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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TheAslan

Is there any chance to remove these items in context menus:

Sort by
Group by
Undo rename
Paste shortcut

I really hate these items and want to remove them, and these are totally worthless for me!

Thanx you!!
VG

^^ The only way would be using Resource hacker and remove entries but the modifications don't work in Aero or basic themes. So no way afaik.
VG

^^ These icons are stored in respective DLL files which are registered by the programs at the time of installation. You'll need to hunt for those DLL files and then replace the embedded icons using Resource Hacker.
Tsukune

I downloaded and followed the steps to use the REG mod and was successfully able to add it to the registry however it does not function as it should in that it does not function at all other than add a take ownership button. Any suggestions to fix this? Note I'm not very that familiar with these aspect of a computer so be gentle with me. If I cannot fix this, how can I remove the mod from my registry?

Thanks in advanced!
VG

^^ It should work without any problem. If you want to remove it, run the uninstallation script.
Sleepyhead

help. not desperate tho. basicaly i tried to do windows colors and apperance swap with a windows 7 one from the windows 7 look alike customization without installing os thingy page on askvg. i take ownership but get the same results as before i installed take ownership. basicly take ownership has no effect. help with a capital H cos i hate (with a capital H :-D ) the look of vista (no offence microsoft).
Sleepyhead

oops forgot 2 mention...I understand a lot about computers and will understand most replys given :-)
VG

^^ Did you rename existing file and then copy modified file?
Newuser

Doesn't work :(
Hiren

hey vishal it doesnt work. I took ownership and tried to delete authui.dll but it says file is in use. Without deleting it how would i be able to replace it. Please help VG. Does take ownership only mean it can be renamed ?