How to fix the 'Error Opening File for Writing' error on Windows 10/11

Users will see an error message when installing the program in the setup wizard. As a result, users cannot install Windows software packages where the error occurred. Do you need a similar installation fix? If yes, here is how you can solve the "Error opening file for writing" error in Windows 10 and 11.

1. Re-download the installation file

Try downloading the software's installation file a second time first. This time download the file to a different folder. Also, make sure that you have chosen to download the appropriate installation file for your PC if the software is available for various platforms and there are alternative 32 and 64 bit versions.

2. Run the program's setup wizard with admin rights

Here's a simple potential fix for the 'Error opening file for writing' error that lots of users have confirmed to work. To apply it, click File Explorer (the button on the taskbar) and go to the folder containing the setup wizard for the software that you cannot install. Then right-click on the software's installer file and select Run as administrator.

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3. Change the standard user account to an admin account

The "Error opening file for writing" error is more likely to occur in a non-admin account with limited permissions. If your user account is a standard account, change it to an admin account with elevated permissions to install software like this:

1. Open Control Panel and select User Accounts in that window.

2. Click the Change your account type option.

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3. Select Administrator.

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4. Click the Change Account Type option to make it an admin account.

4. Change the installation drive

Some users say they solved this installation problem by choosing an alternative installation drive to the C drive. So this might be worth a try for users with partitioned drives or have alternative external storage devices available. If you can choose an alternative, click Browse in the setup wizard to have the software change the installation drive and choose a folder location there.

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5. Run the Compatibility Troubleshooter for the installation file

The "Error opening file for writing" error can occur due to compatibility issues with the setup files. Running the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter can resolve such problems. Here's how you can run that troubleshooter for the setup file in Windows:

1. First, open the folder path in Explorer that includes the software setup file that caused this error.

2. Right-click the setup EXE file to see its context menu and select the Properties option.

3. Then click Compatibility on the tab bar of the window.

4. Next, click the Run compatibility troubleshooter button.

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5. Select the Try recommended setting to display the Test this program option.

6. Click Test this program to display the setup wizard with the compatibility settings applied.

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7. Then try to install the software again.

6. Delete temporary files

Another possibility is that corrupt temporary file data on the PC can cause this installation problem. Therefore, it is recommended to delete temporary files. You can do that using the Disk Cleanup tool, Settings app, Command Prompt, or other methods outlined in the instructions for deleting temporary data on Windows.

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7. Change the security settings for the installation file

Sometimes, the security settings of the installation file may need to be modified to extend its permissions. To do that, you will need to add a new user group and select Full control. You can change the security settings for the installation file by following these steps:

1. Simultaneously press Win + E to open File Explorer.

2. Display the folder containing the installation file in which you need to adjust the settings.

3. Click the setup file for the software with the right mouse button and select Properties.

4. Select Security to view the group's username.

5. Click the Edit button to open a separate window.

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6. Then click Add to open the Select User or Group window.

7. Select Advanced to access the search tool for windows.

8. Click the Find now button.

9. Select Everyone in the search results and click OK.

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10. Click OK in the Select User or Group window.

11. Select the Full Control permission check box.

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12. Then click Apply to save the new permission settings.

13. Select OK twice to exit the permissions and properties window.

8. Turn off User Account Control

User Account Control is a security feature in Windows that prevents programs from making changes on the PC. That feature can sometimes cause installation issues when set to high.

Try temporarily disabling User Account Control. Choose to completely disable UAC and then try to install the desired software.

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9. Disable Controlled Folder Access

Controlled Folder Access is another security feature that can cause an 'Error opening file for writing' error in Windows 10 and 11. That feature blocks its access and changes to protected folders. Here's how you can disable Controlled Folder Access if it's enabled:

1. Open Windows Security by double-clicking its system tray icon.

2. Next, click the Virus & threat protection tab on the Windows Security navigation sidebar.

3. Select the Manage ransomware protection navigation option to access the Controlled folder access settings.

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4. Click the Controlled folder access toggle to disable that option.

10. Uninstall old version of software

If you're trying to install a new version of software that's already on your PC, uninstall the existing (old) version of the program. You can uninstall software using the Programs and Features applet as instructed in TipsMake's How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 11.

However, it would be better to uninstall the old version of the program with one of the best third-party uninstallation utilities that thoroughly remove leftover files and registry entries.

Marvin Fry

Update 21 April 2023