A newly confirmed Windows 11 bug is locking some users out of their computers.
Microsoft has confirmed that a problem affecting certain Windows 11 devices can prevent users from accessing the main system drive, known as the C: drive, after installing a recent security update.
In a notice published in its support documentation, the company said it had received multiple reports from users experiencing a serious access issue after installing the February 2026 security update. According to the company, affected users may encounter the error message “C: is not accessible – Access denied.”
Apps and everyday tasks blocked
The issue goes beyond simply blocking File Explorer. Microsoft said the error can prevent many common applications and system tools from launching. The company explained that the bug can stop programs such as Outlook, Office apps, web browsers, system utilities, and Quick Assist from starting.
“Users might encounter the error, ‘C: is not accessible – Access denied’, which prevents access to files and blocks the launch of some applications including Outlook, Office apps, web browsers, system utilities and Quick Assist,” Microsoft noted.
In some cases, users may also be unable to carry out administrative tasks or even uninstall updates because permission failures block key system operations. The bug appears to affect a limited set of Windows 11 devices, primarily Samsung computers.
Microsoft said the problem has been observed on Samsung Galaxy Book 4 laptops and certain Samsung desktop models running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Affected models include systems such as NP750XGJ, NP750XGL, NP754XGJ, NP754XFG, NP754XGK, DM500SGA, DM500TDA, DM500TGA, and DM501SGA.
The company emphasized that the issue is not actually caused by Windows updates themselves. Instead, after investigating the reports with Samsung, Microsoft determined that the problem stems from a Samsung application.
Microsoft said the malfunction was linked to the Samsung Galaxy Connect software. In its update, the company explained that the issue occurs during routine computer activity and does not require any unusual actions from users.
To reduce further problems, Microsoft has already taken steps to stop the bug from spreading.
App temporarily removed from Microsoft Store
As part of mitigation efforts, Microsoft confirmed that the problematic application has been pulled from distribution. The company stated that beginning March 14, 2026, the Galaxy Connect app was temporarily removed from the Microsoft Store while Samsung released a previous stable version of the software.
Microsoft explained that these actions were meant to prevent additional devices from encountering the issue.
Recovery steps for affected users
For users already impacted, Microsoft Support has published detailed recovery instructions designed to restore system permissions.
The company advises users to uninstall Samsung Galaxy Connect or Samsung Continuity Service, then follow a series of steps to repair drive permissions.
According to Microsoft Support, the repair process restores default Windows access controls without affecting personal files. The full procedure involves temporarily adjusting permissions on the C: drive and running a repair script to restore Windows’ default security settings.
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