Solved – Word Cannot Open the Document: User Does Not have Access Privileges

7 Methods to Resolve ‘User Does Not have Access Privileges’ Error 

Multiple users face a dilemma where they can’t get to a word document. The inaccessible file indicates that they require a more prominent way to view the content. This inaccessibility can occur when a user moves documents from another PC while updating your Word file, or while protecting a file with a security key.

Now, let’s discuss the known methods that are capable of resolving this specific Word file error.

Method 1: Change File Permissions in Windows 10 

Usually, the document doesn’t have enabled permission in your account for viewing or reading purposes. One can access the contents of the file by adding the proprietor to your doc. file, changing security settings,s and approving consents. 

• First, right-click on the Word file and tap Properties.
• Secondly, in the Properties wizard, redirect to the Security tab. If you observe a statement indicating “You must have Read permissions to view the properties of this object”, it shows that your account allows only a no. of limited individuals to open this file. Next, tap the  Advanced button available at the bottom of the page.
• Thirdly, in the following window tap the “Continue” button with the administrator logo right beside it. Next, in the permissions wizard, hit “Add”.
• After, in the Permission Entry dialogue box, tap the “select a principal” available at the top of the page.
• Now, You might not remember the individual you are supposed to add so, tap on “Advanced” button at the bottom left of the page. 
• Then, explore the user/group and tap the same to grant permission according to preference. Hit the “Find New” tab and the recently generated list of all individual will display in the given space.
• Next, find the list for “Authenticated Users” and then mark it. After marking it with a tick, tap Ok.
• Now, the user/group will fill on its own in the object namespace. Hit Ok to continue.
• Then, ensure all checkboxes are marked.
• In the end, hit Ok and Apply in the permission wizard to confirm changes and close. Now, try accessing the file by double-tapping it. Now, your file should open without hassle.

If this method does not sound appropriate. Then, one can eliminate the occurring error ‘User Does Not have Access Privileges’ by trying out the next solution.

 Also Read: MS Word Found an Unreadable Content Error

Method 2: App Permission Setting 

It is likewise possible that the word file you are trying to access has all its permissions denied under the security section. This typically happens when you move documents in bulk from one location to another.

• First, go to the Properties window and then move to the Security tab.
• Secondly, if all the users are marked with the right tick then it indicates the access is denied for the groups.
• Thirdly, tap the “Edit” button to modify the permissions.
• Then, in the permissions wizard, tap the “Allow” button mentioned under Full Control section.
• Now, all the Denied permissions will automatically turn on. Tap the Apply button to confirm changes and close the window.
• In the end, try accessing the same doc. File again. One may even need to restart the PC..

Method 3: Remove Identifying Information from Word Document 

Word naturally stores personal data in the file information section such as date modified, authors name, etc. There are many scenarios, where eliminating this information solved the issue that permits access to the file.

• First, right-tap the MS Word Doc. file and hit the Properties tab.
• Secondly, redirect to the Details tab and tap “Remove Properties and Personal Information” alternative.
• In the end, verify “Create a copy with all possible properties removed” alternative and then hit the Ok button.

This will automatically create a replica in the existing system directory with all the attributes deleted. One can also pick all the files together and perform this by hitting properties and redirecting to the Details tab.

Method 4: Verifying Windows 10 AntiVirus Exclusions

Several Anti-Virus programs include a property where they can automatically make sure that folders are encrypted (for example, my doc. files) and can create a situation similar to the one you are facing. Verify your antivirus settings and go through the secured list. To ensure that the document you are trying to access must not be under this protected folder.

Try the next solution to resolve word error ‘user does not have access privileges. If the above method doesn’t provide the desired outcome.

Method 5: Move my Documents to Another Drive Windows 10 

One can also try replicating all the current documents to another hard drive altogether and confirm if the issue still exists. In many situations, the document cannot be accessed if available on a hard drive/SSD. But, the same document can be accessed if shifted to another PC or external storage media.

• First, launch the external/hard drive and handily choose all the files you wish to replicate to the desired location.
• Secondly, right-tap and hit the Copy option. 
• Finally, explore the desired location in your local PC  and in that location generate a new folder and affix all the replicated content.

Method 6: Replacing “Inherit permissions from parent Folder ” Option

Inherit from parent entries is an alternative given on Microsoft which is readily activated from the beginning. It makes it easier for the user to work cooperatively with MS Word. However, we can try eliminating it and verify whether it still generates this error.

• First, right-tap on the Word Doc and tap Properties.
• Secondly, hit the Security tab and then tap on the “Advanced” option mentioned at the bottom of the page.
• Thirdly, in the bottom of your display, tap the “Disable inheritance” tab.
• In the end, hit the Apply to confirm the changes and then exit the wizard. Now, reopen the file. 

One can try using a professional approach to resolve the above methods if somehow your Word document files are severely corrupted. Also, one can follow all the methods to repair corrupt MS Word documents of Microsoft Office.

Method 7: Using a Commercial Tool

Various possibilities cause this error. Although, the above approach can provide the user with a desired only if the protocols are followed stepwise. Remember, the protocols of solutions contain technical language that might confuse the user to a certain limit. One can take the assistance of a professional to apply the methods correctly. Even after applying the methods, if the document file generates the error. Then, one can try using MS Word Recovery Software to reduce the level of inconsistency from the word file.

Summing It Up:

The above article acknowledges the confused users regarding the MS Word error ‘user does not have access privileges. This error can interrupt due to several unknown reasons. But, the only known ways you can resolve this inconsistency are mentioned above. Choose your method appropriately as these can also result in data loss and may interrupt the file data integrity.