Windows 8: Taking Ownership of a Folder

When a user creates a file or folder in Windows, they automatically become the owner of that resource. As the owner, they are able to set and change security permissions to the object.

If you want to change the permissions on a resource that you do not own, you must be assigned the Full Control permission. If you don't have the Full Control permission, you must first take ownership of the resource and then you can proceed with assigning yourself the correct permissions.

You can take ownership of a folder in Windows using the steps that are listed below.

• Log on to the computer with an account that has administrator permissions, and open the File Explorer.
• Right-click the file or folder that you want to change ownership permissions on then select Properties, and then click on the Security tab.
• Press the Advanced button.
• Click the Owner link towards the top left of the dialog.
• The current owner of the resource will be listed.
• In the select user or group dialog select the user that needs ownership assigned to them.
• Press the OK button twice.

Now that the new user has ownership of the object they must be assigned the Full Control permission to change the security permissions on the file or folder.