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Event ID 5137 error on Windows 11 usually occurs when there is a problem with creating a new directory in the file system. This error can be frustrating as it may affect system processes or applications that rely on folder creation. Understanding how to fix this error is important to keep your system running smoothly.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple, easy-to-follow steps to troubleshoot and resolve the Event ID 5137 error. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By the end of this tutorial, you will know how to identify common causes and apply effective fixes to prevent this error from reoccurring. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Whether you are a casual user or an IT professional, this guide covers practical solutions tailored for Windows 11.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Check user permissions: Make sure you have administrative rights on your Windows 11 device. Creating folders often requires elevated permissions.
• Verify disk space: Ensure your drive is not full. Lack of disk space can block folder creation.
• Note the error context: Identify which program or service is triggering Event ID 5137 for targeted troubleshooting.
• Backup important data: Before making system changes, always have a backup in case something goes wrong.

Step 1: Review Event Viewer Details

The first step is to open the Event Viewer to see the full details of the 5137 error. This helps you understand what exactly failed.

1. Press Win + S, type Event Viewer, and open the app.
2. Expand Windows Logs and select Security.
3. Look for events with ID 5137 around the time you noticed the issue.
4. Click the event to see the description, which usually tells you the folder path and user involved.

Knowing this information is crucial for the next steps, especially if permissions or specific paths are causing the issue.

Step 2: Check Folder Permissions

Event ID 5137 often happens due to insufficient permissions. You need to verify and adjust folder permissions where the error occurs.

1. Navigate to the folder path mentioned in the Event Viewer.
2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab and click Edit to change permissions.
4. Ensure your user account or the system account has Full Control or at least Modify permission.
5. If permissions are missing, add the required user or group and grant the necessary rights.
6. Click Apply and then OK to save changes.

Permissions need to be correct; otherwise, Windows will block folder creation, triggering the Event ID 5137 error.

Step 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause unexpected errors, including Event ID 5137. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.

1. Press Win + S, type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the command window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the process to complete. It may take several minutes.
5. If issues are found, SFC will attempt to fix them automatically.
6. Restart your computer after the scan finishes.

This step ensures your Windows system files are intact and not causing folder creation failures.

Step 4: Check Disk Health Using CHKDSK

Disk errors can prevent new folders from being created. Running the Check Disk tool helps identify and fix such problems.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (same as Step 3).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   chkdsk C: /f /r
   (Replace C: with your drive letter if different.)
3. You may be prompted to schedule the scan at the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer to let CHKDSK run and repair disk issues.

Fixing disk errors can restore folder creation functionality and stop Event ID 5137 from appearing.

Step 5: Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus or security software can block folder creation as a false positive. Temporarily disabling these programs helps identify if they are causing the error.

• Locate your antivirus or security program icon in the system tray.
• Right-click and look for an option to temporarily disable or pause protection.
• Disable the software for a short time and try to reproduce the folder creation task.
• If the error no longer occurs, consider adding exceptions or adjusting settings in your security software.
• Remember to re-enable protection afterward to keep your system safe.

Alternative Method: Use Group Policy Editor to Adjust Audit Settings

If Event ID 5137 is related to auditing folder creation events, adjusting audit policies may help reduce noise or errors.

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Advanced Audit Policy Configuration > Object Access.
3. Find Audit File System and double-click it.
4. Adjust the settings to audit successful and/or failed events as needed.
5. Apply changes and restart your PC.

This method is for advanced users who want to manage how Windows logs folder creation events.

FAQs

What exactly causes Event ID 5137 in Windows 11?

This error usually occurs when Windows tries but fails to create a new folder due to permission issues, disk errors, or interference from security software.

Can I ignore Event ID 5137 if my system seems fine?

Occasional Event ID 5137 errors might not cause immediate problems, but frequent errors should be addressed to avoid system or application failures.

Is it safe to change folder permissions?

Yes, as long as you modify permissions carefully and avoid giving full access to unknown users. Always back up important data before making changes.

Does running SFC or CHKDSK affect my files?

These tools scan and fix system or disk errors but do not delete personal files. However, it’s wise to back up data before running system utilities.

What if the error happens in a network folder?

For network locations, ensure you have proper permissions on the server and that the network connection is stable.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the Event ID 5137 error persists, consider the following options:

• Update Windows: Ensure your system is up-to-date by running Windows Update. Patches often fix known bugs.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support site for advanced help.
• Use System Restore: Roll back your system to a previous state before the error began.
• Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, a clean Windows installation can resolve deep system issues.

Conclusion

Event ID 5137 error in Windows 11 is typically linked to folder creation problems caused by permissions, disk issues, or security interference. By carefully checking permissions, running system scans, and verifying disk health, most users can resolve this issue effectively.

Always start with simple steps like reviewing Event Viewer details and verifying permissions before moving on to more advanced fixes. Remember to keep your system updated and maintain regular backups to prevent future issues.

Following this step-by-step guide will help you troubleshoot and fix Event ID 5137 errors, ensuring your Windows 11 environment remains stable and reliable.