Hi,
please use a procedure described at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4319170/error-when-trying-to-rename-catroot2-folder-open-i
unable to rename catroot2 folder
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(291.2, 63%, 38%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EGO%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
great one
15
Reputation points
when i try to rename the catroot2 folder either by going into folder maunally
i get a message saying more or less that the folder is in use by another program and doesnt allow it
when i try with the command prompt ( yes with admin)
i get a access denied
PS C:\Users\scoot> ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
ren : Access to the path 'C:\Windows\System32\catroot2' is denied.
At line:1 char:1
- ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
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+ CategoryInfo : WriteError: (C:\Windows\System32\catroot2:String) [Rename-Item], IOException + FullyQualifiedErrorId : RenameItemIOError,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.RenameItemCommand
thinking theres a issue with the cryptograph service not stopping in services.msc
i try there and get error 1052
the software distribution folder was able to get renamed not sure whats causing the catroot2 to not be able
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
16 answers
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![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(256, 10%, 34%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EIL%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-12-04T21:01:19.54+00:00 -
great one 15 Reputation points
2025-12-04T21:57:15.2566667+00:00 yes im very aware of that step or method which is what i have tried same results see above in post what i get
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Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-04T22:47:19.15+00:00 Try to boot Recovery environment https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-recovery-environment--windows-re--technical-reference run command prompt and rename the folder from command prompt.
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great one 15 Reputation points
2025-12-04T23:09:46.8266667+00:00 not sure that would even apply in the slightest in help
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Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-04T23:16:09.5866667+00:00 However, you may try.
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great one 15 Reputation points
2025-12-05T06:00:10.3466667+00:00 no idea what you where trying that just sent me to a listings page
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Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-05T08:55:34.8566667+00:00 Sorry, seems I did not understand you.
Did you try to rename folder using Recovery environment's command prompt? Please show a photo of the rename command and the result.
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great one 15 Reputation points
2025-12-05T18:38:19.8733333+00:00 not sure you understood anything sent me something that has nothing to do with the issue i asked, than next reply sent me a listings page on here neither of which did anything
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Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-05T19:28:36.3+00:00 Please show a photo of the rename command and the result.
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great one 15 Reputation points
2025-12-05T19:56:29.6666667+00:00 did you not read what i wrote?
towards bottom is what it says in command prompt ( only says that)
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