5 Fixes for “Unspecified Error” When Copying Files or Folders in Windows

Quick Tips

• This error can occur due to various factors, including a corrupted file, insufficient storage space, a problem with the file system, and more.
• Running Microsoft’s File and Folder Troubleshooter can help fix the “Unspecified error” in Windows.
• If the error persists, you may need to create a new user profile.

Fix 1: Check the Destination Drive Format

Are you attempting to copy a file to an external drive that uses a non-NTFS format? If so, you are likely to encounter such issues. For example, if the destination drive is formatted as FAT32, transferring a file larger than 4GB will most likely fail and result in an error.

Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer. Right-click on your drive and select Properties. Under General, check your drive’s file system.

If it says NTFS, disk format isn’t a problem, and you can continue with the solutions below. If it says FAT32, you may have to format the drive into the NTFS format.

Fix 2: Remove Write Protection for the Drive

Another reason you may have trouble copying files or folders to a storage drive is if it is write-protected. In that case, you must use the DiskPart utility to remove write protection from your drive.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: Type diskpart in the console and hit Enter.

Step 3: Type list disk and press Enter to view a list of storage devices connected to your PC.

Step 4: Note the disk number associated with your storage device from the first column. Then, type the following command to select it.

Select disk N

Replace N in the above command with the actual number associated with the disk.

Step 5: Paste the following command and press Enter to remove write protection for the selected device.

attributes disk clear readonly

After completing the above steps, copy files and folders to that drive.

Fix 3: Download and Run the File and Folder Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a File and Folder Troubleshooter to automatically fix issues preventing you from copying or moving files and folders. Here’s how to run it.

Step 1: Download the File and Folder Troubleshooter from Microsoft’s website.

Step 2: Double-click the downloaded file. Then, click Next to run the troubleshooter.

Step 3: Select the Renaming or moving files and folders option and hit Next.

Wait for the troubleshooter to detect and fix any issues, then copy your files and folders again.

Fix 4: Modify File or Folder Permission

Windows may display the “Unspecified error” if your current user account does not have permission to copy the file or folder. To fix this, you must obtain complete control over the file or folder you are attempting to copy.

Step 1: Right-click on the file or folder you want to copy and select Properties.

Step 2: Under the Security tab, click the Edit button.

Step 3: Tick the Allow checkbox for Full control. Then, hit Apply, followed by OK.

After completing the above steps, try copying or moving your file or folder.

Fix 5: Create a New User Account

Problems with your user account can also trigger the “Unspecified error” while copying files and folders on Windows 10 or 11. If so, you must create and switch to a new user account.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app. In the Accounts tab, click on Other users.

Step 2: Click the Add account button.

Step 3: Type your email address and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account on Windows.

Switch to the newly created user account and see if you can copy files and folders.