XCACLS Change Multiple NTFS Permissions.

The best tool to change multiple folder permissions XCACLS (exe & .vbs). How to use XCACLS and save explorer crashing when changing multiple NTFS permissions.

Recently one of our Windows Server Customers asked us how to change multiple NTFS permissions on Hundreds of folders, remove inheritance from the root directory.

The simple solution was using xcacls. Run it as a batch file or from the cmd prompt.

How to do this:

Download the .exe - Microsoft XCACLS Download

Download the xcacls.vbs script - Microsoft XCACLS.vbs Download

Run both upon download, note where they extract to.

Copy xcacls.exe to system32

How to install and use xcacls.vbs - Microsoft KB Article

If working on a remote server from where  you install this, map the drive.

Example xcacls command:

To test all works: S:\>cscript c:\temp\xcacls\xcacls.vbs folder_name  (note path to xcacls.vbs)

You will receive and output telling successful and all the permissions for that folder.

Live tested Command example:

S:\>cscript c:\temp\xcacls\xcacls.vbs root_folder /S /E /i COPY

Removes inherit from each folder under the root_folder, copies existing permissions in the folders, only goes one dir down from root_folder.

i.e \\root_folder\many_folders\under_many_folders

Only many_folders is affected by the script. There are many xcacls switches available

xcacls.exe switches

xcacls.vbs switches

Saves Windows Explorer Crashing on huge permission changes. Its easy.