Sometimes it happens that even being administrator on our windows system, we cannot access into protected system folders. When we try to enter into such folders, windows simply prints a so called message “Access is Denied“. Even often we face problem installing some programs that puts files on non ownership folders. In that situation we may need to take the proper ownership(privilege) of that folder or file so that we can fully access that. Yes previously I’ve shared about accessing such protected system folders on windows. But that don’t concern you about adding “Take Ownership” in right click context menu.

What is “Take Ownership”?

Take ownership is a shortcut in windows context menu(mouse right click menu inside explorer) which enables us to take accessing privilege on protected system folders and files. Normally we may need to do big registry edits manually which is not hassle free. So we need a ready made registry editor which will add take ownership shortcut on context menu. It’s just like adding “Open Commandline Here” in windows 7, XP or Vista folder context menu.

How to Install “Take ownership”

It’s very simple to install take ownership. Just download Take Ownership.zip file, open it and run Take Ownership.reg by double clicking on it. It will ask to grant permission unless you disable UAC warning. Again windows may ask you before the last edit of registry. Click yes. Now you might done. To check it, right click on a protected folder and you will see “Take Ownership” shortcut. Now select take ownership to unlock the folder.

Ho to Uninstall it?

Just double click on Remove Takeownership.reg and provide all access. It will remove the ownership shortcut.

What Code is Inside the Take Ownership.reg ?

The following registry editor is exist inside the Take ownership.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\runas]
@="Take Ownership"
"Extended"=""
"NoWorkingDirectory"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\runas\command]
@="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F"
"IsolatedCommand"="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas]
@="Take Ownership"
"Extended"=""
"NoWorkingDirectory"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas\command]
@="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" /r /d y && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F /t"
"IsolatedCommand"="cmd.exe /c takeown /f \"%1\" /r /d y && icacls \"%1\" /grant administrators:F /t"

This registry editor is tested on windows XP, Vista and 7 and works well there.

Download Take Ownership.zip .

Author: Jaber Al Nahian

Jaber is a Programmer and Tech Enthusiast Geek from Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is the founder and Chief-Editor of TechGainer. While he is away from his keyboard, either he's fishing or messing with wildlife. In case, you can contact him at rijans[at]techgainer[dot]com.

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