Every once in a while padlocks appear on exe files I have. I found a way to remove all the padlocks. So for others & to be truthful if I lose my solution text it's here on Wilders. Padlocked exe SOLUTION In SAFEMODE Go into the top-level folder's Properties, Security, Advanced, Change Permissions, then check the box "Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object". You can remove the lock overlay in this case by resetting the permissions to be inherited, and removing all permissions that are not inherited. Right click the folder, click Properties Click the Security tab Click Advanced Click Change Permissions Check Both boxes to Include inheritable permissions, and to Replace all child object permissions Click Apply then click Yes Wait for the list to refresh Remove all permissions that say <not inherited> That should remove the Lock overlay. You may need to Uncheck Use Sharing Wizard in | Folder Options | View tab to see the Security tab, and may have to boot to Safe Mode as well if running Home Basic or Premium.