Fix Python PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied (2025 Guide)

Posted on: March 22, 2025

Encountered a "PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied" in Python? This error occurs when your script lacks the necessary permissions to access a file or directory. Let’s fix it fast in this 2025 guide!

What Causes "PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied"?

This error happens when Python attempts a file operation (e.g., reading, writing) but is blocked by the operating system due to insufficient permissions. Common causes include:

• Restricted Access: The file or directory is locked by the system or another process.
• User Permissions: Your user account doesn’t have the required read/write privileges.
• File in Use: The file is open elsewhere, preventing access.

Check this demo (run in a Python environment):

# This may trigger "PermissionError"
with open("/root/secret.txt", "w") as file:
    file.write("Hello")

Running this throws a PermissionError if you lack write access to `/root/secret.txt`.

How to Fix It: 3 Solutions

Let’s resolve this error with practical steps:

(Diagram: Developer tries to access a file, gets error, adjusts permissions or path, runs successfully.)

Solution 1: Run with Elevated Privileges

Use administrative rights to bypass permission restrictions:

# Wrong (without privileges)
with open("/root/secret.txt", "w") as file:
    file.write("Hello")

# Fixed (run script with sudo on Unix-like systems)
# sudo python script.py
with open("/root/secret.txt", "w") as file:
    file.write("Hello")

On Windows, run your IDE or terminal as Administrator; on Unix, use `sudo`.

Solution 2: Use a Writable Directory

Move the file operation to a directory you have access to:

# Wrong
with open("/root/secret.txt", "w") as file:
    file.write("Hello")

# Fixed
import os
user_dir = os.path.expanduser("~")  # User's home directory
file_path = os.path.join(user_dir, "secret.txt")
with open(file_path, "w") as file:
    file.write("Hello")

Use `os.path.expanduser("~")` to target a user-writable location.

Solution 3: Handle with Try-Except

Catch the error and provide a fallback:

# Wrong
with open("/root/secret.txt", "w") as file:
    file.write("Hello")

# Fixed
try:
    with open("/root/secret.txt", "w") as file:
        file.write("Hello")
except PermissionError:
    print("Permission denied! Try a different path or elevate privileges.")

`try-except` ensures your program doesn’t crash and informs the user.

Quick Checklist

• Need access? (Run as admin or with sudo)
• Wrong path? (Use a writable directory)
• Graceful handling? (Add try-except)

Conclusion

The "PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied" in Python is a hurdle you can overcome with proper permissions or path adjustments. With these 2025 solutions, your file operations will run smoothly. Got another Python error? Let us know in the comments!