Since last week's upgrade-denied access to downloads folder

[cassieoz]

My 2021 Macbook Pro is set to automatically update software- but since the last update at end March, it refuses to allow me to access the downloads folder. I cannot open it, see the permissions, or do anything at all with it. Any ideas please?

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Denied access from what application? All 3rd party apps have to expressly ask for permissions for the Documents, Downloads and other folders. Finder, however, shouldn't have to ask for it.

What errors are you seeing?

 

[IWT]

A warm welcome to Mac-Forums. Thank you for your post.

Just to rule out the obvious - just confirm these:

Open Finder. Then Open Finder Preferences > Sidebar and make sure "Downloads" is checked. This ensures that Downloads appears in the Finder Sidebar.

Next: Open Safari > Safari Preferences > General and at the bottom look at "File Download Location" and make sure that "Downloads" is selected.

It's quite possible that you are on top of these settings, but let's start with the obvious. Please post back.

Ian

 

[cassieoz]

Denied access from what application? All 3rd party apps have to expressly ask for permissions for the Documents, Downloads and other folders. Finder, however, shouldn't have to ask for it.

What errors are you seeing?

When I open Finder, the downloads folder is shown in favourites on the sidebar, with my other folders (all those are fine) but when I click on it I get a message saying I don't have permission. screenshots attached.

 

[IWT]

Okay. It's a Permissions issue.

Open Finder. Right Click on the Downloads Folder and choose Get Info. At the very bottom of the window is a padlock. Use your Admin PW to unlock it.

Put your name in and give it Read and Write access.

You could also give "Everyone" Read and Write access if you are the only user.

You can remove any other "people" or data if you want.

Ian

 

[cassieoz]

Hi Ian, it was exactly that- and your advice solved it, thank you! No idea why it randomly happened, but that's the first thing I'll do if it happens again. I really appreciate your help! Thanks again, Cassie

 

[cassieoz]

Denied access from what application? All 3rd party apps have to expressly ask for permissions for the Documents, Downloads and other folders. Finder, however, shouldn't have to ask for it.

What errors are you seeing?

All good now, just wanted to say thanks for responding, it was a permissions issue.

 

[perthblue]

Thanks for the info...my question is why does this happen after every update?

 

[Rod]

There is possibly a problem with your permissions in the system permissions folder. In the ancient past running Disk Utility > Repair Permissions used to fix some problems.

Today just running Disk Utility > First Aid should "Repair" Permissions (to default settings). That would be the first thing I'd try.

With the newer macOS versions Permissions are supposed to be "fixed" when the device is shut down and rebooted.
Hopefully the system will retain your current settings for next time but if not do get back to these forums.

 

[perthblue]

It`s great that we have a `fix` for this issue..but a bit annoying that it keeps on happening ( happened on my mac again today)