If you’ve encountered the frustrating ERROR_495 on your Windows device, you’re not alone. This error often pops up when you’re trying to access certain files, install software, or update your system, disrupting your workflow. The good news? Fixing ERROR_495 is often straightforward when you follow the right steps.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through easy-to-follow solutions that even a non-techie user can handle. Let’s get your system running smoothly again!
What is ERROR_495 in Windows?
ERROR_495 (often represented as error code 495) is a Windows system error related to file access permissions or corrupted system files. It generally indicates that the system can’t complete an action because of restrictions or conflicts at the OS level — things like:
- Insufficient user permissions
- Corrupted or missing system files
- Conflicts with third-party software
- Issues with Windows Update or App installations
Understanding this helps us approach the fix logically.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Before diving into complex fixes, always restart your PC. This can clear temporary glitches or locked files causing ERROR_495.
- Click the Start menu
- Select Power
- Click Restart
Once restarted, try to reproduce the error. If it persists, proceed with the next steps.
Step 2: Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows includes built-in troubleshooters designed to automatically detect and fix common problems, including errors related to file access and updates.
How to use it:
- Go to Settings (Windows + I shortcut)
- Click on Update & Security
- Select Troubleshoot from the left sidebar
- Choose Additional troubleshooters
- Run the following troubleshooters:
- Windows Update
- Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
- Windows Store Apps (if the error appears with app installations)
Follow any on-screen prompts and restart your PC if recommended.
Step 3: Check File or Folder Permissions
ERROR_495 often happens because the system lacks proper permissions to access or modify a file or folder.
How to check and adjust permissions:
- Right-click the problem file/folder and select Properties
- Click the Security tab
- Click Edit to change permissions
- Select your user account and ensure Full Control is checked
- Hit Apply and then OK
If your account isn’t listed, add it:
- Click Add
- Enter your username in the box
- Click Check Names, then OK
- Assign Full Control and apply changes
Try your task again afterward.
Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files can trigger ERROR_495. Running SFC and DISM scans repairs corrupted or missing system files.
How to do it:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Click Start
- Type
cmd - Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
-
In the Command Prompt, type:
sfc /scannow
- Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete (may take 10-15 mins).
-
After SFC finishes, run the following DISM commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart your PC.
These tools detect and fix system corruption that might be causing ERROR_495.
Step 5: Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, antiviruses or firewall software mistakenly block Windows processes, leading to errors.
To check if that’s the cause:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall (consult your software’s guide if unsure).
- Try task causing ERROR_495 again.
If the error disappears, add exceptions for the affected application in your antivirus settings then re-enable protection.
Step 6: Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated Windows versions or device drivers can cause system instability and errors.
-
Update Windows
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install any available updates and restart your PC
- Update Device Drivers
- Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager)
- Right-click your main devices (Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.)
- Choose Update driver > Search automatically
Keeping your system current eliminates many compatibility issues.
Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, helping isolate software conflicts that cause ERROR_495.
How to perform a clean boot:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfigand press Enter - In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab
- Check Hide all Microsoft services
- Click Disable all
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager
- Disable all startup items here
- Close Task Manager and click OK on the System Configuration window
- Restart your computer
Check if the error still appears. If fixed, gradually re-enable services/startup apps to identify the culprit.
When to Seek Professional Help
If ERROR_495 persists after trying all the above, it might be due to deeper system corruption or hardware faults.
Consider:
- Running a Windows Repair Install using installation media
- Consulting a professional technician
- Backing up essential data and performing a full Windows reinstall (as a last resort)
Final Thoughts
ERROR_495 can feel like a roadblock, but with patience and our step-by-step approach, you can resolve it and get back to smooth computing. Remember to always backup important files before making system changes and reach out if you need help.
If this guide helped you, please share it with others facing the same Windows woes!
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Feel free to ask if you’d like me to cover any specific related issues or create printable checklists!
