Fix: It looks like you don’t have permission to save changes to this file

Editing photos on our devices is a frequent task. However, if you’ve encountered the error message ‘It looks like you don’t have permission to save changes to this file’ while attempting to edit a picture on your Windows machine, you know how frustrating it can be. This issue, clearly indicated by the message, arises from insufficient permissions.

Insufficient permissions can stem from various factors. For instance, this message might occur if you do not have ownership of the file. Such issues, including ‘You don’t have permission to save in this location’ and the current permission error, are common but manageable. Even with adequate permissions, you can still face this problem. It often relates to moving an image from another drive or OneDrive to your computer, which can cause the file to be blocked, preventing editing.

To remedy the situation, one can unblock the image through the Properties window before proceeding. Below, we present multiple solutions to eliminate the noted error message, allowing you to edit your photos without hindrance.

1. Run Photo Editor as an Administrator

Try launching your third-party photo editor as an administrator if you encounter the error. If you’re using the built-in Windows Photo Editor, skip this step. Sometimes the editor may lack sufficient permissions to save changes to the image. Running the editor with administrative privileges may resolve the issue.

1. Navigate to the location of your Photo Editor. You can also use a desktop shortcut if available.
2. Right-click on the application and select Run as an administrator from the context menu.

   

3. Accept the UAC prompt by clicking Yes, then attempt to save your edited image.
4. Check if the error message still appears.

2. Save Picture in a Different Folder

Try saving your edited image in a different folder to bypass the issue. For instance, if the original image is on your Desktop, save the edited version elsewhere. Other users have found this method successful when facing similar permission issues.

3. Change Properties of the Picture

Sometimes, the root cause is the file properties, especially if you’ve transferred the image from another drive or OneDrive. The file might be blocked by Windows, making it uneditable. To change this, unblock the file through the Properties.

1. Locate your picture.
2. Right-click on the file and select Properties.

   

3. In the General tab, look for the message “This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer” and ensure the Unblock checkbox is unchecked.

   

4. Also, ensure the Read-only checkbox is unchecked. Click Apply followed by OK.
5. Try saving the edited picture to see if the issue has been resolved.

4. Repair and Reset Windows Photo App

If none of the previous solutions have worked and you are using the Windows Photo app, it might need repair. This process is straightforward; it identifies and fixes application issues. Should repairing not solve the problem, you may need to reset the app, which reinstalls it.

1. Open the Windows Settings app with Windows key + I.
2. In the Settings window, navigate to Apps.

   

3. Search for the Photos app using the provided search bar.

   

4. Select it and click on Advanced options.

   

5. Scroll to the Repair and Reset buttons.

   

6. Try repairing first, and if necessary, proceed to reset.