Microsoft is investigating a new issue affecting some Samsung laptops running Windows 11 after installing the February 2026 security updates. With this issue, users lose access to the C:\ drive and are unable to launch applications.
The company says it is working with Samsung to determine whether the issue is related to Windows updates or Samsung software installed on the affected devices.
“Users may encounter the error 'C:\ is not accessible – Access is denied', which blocks access to files and prevents some applications from launching, including Outlook, Office applications, browsers, system utilities, and Quick Assist,” Microsoft says.
Microsoft says these errors may occur when using Windows on a Samsung device, such as when accessing files, launching applications, or performing administrative tasks. In some cases, permissions issues may prevent users from upgrading permissions, uninstalling updates, or accessing logs.
The problem has been reported mainly in Brazil, Portugal, South Korea, and India and mainly affects the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and other Samsung devices.
Microsoft says its latest research indicates that the issue may be related to the Samsung Share app, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
Currently, the issue only affects systems running Windows 11 builds 25H2 and 24H2.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
