If you have spent any considerable amount of time in customizing the default look and feel of Vista/Windows 7 without using third-party tools, you probably know how to take ownership of a file or folder in Vista and Windows 7.
Just like Vista and Windows 7, the latest Windows 8/8.1 also requires you to take ownership of a system file or folder before editing it. That is, if you want to modify a file or folder in Windows 8/8.1, you need to take the ownership of the particular file or folder to be able to edit it.
Take ownership of a file or folder in Windows 8:
Step 1: Download the Take Ownership zip file from here.
Step 2: Extract the zip onto the desktop to get Install Take Ownership and Uninstall Take Ownership files.
Step 3: Double-click on Install Take Ownership file and click Yes for the prompt. You have just added Take Ownership option to the context menu!
Step 4: To take ownership of a file or folder, right-click on the file or folder, and then select Take Ownership option. You are done!
NOTE: The Take Ownership zip file that you have downloaded also includes an uninstall file. Simply double-click on the Uninstall Take Ownership file and click Yes for the prompt to remove Take Ownership option from context menu (right-click menu).
Anony Mous says
Too basic.
I want to take ownership of a folder and it’s subfolders, and REMOVE User ‘System’ completely.
Bernie says
This works a treat, thank you…
Mega Lin says
Thank you a lot. You save my life.
Husain says
Thanks a lot :)
I love u tips so much :))))
Kathrine says
This did NOT work!!!
rc says
wtf do you have to do all this bs to fucking delete a file on your own pc
Brain says
Try the freeware TakeOwnershipPro:
It is more powerful than your registry trick.
Loopy says
This didn’t work for me. Take Ownership does not appear in the right hand click menu.
Suggestions???
Joe says
This was a great help. Thanks!!
Trey says
you are the freaking best.I went through so much trying to claim my own file so i can delete it.this worked.
Cal says
That you VERY MUCH. Great utility, u da best.
Kirty says
Thank you SO MUCH!! I’ve been battling moving up in operating systems and have been locked out of deleting my own files. I’m so delighted. Works so well. This the is the most streamlined help I’ve received from anyone, anywhere.
Sindre says
Thanks a lot man, lifesaver :)
Arturo I says
Great tool! Worked on Win 8 x64 Pro
Brian Iversen says
Thanks, Really nice tool, even it’s just registry add on.
Chris B. says
Legit. Freakin Life SAVER!!!!
Ali MZ says
Thank you. Take Ownership Of Files And Folders In Windows 8 was an issue I was unable to solve. Thank u again
Bobbit says
Worked perfectly on unwanted system files and folders created in Windows.Old folder when I moved from Windows XP to Windows 8. Thanks very, very much.
Rebecca says
When I did this it did not give Windows8 as the location. I tried it anyway, but it would not allow me to take ownership of a folder. Any advice?
Ted says
Thanks… worked like a charm.
thanks says
thanks for the help…now i can install the titaniumgl driver :D
jonny carlberg says
Bullshit you dont need to do this to take ownership, wouldnt do it.
Surendra says
Thanks for thi strick…This is verymuch useful for me…