29 October 2025

How to Resolve Windows Error Code 0xC0000906 (Access Denied)

You’re happily launching a program on your Windows PC when—bam! An error pops up: Error code 0xC0000906 – Access Denied. Ugh! That’s not the kind of surprise anyone wants. But don’t worry. We’ll break it down together and fix it step by step. And yes, we’ll keep it fun and simple!

What Does Error Code 0xC0000906 Even Mean?

Basically, Windows is saying: “Hey! You don’t have permission to run this file.”

This can happen for a bunch of reasons:

• The file is blocked.
• Your antivirus got a little too excited.
• Permissions are messed up.
• Corrupt files.

But fear not! This error can be fixed—and you don’t need to be a tech genius to do it.

Step 1: Check for File Blocking

Some files downloaded from the internet get “blocked” by Windows for safety.

Here’s how to unblock the file:

1. Right-click the program file (the one triggering the error).
2. Select Properties.
3. Under the General tab, look for a box that says “This file came from another computer and might be blocked.”
4. If you see that, check Unblock.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

Now, double-click the file again. Does it work? If yes, great! If not, let’s keep going.

Step 2: Scan with Windows Security

Sometimes, your antivirus thinks a good file is dangerous. It blocks access and causes the error.

Let’s make sure your file isn’t infected:

1. Type Windows Security in the Start menu and open it.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Quick scan.

If a threat is found—well, your antivirus just saved you. But if clean, great! That means the file is probably safe, and we can move forward.

Step 3: Temporarily Turn Off Antivirus

This sounds scary, but it’s just for a minute.

Why? Because some antivirus software (especially third-party ones) act like overprotective parents. They block files that are actually safe.

Here’s how you can test if antivirus is the issue:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Find the option to disable real-time protection (or something similar).
3. Turn it off.
4. Now, try opening your program again.

Important: Turn it back ON after testing. You don’t want to leave your system unprotected.

Step 4: Run as Administrator

Some programs just need more authority. If they don’t get admin rights, they throw errors like 0xC0000906.

Try this:

• Right-click the program’s shortcut or EXE file.
• Select Run as administrator.

If it opens, perfect! Want to always run it as admin? Here’s how:

1. Right-click the file > Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

Step 5: Fix Corrupt System Files

Sometimes Windows system files are the culprit. Let’s clean that up with some built-in tools.

Use SFC (System File Checker):

1. Type cmd in the Start menu.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Type this command: sfc /scannow
4. Hit Enter and wait. This might take a little bit.

It will automatically fix any corrupted files it finds.

If the problem persists, try one more tool—DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management):

1. Open Command Prompt as admin again.
2. Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Hit Enter and be patient.

This tool connects to Microsoft’s online servers and repairs major errors.

Step 6: Reset Permissions

Maybe the file doesn’t have the correct permissions. Let’s fix that:

1. Right-click on the file > Properties.
2. Go to the Security tab.
3. Click Edit to change permissions.
4. Select your user name and check Full Control if it isn’t already checked.
5. Click Apply.

Be careful here: don’t change permissions for system files. Only do this on files you trust.

Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot

Maybe some startup program is blocking access. Let’s find out.

Do a clean boot:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, hit Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
4. Click Disable all.
5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
6. Disable all startup items.
7. Close everything and restart your PC.

Now try running the software. If it works, one of those startup apps was messing with your file. You can enable items one by one later to find the troublemaker.

Still No Luck? Try Reinstalling the Program

If absolutely nothing has worked, maybe the program itself is broken.

Try uninstalling and reinstalling the software:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Find the program in the list and click Uninstall.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Install the latest version from the official website.

Fresh installs often solve hidden internal issues.

Bonus Tip: Use System Restore

If you recently started getting this error and nothing helps, System Restore might be your time machine.

1. Type Create a restore point in the Start menu.
2. Click on System Restore.
3. Choose a date when your computer was happy.
4. Follow the wizard to roll back your system.

Your personal files stay safe, and only settings and apps are affected.

Wrap-Up: Error Gone, You Win!

Fixing Error Code 0xC0000906 isn’t rocket science. It just takes a few careful steps (and a little patience).

Here’s a quick recap:

• Unblock the file.
• Scan for viruses.
• Temporarily disable antivirus.
• Run as admin.
• Use SFC/DISM to fix system files.
• Reset file permissions.
• Clean boot your PC.
• Reinstall the app if all else fails.

Give each step a try. One of them is bound to help. And soon, you’ll be back to whatever awesome thing you were doing—error-free!</p