How to Add “Take Ownership” Option to File or Folder Context Menu in Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Windows 8

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NOTE: This article has been featured by Microsoft. AskVG.com was the first website posting this unique trick.

Many times you need to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows. For example, when you want to customize Windows UI and need to replace existing system files with a new one.

You have to follow no. of steps to take ownership and grant yourself full permission to access the file or folder. But now you can do it in a single step.

You just need to download following zip file and extract it. You'll get a .REG file. Run the file and accept the confirmation:

Download Link

It'll add an extra option "Take ownership" in file and folder context menu:

Now you can right-click on any file or folder and select "Take ownership" option. It'll make you the owner of the file or folder and you can perform your desired operation on that file or folder.

NOTE: If you face problem while taking ownership of a file or folder using above method, you can try manual method which is mentioned in following article:

[Guide] How to Take Ownership (Permission) of a File or Folder Manually in Windows?

[Guide] How to Restore “TrustedInstaller” as Default Owner of a File or Folder in Windows?

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP.

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jalal

thx alot microsoft u rock
:YesMAN

It's not working here , i see the 'Take ownership' option but it don't do anything , i still whit the same onwerships...
Srikki

Hi Vishal,

Tried installing the new 3.5.2 Resource Hacker however, still the same. Tried deleting the reg keys manually and unable to delete.
Error: Cannot deleet Take ownership: error deleting the key.

Its created a folder in registry however, its blank. Tried manually editing still the same.

I want the detail pane to be appear on top.

OS: Windows 7 64 bit

Thanks
cclloyd9785

I have a problem with it where it doesnt ask for admin access and it doesnt take ownership due to the said reason.
aden

can i uses this add in windows XP os ?
VG

^^ Yes.
aden

wow greatS! i will test and see . TQ~ so much~ why u are so professional one XD can teach me :P
aden

oic which mean i can merge this registry to windwos XP OS and using Windwos XP OS to take owner ship of other file . yea
Kevin

Works on Windows XP SP3 too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Uewd

I could not take ownership of any file using my profile (administrator), I have to take ownership of the file using the hidden administrator account which can be enabled by the command:
net user administrator /active:yes
Is there is a way to take ownership of a file using cmd?