ERROR_CANT_ENABLE_DENY_ONLY: 5 Ways to Fix
Tested steps to fix system file corruption and permission issues
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ERROR_CANT_ENABLE_DENY_ONLY signals that you might have insufficient permissions to modify, save, or access a file or app.
By adjusting a few settings and making sure system files are free of corruption, you can fix it. Follow the steps below to see how.
How to fix ERROR_CANT_ENABLE_DENY_ONLY
1. Run the app as an administrator
- If the error happens on a certain app, go to its executable file or shortcut and click Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box to Run this program as administrator. Click OK to confirm.
- Try opening the app and see if you are still running into the ERROR_CANT_ENABLE_DENY_ONLY issue.
2. Run a SFC scan
- Press the Windows key, type CMD, and select Run as administrator.
- Type SFC/SCANNOW and press enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete. This command will search for and fix corrupt system files on your PC.
- Restart your computer and see if the error persists.
3. Perform a clean boot
- Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- In Task Manager, disable all startup programs by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
Now your computer will start running only essential services and apps. You can start re-enabling apps that you use regularly until you locate which app is causing the error.
When you do, consider repairing, uninstalling, or removing it.
4. Reset the problematic app
- Go to Windows Settings.
- Select Apps> Installed apps.
- Locate the app causing the error.
- Click on the three dots and select Advanced Options.
- Scroll down and select Reset. Confirm, and wait for the process to complete.
- If the Advanced Options are not available, select uninstall, wait for the process to complete, and reinstall the app.
ERROR_CANT_ENABLE_DENY_ONLY can also happen when the app in question is corrupt or out of date. Resetting or reinstalling it can help address those issues.
5. Create a new user profile
- Open Windows Settings.
- Select the Accounts section.
- Click Other Users.
- Click the Add user button.
- Create a new user and password and follow the on-screen prompts to finish up.
Creating a new user account gives you a clean slate without the influence of existing software, configurations, or files.
If ERROR_CANT_ENABLE_DENY_ONLY is caused by faulty settings, or interfering third-party apps, a new user account is a quick way to fix it.
We hope this guide helped you get rid of the Can’t Enable/Deny Only error on your Windows.
With similar steps, you can also address issues like ERROR_NO_MORE_MATCHES or ERROR_NO_CALLBACK ACTIVE.
Let us know which solution ended up working for you and if you weren’t able to figure it out, give us more details in the comments below.
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