Security & Infrastructure Tools
Microsoft pulls Samsung app blocking Windows C: drive from Store
Microsoft has removed the Samsung Galaxy Connect app from the Microsoft Store because it was causing “C: is not accessible – Access denied” errors on certain Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Desktop models running Windows 11, blocking access to files and applications such as Outlook, Office, browsers, system utilities, and Quick Assist. The issue affects a wide range of devices (e.g., NP750XGJ, NP754XGK, DM500SGA, etc.). Microsoft and Samsung have temporarily removed the app, republished a stable previous version to mitigate recurrence, and are still working on a fix. Users impacted are advised to contact Samsung for device‑specific assistance. In addition, Microsoft released an out‑of‑band hotpatch to address a security flaw in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) on Windows 11 Enterprise devices.
Microsoft has taken action against the Samsung Galaxy Connect application after it was found to be causing serious problems for users of certain Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and desktop models running Windows 11. The app, which facilitates screen mirroring, file sharing, and data transfer between Galaxy devices and Windows PCs, has been temporarily removed from the Microsoft Store.
Users on affected machines have reported that the C: drive becomes inaccessible with an “Access denied” error, preventing them from opening files or launching critical applications such as Outlook, Office, web browsers, system utilities, and Quick Assist. In some cases, users also encounter issues when attempting to elevate privileges, uninstall updates, or collect logs due to permission failures.
The issue spans a range of Samsung devices including the NP750XGJ, NP750XGL, NP754XGJ, NP754XFG, NP754XGK, DM500SGA, DM500TDA, DM500TGA, and DM501SGA. Microsoft’s joint investigation with Samsung concluded that the problematic behavior was linked to the Galaxy Connect app. As a precaution, Microsoft has removed the current version from the store while Samsung publishes a stable earlier release of the application to prevent further incidents.
While a definitive fix is still in development, affected users are advised to contact Samsung for device‑specific assistance. Microsoft and Samsung remain actively working on remediation strategies, but no workaround has been released at this time.