How to Fix a “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” Error on Windows 11/10

Could be a virus or malware

Have you encountered a “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” error while accessing or making changes to a folder or file on your PC? It’s likely your user account doesn’t have permission to view or edit that specific item. There are other reasons this error occurs. We’ll show you how to fix your permission issue as well as other items that can cause the above error on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

Another reason you can’t access or edit a file or folder on your PC is that a virus or malware has infected your system. Such an item can make changes to your folder and file permissions, disabling your user access to various items.

Make Sure You’re Using an Administrator Account

The first item to check when you run into the above error is your account type. Ensure you’re using an admin account to access files and folders on your system. If yours isn’t an admin account, you can ask an admin account holder on your PC to follow the following steps to make you an admin.

Note that you’ll need an admin-level account while following the below troubleshooting tips on your PC, so it’s a good idea toconvert your current ordinary account to an admin one.

Manually Change Your File or Folder’s Owner

Ifyour file or folder permission issuepersists, manually change that specific item’s ownership to get rid of your issue. You can transfer your item’s ownership to your account, which will allow you to access your folder or file without errors.

Take Your Folder or File’s Ownership Using an Elevated Command Prompt

Another way totransfer your file or folder’s ownership to your accountis to use a command in Command Prompt.

Run a Virus and Malware Scan to Fix Failed to Enumerate Objects

If you still can’t access your folder or file, your computer may be infected with a virus or malware. Such malicious items canprevent your access to various itemson your computer.

In this case,run a full virus and malware scan on your systemand remove all the malicious files. You can use your favorite third-party antivirus program or Microsoft Defender Antivirus to perform a full system scan. Here’s how to use the latter option.

Tip: Boot Your Windows PC in Safe Mode

If you can’t use the above methods for some reason,boot your PC in Windows’ safe modeand follow the methods again. Loading your system in safe mode helps you isolate your third-party items, allowing you to perform your tasks without interference.

Resolve File or Folder Permission Issues With Ease on Your Windows PC

Windows’ file and folder permission issuesare common, and these usually occur when someone else has taken your items’ ownership. You can fix that by transferring ownership to your user account, as explained above. We hope this guide helps you resolve your issue so you can access your files and folders. Enjoy!

Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio

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How to Fix a “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” Error on Windows 11/10#

Make Sure You’re Using an Administrator Account#

Manually Change Your File or Folder’s Owner#

Take Your Folder or File’s Ownership Using an Elevated Command Prompt#

Run a Virus and Malware Scan to Fix Failed to Enumerate Objects#

Tip: Boot Your Windows PC in Safe Mode#

Resolve File or Folder Permission Issues With Ease on Your Windows PC#