How to Fix "Microsoft Edge Cannot Read and Write to Its Data Directory" Error

Repair Folder Permissions

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD

Method 1

Overview

Why It Works: Directly addresses the core permission conflict.

Method 1 of 5

Next Method

Navigate to Edge directory

Go to C:\Users<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge

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Step 1 of 4

Open Security settings

Right-click Edge folder → Properties → Security → Edit

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Step 2 of 4

Add Full Control

Add your user account, SYSTEM, and Administrators with Full Control

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Step 3 of 4

Apply & Restart

Apply changes → Restart Microsoft Edge

Tip: Use a trusted "Take Ownership" utility if permission changes fail

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Step 4 of 4

Reset Microsoft Edge

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD

Method 2

Overview

Why It Works: Clears corrupted settings without deleting personal data.

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Next Method

Open Edge Settings

Open Microsoft Edge → Go to Settings

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Step 1 of 3

Reset Settings

Click Reset settings → Restore settings to default

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Step 2 of 3

Confirm

Click Confirm to complete reset

Tip: Sync to your Microsoft Account first to avoid data loss

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Step 3 of 3

Run SFC /scannow and DISM

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD

Method 3

Overview

Why It Works: Fixes hidden system file corruption affecting directory access.

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Next Method

Open CMD as Admin

Search Command Prompt → Right-click → Run as administrator

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Step 1 of 4

Run SFC

Type and run: sfc /scannow

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Step 2 of 4

Run DISM

Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

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Step 3 of 4

Restart PC

This finalises system repair

Tip: Run in Safe Mode for deeper repair on protected files

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Step 4 of 4

Create a New Windows User Profile

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD

Method 4

Overview

Why It Works: Bypasses profile-specific corruption.

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Next Method

Step 1: Open Account Settings

Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users

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Step 1 of 3

Add New Account

Click Add account → Choose Local account

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Step 2 of 3

Switch Users

Log into the new account → Test Edge functionality

Tip: Use Windows Easy Transfer to move data from the old profile

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Step 3 of 3

Reinstall Microsoft Edge Completely

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD

Method 5

Overview

Why It Works: Replaces corrupted binaries and resets all directories.

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Uninstall Edge

Open PowerShell (Admin) and run:winget uninstall "Microsoft Edge" --force

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Step 1 of 3

Clean AppData

Delete C:\Users<YourName>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge

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Step 2 of 3

Reinstall Edge

Download the latest Edge installer from the official Microsoft site

Caution: Ensure all Edge-related background tasks are closed before reinstalling

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Step 3 of 3

Pro Tips

Keep your system and Edge browser fully updated to ensure compatibility with fixes.

Always create a restore point or export registry settings before editing.

Create and use a new local user to see if the problem is profile-specific.

How to Fix "Microsoft Edge Can't Read and Write to Its Data Directory" Error

Deepak Yadav

Administrator Access

Backup Data

Close Microsoft Edge

Repair Folder Permissions

Reset Microsoft Edge

Run SFC /scannow and DISM

Create a New Windows User Profile

Reinstall Microsoft Edge Completely

How to Fix "Microsoft Edge Can't Read and Write to Its Data Directory" Error

Deepak Yadav

Prerequisites

Administrator Access

Backup Data

Close Microsoft Edge

Repair Folder Permissions

Reset Microsoft Edge

Run SFC /scannow and DISM

Create a New Windows User Profile

Reinstall Microsoft Edge Completely