Applies to:
Product installers for Windows, extracted from a downloaded ZIP package
Symptoms
- Error message: "Access denied" when you run setup.exe from an extracted installation folder
Causes
- Windows' built-in ZIP extractor can remove a trust marker from the files, so Defender sees them as "Unknown Publisher" and blocks access.
- You don't have enough permissions at the extraction location, for example, a network drive or a read-only folder.
- Company IT policy blocks unsigned installers.
Solutions
Extract with 7-Zip
- Install 7-Zip if it is not already available.
- Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and select 7-Zip | Extract to "<foldername>".
- Run setup.exe from the newly extracted folder.
This resolves the issue in most confirmed cases, because 7-Zip preserves file access differently than the Windows default extractor.
Run setup as administrator from a local folder
- Right-click setup.exe and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes if Windows asks for permission.
Check disk permissions
If the file is on an external drive or network location, confirm you have proper access rights. Try copying the setup files to your local drive, and run setup from there.
Temporarily disable antivirus
Some security software blocks installation files. Turn off your antivirus and firewall for a moment and try again.
Check system policies (work PCs)
On a workplace PC, admin policies may block installations. Contact your IT department for help.
Try compatibility mode
- Right-click setup.exe and select Properties | Compatibility.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and select an older Windows version.
- Select OK and try running setup again.
Expected Result
Setup runs and reaches the installation wizard without an "Access denied" error.
Verify
Run setup.exe again from the extracted or copied location and confirm the "Access denied" error no longer appears.