Overview
- Microsoft and Samsung determined a faulty Galaxy Connect app triggered the “C:\ is not accessible – Access denied” errors, not the March Windows 11 update KB5079473.
- Microsoft removed Galaxy Connect from the Microsoft Store, and Samsung republished a stable previous version to prevent new cases.
- The problem has been observed on select Galaxy Book 4 laptops and Samsung desktop models running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, including NP750XGJ, NP750XGL, NP754XGJ, NP754XFG, NP754XGK, DM500SGA, DM500TDA, DM500TGA, and DM501SGA.
- Affected devices can’t access files or launch apps such as Outlook, Office, web browsers, Quick Assist, or some system utilities, and some users can’t elevate privileges, uninstall updates, or collect logs.
- Microsoft says recovery paths are currently limited and directs users to Samsung support, with ongoing analysis exploring potential ties to Samsung firmware or factory images and correcting early reports that blamed Windows updates.