conda update conda not working due to Windows Program Files permissions

Question

I installed Anaconda for Python 2.7 for all users on my Windows 10 machine. When I try to update it via conda update conda I get the following error:

# You don't appear to have the necessary permissions to update packages
# into the install area 'C:\Program Files\Anaconda2'.
# However you can clone this environment into your home directory and
# then make changes to it.
# This may be done using the command:
#
# $ conda create -n my_root --clone=C:\Program Files\Anaconda2

Yet when I try to clone it into my home directory, I get the error:

PermissionError: [WinError 5] Access is denied: 'C:\\Program Files\\Anaconda2\\pkgs\\menuinst-1.4.1-py27_0.tmp'

Is there a way to solve this? I've been Googling but haven't found a clear solution.

Answer 1

Go to the start manual, find Anaconda Command Prompt. Right click on the icon and run it as an administrator (if you are). Then do the conda update as usual.