Copy list of all Protected folders in Windows
If you are using a Windows computer and need to copy the list of all protected folders, you've come to the right place. Protected folders in Windows are system directories that are restricted from being modified or accessed by regular users. These folders contain critical files and settings necessary for the proper functioning of the operating system. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a list of all protected folders on your Windows computer.
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
One way to obtain the list of protected folders is by using the Command Prompt. Here's how:
- Press the
Windows key + Ron your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. - Type
cmdand pressEnterto open the Command Prompt. - In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press
Enter:
icacls C:\ /findsid *S-1-5-32-544 /t /c /l > C:\protected_folders.txt
This command will search for all protected folders on the C: drive and save the list to a file named "protected_folders.txt" in the root of the C: drive.
Method 2: Using PowerShell
Another method to obtain the list of protected folders is by using PowerShell. Here's what you need to do:
- Press the
Windows keyon your keyboard to open the Start menu. - Type
PowerShelland click on the "Windows PowerShell" app to open it. - In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press
Enter:
Get-ChildItem -Path C:\ -Recurse -Force | Where-Object { $_.Attributes -band [System.IO.FileAttributes]::Hidden } | Select-Object -Property FullName > C:\protected_folders.txt
This PowerShell command will search for all protected folders on the C: drive and save the list to a file named "protected_folders.txt" in the root of the C: drive.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Software
If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can use third-party software to obtain the list of protected folders. There are several software options available online that can scan and generate a list of protected folders on your Windows computer. Some popular choices include TreeSize, WinDirStat, and FolderSizes. Simply download and install the software, and follow the instructions provided to generate the list of protected folders.
Once you have obtained the list of protected folders using any of the methods mentioned above, you can open the "protected_folders.txt" file to view the list. You can also copy the contents of the file and paste it into a document or spreadsheet for further analysis or reference.
Conclusion
Obtaining a list of all protected folders in Windows can be useful for troubleshooting or understanding the system's file structure. Whether you choose to use the Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party software, following the steps outlined in this article will help you accomplish this task easily.
References
| Number | Title | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Docs - Icacls Command | https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/icacls |
| 2 | Microsoft Docs - Get-ChildItem Command | https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/get-childitem |