Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft acknowledged a problem with Windows 11 affecting specific Samsung computers after security update KB5077181, causing “C: is not accessible – Access denied” errors.
2. The issue affects certain Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Desktop models running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
3. Users may experience difficulties with file access, application launches, and administrative functions due to permission issues linked to the Samsung Galaxy Connect app.
4. Microsoft clarified that the problem is related to Samsung software, not the Windows update itself, and has categorized it as Mitigated.
5. Recovery options for affected users are limited, and they are advised to contact Samsung support for assistance while Samsung works on remediation strategies.
Microsoft has acknowledged a problem with Windows 11 that is affecting certain Samsung computers, following the security update KB5077181 from February 2026 and subsequent updates. As stated on the company’s Windows release health page, some devices may no longer have access to their C: drive, displaying the error “C: is not accessible – Access denied.” This can lead to file access issues and hinder the launch of several applications.
Affected Models
On the official known issues page for Windows 11 version 25H2, Microsoft noted that this issue has been seen in certain Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Samsung Desktop models using Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The affected models include NP750XGJ, NP750XGL, NP754XGJ, NP754XFG, NP754XGK, DM500SGA, DM500TDA, DM500TGA, and DM501SGA.
User Experience
Users facing this problem may encounter difficulties while performing regular tasks like opening files, starting applications, or executing administrative functions. In some instances, they may also struggle to elevate privileges, uninstall updates, or gather logs due to permission issues.
Interestingly, Microsoft highlights that this issue is not a result of the latest or past Windows monthly updates, even though it coincided with the recent Patch Tuesday. Their investigation, conducted alongside Samsung, concluded that the symptoms stem from an issue within the Samsung Galaxy Connect app.
Distinction of Responsibility
This clarification is crucial since the problem relates to systems that have installed KB5077181, the cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and later updates. Microsoft is emphasizing that the root cause is linked to Samsung software, not the Windows update itself.
Currently, Microsoft has categorized the issue as Mitigated. To address this, the Samsung Galaxy Connect app was temporarily taken down from the Microsoft Store to prevent further installations. Furthermore, Samsung has released a stable earlier version of the app to avoid this issue affecting more devices.
Recovery Options
For computers already impacted, recovery solutions are still quite limited. Microsoft states that Samsung is working on remediation strategies with their support and advises those affected to reach out to Samsung’s support for tailored assistance.
According to Microsoft’s release health page, the issue was logged on March 13, 2026, at 12:13 PT and was updated on March 14, 2026, at 16:59 PT. Users seeking further information can check here.
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