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Question

How to Move a Folder Without Disrupting Permissions

  • April 22, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 27 views
H

I have a user who accidentally moved their personal Box folder into a folder that is shared with nearly 4 dozen people. When I try to move the folder back where it belongs, I get an error. When I try to remove the other collaborators from the folder, I receive a warning that this will also remove them from the parent folder as the permissions are inherited.

 

I just need to get the user’s folder back in their personal Box, but I don’t want to disrupt access to the parent folder and subsequent child folders for nearly 4 dozen other users. Surely there is a more simplified way to achieve this?

    2 replies

    Pouncysilverkitten

    I believe it is true that if you are not the owner of the folder, you cannot move it back.  They will need to do it (and they will also need to make sure that any/all open documents in the folder are closed before they move it).

    Be excellent to one another...
      Jey Bueno Box
      • Jey Bueno Box
      • Community Manager
      • April 22, 2026

      I totally agree, so you will be needing to coordinate with the folder owner. However, it will not be a ‘simple move back’ due to inherited permissions and ownership changes.


      When moving a folder:

      • The owner of the destination parent folder becomes the owner of the moved folder.
      • Collaborators on the destination parent folder inherit access to the moved folder.
      • Box uses a waterfall permission model, so parent-folder permissions flow down to subfolders.

      We’ll check on this and will get back to you.


      Also, if you require further troubleshooting and has account-specific concerns, please submit a ticket to our Product Support. Thank you!

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