Zipping is a common method of compressing files to save space and make it easier to share or store them. Windows 11 has a built-in utility to handle zipping and unzipping tasks. However, some users might encounter the error “Compressed (zipped Folders Error – File not found or no read permission” when they try to use the “Right-click > Show more options > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder” option to zip a file or multiple files.
Users may also encounter a similar error that says “The specified directory is empty, so Compressed (zipped) Folders cannot add it to the archive” when they try to zip a folder in Windows 11. In this article, we will explore the common causes of this error and suggest solutions to resolve it.
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Common causes of the error
Some common causes of the “File not found or no read permission” error while zipping files or folders in Windows 11 include:
- Insufficient read and write permissions: If your user account does not have the necessary read and write permissions for the files or folders you are trying to zip, the operating system may prevent you from zipping them, resulting in the error.
- File or folder in use by another process: If a file or folder you are trying to zip is currently being used by another process or program, the operating system may lock the file, preventing you from zipping it. This can cause the error message to appear.
- Lack of administrator privileges: Some actions in Windows 11, such as zipping certain protected files or folders, may require administrator privileges. If you are signed in with a standard user account, you may not have the necessary permissions to zip these files or folders, leading to the error.
- File or folder ownership issues: If your user account does not have ownership of the files or folders you are attempting to zip, you may not have the necessary permissions to read, write, or modify these files or folders. This can result in the error.
- Hidden files in the folder: Hidden files within the folder you want to zip may be used by a process, which can cause the error as well. The operating system may prevent you from zipping the folder if it contains hidden files that are in use or if you lack the required permissions for those hidden files.
How to fix “File not found or no read permission” error while zipping
Below, we will discuss five potential solutions to help you resolve the “File not found or no read permission” error while zipping files or folders in Windows 11.
Solution 1: Check the read and write permissions of the files and folders you want to zip
When you encounter the “File not found or no read permission” error while zipping files or folders in Windows 11, one possible cause is that your user account does not have the necessary read and write permissions for the files or folders you are attempting to zip.
Read and write permissions determine who can access, read, modify, and delete files or folders on a computer system. If your user account lack the required permissions, Windows 11 may prevent you from zipping the files or folders, resulting in the error message.
To check and modify the permissions of a file or folder, follow these detailed steps:
- Right-click the file or folder you want to zip and select “Properties” from the context menu.
- In the “Properties” window, navigate to the “Security” tab. You will see a list of user groups and user names along with their respective permissions.
- To modify the permissions, click the “Edit” button. This will open the “Permissions” window.
- In the “Permissions” window, select the user or user group for which you want to change permissions.
- Check the “Allow” box next to “Read” and “Write” permissions to grant these permissions for the selected user or user group. Also, ensure that none of the boxes in the “Deny” column are checked.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
- Close the “Properties” window.
If you’re zipping an entire folder, it’s important to note that an error may occur if there are any hidden files that your user account doesn’t have the required read and write permissions for. To check if there are any hidden files in the folder you want to compress, you need to enable the “Show hidden items” option in File Explorer. Here are the steps to do so:
- Open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab.
- Hover your mouse cursor over the “Show” menu and check the “Hidden items” option.
After ensuring the user account you are using has the necessary permissions to read and write the files and folders (including hidden files) you want to zip, try zipping the files or folders again.
Solution 2: Check if there is any process using the file
Another possible cause of the “File not found or no read permission” error while zipping files or folders in Windows 11 is that a process or program is currently using one or more of the files you want to zip.
When a file is in use, the operating system may lock it, preventing other actions (such as zipping) from being performed on the file. This is because accessing the file simultaneously by multiple processes or programs can lead to conflicts or data corruption.
Find out more: How to Know Which Process is Using a File in Windows 11
If a process or a program is using any file you want to zip, it may cause the error to occur. To check if a process is using a file, follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- In Task Manager, navigate to the “Details” tab.
- Right-click on any column header and click “Select columns.”
- In the “Select columns” window, check the “Command line” option and click “OK.”
- Now, you can see the command line used to start each process, which can help you identify processes that are using the file you want to zip. Look for any process that is using the file in question. If you find one, right-click on the process and select “End task” to terminate it.
It is also important to note that hidden files within the folder you want to zip may be used by a process, which can cause the error as well. By showing hidden files and folders and ensuring no processes are using them, you can avoid this potential cause of the error.
After ensuring no processes are using the files or folders you want to zip, try zipping them again.
Solution 3: Take ownership of the files or folders you want to zip
Taking ownership of the files or folders you want to zip can help resolve the “File not found or no read permission” error by ensuring that you have full control over the files or folders in question. Ownership of a file or folder determines which user account has the highest level of control over the file or folder, including the ability to modify its permissions, delete it, or move it.
Learn more: How to Take Ownership of a File, Folder or Drive in Windows 11
If you do not have ownership of the files or folders you want to zip, it is possible that your user account may not have the necessary permissions to perform the zipping operation, resulting in the error message.
By taking ownership of the files or folders, you gain full control over them, including the ability to modify permissions as needed. This should allow you to zip the files or folders without encountering the “File not found or no read permission” error.
Solution 4: Sign into Windows 11 with an administrator account
Some actions in Windows 11 may require administrator privileges. If you are signed in with a standard user account, you may not have the necessary permissions to zip certain files or folders. To resolve the “File not found or no read permission” error, try signing in with an administrator account by following these steps.
See also: How to Give Administrator Permission or Rights to User in Windows 11/10
- Click on the “Start” button and select the user icon in the lower left corner.
- From the list of user accounts, select an account with administrator privileges. If you are unsure which account has administrator privileges, check the “User Accounts” settings in the “Settings > Accounts”.
- Enter the password for the administrator account, if prompted.
- Once you have signed in with the administrator account, try zipping the files or folders again.
If you do not have access to an administrator account, you may need to ask the computer’s owner or system administrator for assistance.
Solution 5: Use an alternative file compression software
If the built-in Windows 11 file compression feature continues to generate the “File not found or no read permission” error, consider using an alternative file compression software. There are several reliable third-party applications available, such as 7-Zip and WinRAR. These applications often provide more advanced features and better compression rates, which might help you avoid encountering the error while zipping your files or folders.
Wrap-up
The process of zipping files and folders in Windows 11, while generally straightforward, can sometimes be hindered by the “File not found or no read permission” error. This issue highlights the importance of understanding how file and folder permissions, user accounts, and processes interact within the operating system.
Additionally, adopting good practices, such as properly closing applications and processes before attempting to zip files or folders, can help prevent these types of errors.
