iCloud for Windows - problems with setting photos folder due to Controlled Folder Access permissions

I recently installed iCloud for Windows on a new Windows 10 PC, and am running into permissions issues in creating/selecting a folder for Photos and Shared Photos. I keep getting the following error message, "My Photo Stream can't be updated. iCloud Photos can't update because you don't have permission to add files to the download folder. Open iCLoud to pick a new folder."

Reading up online, this issue appears to stem from the "Controlled Folder Access" (CFA) anti-ransomware feature found in newer builds of Windows 10. Has anyone been able to make CFA play nice with iCloud?

Posted on Jan 1, 2020 8:05 PM

1 reply

wizdomonwheels

Level 3 (655 points)

Jan 4, 2020 10:45 PM in response to TSquared5000

I struggled with this same issue on a client's Windows 10 system.

The solution I found was to uninstall the Microsoft Store version of iCloud, restart the computer, then download and install iCloud from the Apple website instead.

I then made extra sure not to try to change any settings from the defaults and so far have been successful in downloading photos.

Other troubleshooting that didn't appear to make a difference was:

1) Uninstalled Webroot antivirus

2) Made sure Controlled Folder Access was disabled

3) Chose various folders on external drives, internal drives.

4) Changed the folder I was choosing for iCloud to share with "everyone"

All those other steps did nothing to resolve the issue -- uninstalling the crappy Windows Store version and installing the normal version appeared to work.

For reference, I used the link from the Apple Support page here:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204283