"Mac Issue: Unable to Save File at This Location [Solutions]"

"You don't have permission to save files in this location" is an error message you might see on macOS. If you're new to using a Mac, this message might seem out of the ordinary.

They might be frustrated and wondering why this issue occurs every time they try to save a file. This article will provide you with detailed solutions to help you save your files without any hindrance.

[Summary] Issue with no permission to save files to this location on Mac

You try to save a new file on your Mac, such as an Excel or Word document, and you keep getting a message that you don't have permission to save the file in that location.

Why can't I save files on my Mac?

• Permission Issues: This error message suggests that there's a problem with your Mac's permissions or the user's access to the folder or file.
• Read-Only File: The location where you're trying to save the file might be set to read-only, causing the message to appear.
• Damaged or Corrupted File: You might also receive this message if the file you're attempting to save on your Mac is damaged or corrupted.

The good news for Mac users is that all of these issues can be easily resolved using any of the methods we'll discuss below.

How to Recover Lost/Unsaved Files on macOS

Utilize the Mac Data Recovery Wizard software to recover lost or unsaved files on macOS. This secure professional tool enables you to retrieve your data in any loss scenario, whether it's due to a file save error or file corruption.

The good news is that this user-friendly software has sophisticated recovery features that require no technical expertise.

Step 1: Search for the Missing File

Select the disk location where you want to search for lost files (it can be an internal HDD/SSD or an external hard drive). Click on the “Search Lost Files” button.

Note: Before data recovery, it's recommended that you click “Disk Backup” from the left sidebar and create a backup of your HDD/SSD to prevent further data loss. After the backup, the software can recover data from your disk image, and then you can use your HDD or SSD again.

Step 2: Browse the scan results

The software will immediately scan the disk volume you've chosen, and display images, documents, audio, video, and email on the left.

Step 3: Select the files and recover them

Click on Preview Data, then hit the “Restore” button to get them back.

If you found this information helpful, please share it on social media to help others overcome this common challenge.

Resolving the "You don't have permission to save here" Error

After you've identified what might be causing the error message to pop up, you'll need a solution.

None of these fixes are guaranteed to be safe for your data, so make sure you back up first.

• Method 1: Grant Read/Write Permissions
• Method 2: Update Your Operating System
• Method 3: Disable Daemons
• Method 4: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)

Method 1: Allow Read/Write Access

Most files come with automatic read/write permissions. However, some have restrictions that you should be aware of to ensure proper access, especially when using third-party apps.

Here's how to fix the Permission Denied error on Mac.

1. Open the Terminal app.

Step 2: Type sudo chmod -R 755 (replace with the full file path of the target application.)

Step 3: Press "Enter." If you're not sure, just type the command and don't include the file path. You should then see the application in your Dock. Drag it into Terminal to open it there.

Step 4: Close the Terminal, then try opening the app that was giving you trouble.

Method 2: Update Your Operating System

It's not an option to update the operating system, but it's a general rule that all Mac users should follow. An outdated OS can slow down your Mac and cause errors like “Can't save file at this location,” among other security vulnerabilities.

Let me show you how to upgrade to the latest macOS version!

Step 1: Click the Apple menu

Step 2: In the top left, click “About This Mac.”

Step 3: Click “Software Update” in the pop-up, and let your Mac check for available updates.

Click “Software Update.”

If an update is available, click “Update Now,” and your Mac will install the latest version of the operating system.

Method 3: Turn Off Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is an innate macOS utility that allows you to install apps only from verified developers. In other words, it keeps your Mac safe from any potential threats. Sometimes, this might be the reason for the error when you try to save a file.

Step 1: Open Terminal.

Step 2: Type the command sudo spctl --master-disable, and then press Enter.

Step 3: Type spctl --status, and then press Return.

Method 4: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)

This security feature is present on all versions of macOS and protects system apps and files from malware. You can disable SIP temporarily to fix an issue, then re-enable it later.

Here's how it works, but first you have to check that it's activated.

Step 1: Click the “Apps” menu.

Step 2. Choose About This Mac > System Report > Software > System Integrity Protection, and check that it's enabled.

Step 3: Close the System Preferences window.

If it's enabled, you'll need to disable it by following these steps.

Step 1: Open the App Menu.

Step 2: While holding down "Command" + "R," click on "Restart" in the top left corner.

Step 3: Release the keys before the Apple logo appears on your screen.

Step 4: You may see a "Verify Disk" window pop up on the Recovery Assistant screen. Wait patiently for it to disappear.

<Step 5> Choose Utilities > Terminal.

Step 6: Type in csrutil disable, and press “Enter.”

<Step 7> In Recovery Assistant, choose Apple menu > Restart.

Ultimately

Performance issues on a Mac and other macOS devices are quite common. Due to various problems, the specific app or file you're trying to open might not work as intended. Thankfully, you can fix these issues.

But don't rely too much on them because not all of them are safe. Try using a secure and reliable data recovery tool like the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to get back your lost data in any scenario.

"Frequently Asked Questions about 'You don't have permission to save in this location'"

Learn more from this list of frequently asked questions!

Why does my Mac say I don't have permission to save a file in this location?

This indicates that there is an issue with permissions and user access rights on your Mac. Additionally, the location where you are trying to save the file is set to read-only.

2. How do I get permission to save files on my Mac?

Changing these settings allows you to get permission to save files on your Mac, which you can do as follows:

Step 1: Select “Disk” or “Folder” on your Mac

Step Two: Choose File > Get Info.

If you don't see Sharing and Permissions, click the Next Arrow .

Step 4: Click “Actions.”

Step 5: Choose "App" to apply this to the wrapped app.

How do I resolve permission issues when saving at this location?

Changing the folder permissions to allow access to this location might resolve the issue. To change the folder permissions, follow these steps:

The first step is to right-click on the folder you want to save, select Properties, and then the Security tab.

Step 2: Choose a username from the list, and then click “Edit” to modify the folder's permissions.

Step three: Check the “Allow” box, and click “Apply.”

How do I resolve the "Permission denied" issue on my Mac?

To resolve the issue that you can't save at this location, try the following:

• Change the app's permission settings.
• Update your Mac's operating system.
• Turn off Gatekeeper.
• Grant read and write permissions.