claim the folder. Like saying: “This is mine, thank you very much.”

1. Right-click the folder that’s giving you trouble.
2. Choose Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab.
4. Click the Advanced button.
5. Next to Owner, click Change.
6. Under Enter the object name to select, type your Windows username.
7. Click Check Names to be sure it’s right. Then click OK.
8. Back on the main screen, check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
9. Click Apply and then OK.

Nice! You’re now the proud “owner” of that folder.

2. Adjust Permissions

You’ve claimed the folder. Now let’s open the gates for others (or just yourself).

1. Right-click the folder again and go to Properties.
2. Hop over to the Security tab and click Edit.
3. Click Add.
4. Enter the name of the user or group (like “Everyone” if you’re feeling generous).
5. Click Check Names again, then OK.
6. Now choose the permissions: Full Control? Read? Your call.
7. Click Apply and OK.

Voila! The folder’s permissions are now officially in your hands.

3. Still Getting the Error? Try Command Prompt

If Windows is still being stubborn, let’s take the scenic route—through Command Prompt!

Here’s how:

1. Press Start and search for cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type this command to take ownership:

takeown /F "C:\Your\Folder\Path" /R /D Y

4. Then add permissions:

icacls "C:\Your\Folder\Path" /grant administrators:F /T

Replace C:\Your\Folder\Path with the actual path, obviously!

Hit Enter after each command. Sit back and let the magic happen.

4. Restart—Just in Case

Windows loves a fresh start. After you’ve made the changes, reboot your computer. This ensures everything gets locked in.

Pro Tips

• Use the right username: Sometimes your user is part of a domain or named differently than you think. Use whoami in Command Prompt to be sure.
• Don’t mess with system folders unless you know what you’re doing. Playing too deep in Windows’ core files can create bigger issues.
• Always back up your stuff first. Just in case you accidentally apply permissions you didn’t mean to.

What if You’re on a Home Network?

This error is super common when sharing folders between users on the same home network.

To make sharing smoother:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on Advanced sharing settings.
3. Turn on Network Discovery and File and printer sharing.
4. For private networks, allow Windows to manage homegroup connections.

This way all your home PCs play nice with each other.

What If This Still Doesn’t Work?

If you’re still stuck, you may be facing:

• Corrupted system files
• Registry errors
• Group Policy restrictions

Try running this command in Command Prompt (Admin) to check for file corruption:

sfc /scannow

Or, get a handy tool like Windows Fix-It Utilities. Sometimes a third-party tool can save the day.

The Nerdy Explanation

Just in case you’re curious…

This error usually bubbles up when Windows tries to apply ACLs (Access Control Lists) recursively and fails. It might be due to permission inheritance, or specific restrictions on subfolders or group memberships.

ACLs are how Windows says: “Let Bob do this, but not Jane.” When there’s a hiccup in reading those rules, it throws a fit—thus the error.

Final Thoughts

“Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” sounds like something out of a hacker movie. But it’s usually just a simple permissions hiccup.

With patience, the right clicks, and maybe a magic command or two, you can beat the error and make your folders behave.

Now go forth and share your folders like the admin champion you are!