Windows 11 Bug Blocks Access to C: Drive on Samsung PCs

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Desktop users running Windows 11 are experiencing a critical issue where they lose access to their C: drive, rendering their PCs largely inoperable. Microsoft has confirmed the problem, tracing it back to the Samsung Galaxy Connect app.

What is Causing the Issue?

The root cause of the problem is a bug within the Samsung Galaxy Connect app, used for screen mirroring, file sharing, and data transfer between Samsung Galaxy devices and Windows PCs [1, 2]. Affected users encounter “Access denied” errors when attempting to access files or launch applications like Outlook, Office, web browsers, and system utilities [1]. The issue impacts Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 [2].

Microsoft and Samsung’s Response

Microsoft temporarily removed the problematic version of the Samsung Galaxy Connect app from the Microsoft Store to prevent further spread of the bug [1]. A previous version of the app, free of the bug, has been reinstated. The companies have jointly released recovery guidance for affected systems [2].

How to Fix the C: Drive Access Issue

The recovery process involves a 29-step procedure to restore standard Windows permissions. It requires signing in with an Administrator account, uninstalling the Samsung Galaxy Connect (or Samsung Continuity Service) app, temporarily allowing Windows to repair drive permissions, adding a temporary permission, and then restoring Windows default permissions using a .bat (batch) repair file [2]. Microsoft states this process does not access or modify personal files [2]. Detailed instructions can be found on Microsoft’s support website [3]. The steps include right-clicking Drive C, selecting Properties, navigating to Security > Advanced, and changing the owner to “Everyone” [3].

Which Systems are Affected?

The issue primarily affects Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Samsung Desktop models running Windows 11 [1]. Windows PCs from other manufacturers are not affected.

Current Status

As of March 18, 2026, Microsoft has marked the issue as resolved on its support website, indicating that Samsung is now responsible for fixing the application and assisting customers [3].