Microsoft blames Samsung for C:\ drive problems

Microsoft has identified Samsung's Galaxy Connect app as the cause of 'C:\ is not accessible – Access denied' errors affecting Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 users on Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Samsung Desktop models. The issue surfaced around March's Patch Tuesday, leading some to initially suspect Microsoft's updates. Microsoft temporarily removed the Samsung Galaxy Connect app from the Microsoft Store, and Samsung republished a stable older version to prevent further installations. However, devices already affected have limited recovery options, and users are directed to Samsung's support channels. The incident raises questions about how a third-party app available on Microsoft's own store could cause such severe system-level permission failures.