How to Add Reset Permissions to the Context Menu in Windows

In this guide, we review the steps to add reset permissions to the context menu in Windows. File and folder permissions play a critical role in securing and managing access to data in Windows. Permissions determine who can read, modify, or execute files and are essential for maintaining a structured and secure system. However, managing these permissions can be challenging, especially when issues like data corruption or inaccessible files arise.

A practical solution to this problem is adding a reset permissions context menu in Windows. This customization allows users to reset permissions directly from the right-click menu, simplifying the process and saving time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset Permissions via Context Menu

Before we begin, it’s important to prepare your system and ensure safety. Here are some prerequisites to consider:

• Create a backup: We highly recommend backing up your system using a tool like NinjaOne to avoid potential data loss or system instability.
• Understand the risks: There are safe ways to modify the Windows context menu, but it’s not without risks. It’s important that you understand the risks involved in resetting permissions incorrectly, which can lead to system errors or data inaccessibility.

How to Add a Reset Permissions Option in Windows 10/11

Option 1: Using official Windows tools

1. Access the Advanced Security settings
   1. Right-click the file or folder where you want to reset permissions and select “Properties”.
   2. Go to the Security tab and click Advanced.
2. Modify permissions
   1. In the Advanced Security settings window, click “Change Permissions”.
   2. Ensure the “Include inheritable permissions from this object’s parent” option is checked.
   3. To remove custom permissions, select each listed permission entry and click “Remove”.
   4. Click “Apply” and then “Ok” to save changes.
3. Restore default permissions (if necessary)
   1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   2. Use the following command to reset permissions to their default state:
      icacls “C:\Path\To\Folder” /reset /t /c /q
      Replace C:\Path\To\Folder with the actual path to the file or folder.
4.  Test the feature
   1. Attempt to access the file or feature to ensure permissions are restored.
   2. Revisit the Security tab to confirm the changes.

Option 2: Adding “reset permissions” without downloads

1. Open the registry editor
   1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
   2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to launch the registry editor
2. Create registry keys manually
   1. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell
      
   2. Right-click the “Shell” key and select New > Key. Name the new key “Reset Permissions”.
   3. Within the “Reset Permissions” key, create another key named “command”.
   4. Set the default value of the “command” key to the following command:
      md.exe /c icacls “%1” /reset /t /c /q
      This command uses the built-in “icalcs” tool to reset permissions.
3. Test the feature
   1. Right-click any file or folder.
   2. Select “Reset Permissions” from the context menu.
   3. Verify that permissions are reset to their default state by checking the Security tab in the file or folder’s properties.

Testing and verifying changes

When you add reset permissions to the right-click menu, it’s important that you test and verify changes. To do this:

1. Access a previously inaccessible file or folder and check if the issue is resolved.
2. Review the updated permissions by right-clicking the file or folder, selecting “Properties” and navigating to the “Security” tab.
3. If issues persist, revisit the steps to ensure proper configuration of the Registry keys, downloaded scripts, or settings.

Why you may want to add reset permissions to the context menu in Windows

Adding the reset permissions option to the Windows context menu is a powerful yet accessible customization. It is particularly useful for resolving issues where files or folders become inaccessible due to permission conflicts, system errors, or even malware. By implementing this feature, you can easily reset permissions to their default state without needing extensive technical knowledge or relying on time-consuming manual adjustments.

Benefits when you add file permissions in Windows context menu

The main benefit of adding reset permissions in Windows is that it is much more convenient and efficient. With a simple right-click action, you bypass the need for complex manual procedures, allowing you to resolve permission issues much more quickly. In addition, it provides a user-friendly way for individuals without technical skills to address basic permission problems effortlessly. This makes it a useful skill to learn—even if you consider yourself to be more technologically-challenged!

Using this Windows reset permissions guide

Windows permissions control access to files and folders based on predefined rules. These permissions include reading (viewing the content of a file or folder), writing (permitting and changing the file or folder), and executing (running executable files or accessing folders as applications).

It’s worth noting that permissions are often inherited, which means that files or subfolders within a directory inherit the parent’s folder’s permissions. This is where ownership plays a vital role: The owner of a file or folder has the authority to modify permissions.

However, managing permissions can become complicated when ownership conflicts arise, inherited permissions create unintended access issues, or permission corruption makes a file inaccessible.

Whether you’re an IT professional managing shared resources or an everyday user troubleshooting occasional access issues, this tool enhances your ability to efficiently address and resolve permission problems. We also recommend using tools like NinjaOne Windows RMM to help you deliver better, more efficient IT services—all from a single pane of glass.

NinjaOne’s IT management software has no forced commitments and no hidden fees. Request a free quote, sign up for a 14-day free trial, or watch a demo.