Updating Anaconda fails: Environment Not Writable Error

On Windows, search for Anaconda PowerShell Prompt. Right click the program and select Run as administrator. In the command prompt, execute the following command:

conda update -n base -c defaults conda

Your Anaconda should now update without admin related errors.

If you face this issue in Linux, one of the common reasons can be that the folder "anaconda3" or "anaconda2" has root ownership. This prevents other users from writing into the folder. This can be resolved by changing the ownership of the folder from root to "USER" by running the command:

sudo chown -R $USER:$USER anaconda3

or sudo chown -R $USER:$USER <path of anaconda 3/2 folder>

Note: How to figure out whether a folder has root ownership? -- There will be a lock symbol on the top right corner of the respective folder. Or right-click on the folder->properties and you will be able to see the owner details

The -R argument lets the $USER access all the folders and files within the folder anaconda3 or anaconda2 or any respective folder. It stands for "recursive".

start your command prompt with run as administrator