ProjectStack

python

PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied

Python tried to read, write, or execute a file or directory but the operating system blocked it due to insufficient permissions. The file is owned by a different user or is protected.

Common causes

Trying to write to a system directory (like /etc or C:\Windows) without administrator rights
The file is owned by root or another user and your account can't write to it
Attempting to overwrite a read-only file
On Windows, the file is locked by another process or protected by UAC

How to fix it

Check file permissions: ls -la <file> (Mac/Linux) or right-click → Properties (Windows)
Change ownership or permissions: sudo chown $(whoami) <file> or chmod 644 <file>
Write to a directory you own, like your home directory or /tmp
On Windows, run your terminal as Administrator if you genuinely need access to that location

Example

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "app.py", line 3, in <module>
    with open('/etc/hosts', 'w') as f:
PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied: '/etc/hosts'

Trying to write to /etc/hosts without root privileges

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