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
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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

  1. If the error happens on a certain app, go to its executable file or shortcut and click Properties.app properties
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check the box to Run this program as administrator. Click OK to confirm.run this program as administrator
  4. Try opening the app and see if you are still running into the ERROR_CANT_ENABLE_DENY_ONLY issue.

2. Run a SFC scan

  1. Press the Windows key, type CMD, and select Run as administrator.run cmd as administrator
  2. Type SFC/SCANNOW and press enter.sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. This command will search for and fix corrupt system files on your PC.
  4. Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

3. Perform a clean boot

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.msconfig
  2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.hide microsoft services and disable all
  3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.Open task Manager
  4. In Task Manager, disable all startup programs by right-clicking and selecting Disable.disable startup apps
  5. 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

  1. Go to Windows Settings.
  2. Select Apps> Installed apps.apps installed apps
  3. Locate the app causing the error.
  4. Click on the three dots and select Advanced Options.Installed apps advanced options
  5. Scroll down and select Reset. Confirm, and wait for the process to complete.reset app
  6. If the Advanced Options are not available, select uninstall, wait for the process to complete, and reinstall the app.uninstall 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

  1. Open Windows Settings.open windows settings
  2. Select the Accounts section.accounts settings
  3. Click Other Users.
  4. Click the Add user button.Add other user
  5. 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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