How do I fix “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories”?

The error “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories” can be seen after running the Windows 8 / 8.1 and Windows 10 Search and Indexing troubleshooter. Typically, users turn to this tool when they encounter any problems with their search engine.

What are the reasons for the error?

There are typically four reasons behind the “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories” error.

• The account does not have full access to the Data folder. This error often occurs due to the fact that the user account does not have full access to the “Data” folder, which is used during searches in the system. Some users claim that they managed to get rid of the error by gaining access to this folder.
• Damage to system files. Damage to important system files used in search queries can cause this problem. Fortunately, the user can use utilities such as SFC and DISM to restore system files.
• Incorrectly working user account. The problem with using the search engine (and the appearance of an error) may be caused by problems with the operation of the account. You can try creating a new account and see if it helps the case.
• A buggy component of Cortana. According to numerous reports, the “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories” error can occur due to incorrect operation of Cortana or components important to this assistant. You can try to resolve the issue by resetting Cortana to its default settings.

Error solution methods

In this article, we’ll take a look at four methods that many users believe can potentially fix the “Invalid Permissions for Windows Search Directories” error. We recommend that you perform them in the order in which they are located below.

Method # 1 Getting full access to the “Data” folder

Quite a large number of users were able to fix this problem by taking full rights to the “Data” folder. The directory for this folder is as follows: C: / Program Data / Microsoft / Search / Data. Try the following series of steps:

1. open System Explorer and go to the directory “C: ProgramData Microsoft Search”;
2. right-click on the “Data” folder and select “Properties”;
3. go to the “Security” tab and click on the “Advanced” button;
4. click on the “Change” hyperlink, which is located in the “Owner” line;
5. enter your account name in the blank line and click the “Check Names” button;
   

   The note: if you entered the correct name, your full name and email address will appear next to it. If it is wrong, an error will appear.

6. click “OK” to return to the previous window;
7. then select your account from the list of permission items and click the “Change” button;
8. put a tick next to the item “Full access”, click “OK” and “Apply”;
9. restart your computer.

We are trying to execute a search query. Then we run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter. Are you still seeing the error “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories”? If not, great. If you see, then try the method below.

Method # 2 Running SFC and DISM

Let’s assume that the problem in question is caused by corrupted system files. What to do in this case? You can try scanning with the SFC and DISM utilities and try to repair corrupted files. To use these system utilities, you need to do the following:

1. press Windows + R;
2. write in an empty line “cmd” and press the combination Ctrl + Shift + Enter;
3. copy the command “sfc / scannow” into the window and press Enter;
4. wait for the SFC to finish and restart your computer;
5. open Command Prompt again with administrator rights;
6. enter the command “DISM / Online / Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth” and press Enter;
7. wait until DISM finishes working and restart your computer.

Check for the error “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories.” It will be resolved if the problem was in corrupted Windows system files.

Method # 3 Creating a new account

Some users managed to get rid of problems with the Windows search system by creating a new account for themselves and deleting the old one. Let’s at least try to create a new local account:

1. press Windows + R;
2. enter the value “ms-settings: other users” and press Enter;
3. click on the item “Add a user for this computer” in the “Other people” section;
4. now click on the item “I do not have the login information for this person”;
5. then click on the item “Add a user without a Microsoft account”;
6. enter the required password and name for the account, then click “Next”;
7. follow the further instructions and sign out of your account;
8. log into the newly created account using the previously entered data.

Check if the search engine is working properly. Also check the Search and Indexing troubleshooter to check for the “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories” error.

Method # 4 Reset Cortana via Powershell

It turns out that a malfunctioning Cortana module can cause a similar problem. Some users claim that they managed to resolve the search engine situation by resetting Cortana via Powershell. Let’s try to do this and we:

1. press Windows + R;
2. write “powershell” and press the combination Ctrl + Shift + Enter;
3. Once in the Powershell window, enter the following command:
   • Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana |
     Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register
     “$ ($ _. InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml”}
4. after the completion of the command, close the Powershell window;
5. restart your computer.

Check to see if the error “Invalid permissions for Windows Search directories” has been resolved.