Fix Unspecified Error 0x80004005 on Windows 10 & 11 For Good

• 0x80004005: Unspecified error message usually appears if you don't have the required privileges.
• In the case the error appears when working with file archives, use specialized software.
• Running a system scan is a great way to prevent all sorts of errors from appearing.

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The Error 0x80004005: Unspecified error can pop up for users when working with files or directories in File Explorer.

When the error occurs, a dialog box window pops up stating: An unexpected error is keeping you from renaming (or copying or deleting) the folder.

Has that error message window popped up on your desktop? If so, you’ve come to the right place! These are a few resolutions that will fix this issue on Windows 10 and 11.

Why does error 0x80004005 appear?

This issue usually appears in File Explorer when working with certain files or folders. Many reported this issue when trying to move, copy, or rename files.

You can also get error 0x80004005 while sharing a folder or even stumble across the unspecified error when logging in to Windows 10.

Moreover, problems can occur when you to try open or extract a file archive. Thus, you are likely to trigger error 0x80004005: unspecified error when unzipping documents, but they can be easily fixed.

How does error 0x80004005 affect my PC?

This depends on which files are affected by this issue. If the message appears when you try to move or rename a file that you rarely access, it doesn’t affect your daily activities too much.

However, if the files that you use on an everyday basis are affected, you might have a larger problem. Fortunately, there are ways to fix it.

How can I fix error 0x80004005: Unspecified error in Windows 10/11?

1. Open the File and Folder Troubleshooter

Download Windows file and folder troubleshooter.

Click Advanced and select the Apply repairs automatically option shown directly below.

Then press the Next button.

Select one of the options shown in the snapshot below, and then press the Next button.

Microsoft’s File and Folder Troubleshooter might come in handy for fixing the Error 0x80004005: Unspecified error. The troubleshooter can fix system errors related to copying, deleting, and editing folder and file titles.

In case you encounter any issues with it, check our guide on troubleshooter stops before completing the process to see how to fix that problem.

2. Run a System File Checker scan

Press Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Run the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Now run this command: sfc /scannow

In case you’re having issues completing this process, check our guide on what to do if DISM fails on your PC.

3. Take ownership of the folder

Locate the directory that is giving you this error. Right-click it and choose Properties.

Navigate to the Security section and click on Advanced.

Click on Change next to the Owner name.

In the Enter the object name to select enter the name of your user account. Click on Check names and OK.

Now check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and click on Apply and OK.

For more information, check our guide on how to take ownership of a file or folder on Windows 10.

4. Clean boot Windows

First, open the Run accessory with the Windows key + R hotkey and enter msconfig.

Select the Selective startup option on the General tab. Deselect the Load startup items checkbox.

Navigate to the Services tab and click the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox. Press the Disable all button. Now click Apply and OK.

Press the Restart button on the System Configuration dialog box that opens.

Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.

After doing that, check if the problem is still there. If you want, you can enable services one by one until you manage to find the cause of the problem.

For more information on this subject, check our guide on how to remove startup apps.

5. Edit the folder’s name via PowerShell

Navigate to the folder by using the cd command. In our example we used this command:
cd C:\Users\WindowsReport\Music\

Now use the ren command like this: ren WindowsReport WindowsReport_new

6. Extract compressed files with archiver software

This resolution is more specifically for fixing the Error 0x80004005: Unspecified error when extracting file archives, such as ZIP.

That usually happens when the ZIP, or another archive format, includes a password. Consequently, Windows doesn’t recognize the encrypted archive file.

To circumvent this limitation, it’s advised to use third-party archiver software, such as WinZip for example.

7. Use a different user account

Press Windows key + S and enter users. Select Add, edit, or remove other users.

Select Add someone else to this PC.

Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.

Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Enter the desired user name for the new account.

How can I fix error code 0x80004005: Unspecified error in Windows 11?

Disable your antivirus

Press Windows key + S and type defender. Select Windows Security from the list of results.

Navigate to Virus & threat protection and click on Manage settings.

Disable Real-time protection.

Keep in mind that the steps mentioned in this solution apply only to Windows Defender. If you’re using a different antivirus, you’ll have to use different methods to disable it.

Disabling your antivirus isn’t advised as a long-term solution, so be sure to turn it back on.

Can malware cause error 0x80004005?

It’s unlikely that malware is causing this message to appear. It’s more likely don’t have the necessary permissions to modify the file.

If you just want to be sure, you can always perform a full system scan and make sure that there’s no malware present on your PC.

What versions of Windows are affected by error 0x80004005?

This is a pretty common error and it has been present on multiple versions. During our research, we found this problem on Windows 7, but it’s possible that older editions had this issue as well.

Newer versions also suffer from it, but you should be able to fix this problem with ease by using the solutions from this guide.

Some of those resolutions will probably fix the 0x80004005 Unspecified error that pops up when users delete, rename, copy or extract folders and files within File Explorer.

In case the issue is still there, be sure to visit our guide on what to do if Windows won’t let you access your files.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

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