Does your PC give you the error “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file” when you try to open a file or device path? Chances are you don’t have the proper permissions to access the selected file or that the device you’re trying to access is not connected to your PC at all. Show
There are various reasons Windows displays the error mentioned above. Follow a few common fixes below to get rid of the problem. Change the File PermissionWindows can display the “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File” error when you attempt to open a file for which you don’t have the right permissions. You can enable all permissions for the file and that should fix your issue. Windows makes it easy to change file permissions, and you can do this without using a command-line method.
Plug-In the Removable DriveIf you’re experiencing the “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File” issue with a shortcut, it might be that the shortcut leads to a file that was on a removable drive, and that drive is no longer connected to your PC. In this case, Windows fails to find the actual file behind your shortcut and ends up showing an error message. You can fix the issue by plugging your removable drive back into your computer. Once the drive is plugged in and you see it in File Explorer, run the problematic file and it should open just fine. Connect the Computer or NAS to the NetworkAnother possible reason Windows can’t open your file is that you have saved the file on a network computer or NAS device, and that device is currently not connected to the network. Windows can’t find the actual file when you double-click the file shortcut. The easiest way to fix this issue is to connect the other computer, where the file is stored, to your network. Once the computer or NAS is back up on the network, run your problematic file and it should open without issues. Verify the Shortcut’s Actual FileIf your PC fails to open a shortcut, there’s a high chance that the actual file behind the shortcut is no longer available. An easy way to verify the file’s existence behind the shortcut is by using a File Explorer window.
Unblock the FileWhen a file comes from an untrusted source, like the internet, Windows tends to block access to the file. This is to protect your PC from any potential threats. This blocking of untrusted files can cause Windows to display the “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file” error when you try to open an untrusted file. You can tell Windows that the file is safe to open and Windows will unblock the file for you.
Turn Off AntivirusSometimes your antivirus program detects safe files as suspicious files and prevents Windows from reading the file, causing the error message. To fix this issue:
Can you now access the file that was inaccessible before? If so, please let us know how you fixed the issue in the comments below. How do you fix Windows Cannot access the specified device path or file error when you try to install update or start a program or file?Workaround. Select the Windows Start button (or CTRL + R) and type %appdata%.. In the Roaming folder, right-click the Microsoft folder.. Select Properties and then the Security tab.. Select the user or users required to access this folder.. Ensure that "List folder contents" is checked under Permission for Everyone.. How do I bypass Windows Cannot access the specified path?How to Fix Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File?. Disable antivirus software temporarily.. Check permission of the file or folder.. Unblock the file.. Check the location of the file.. Recover the removed file or deleted file.. How do I give special permissions in Windows 10?Setting Permissions. Access the Properties dialog box.. Select the Security tab. ... . Click Edit.. In the Group or user name section, select the user(s) you wish to set permissions for.. In the Permissions section, use the checkboxes to select the appropriate permission level.. Click Apply.. Click Okay.. How do you fix you don't have permission to open this file?a) Right-click on the file which you're unable to access and select Properties. b) Click on 'Security' tab and under 'Group or user names' click on 'Edit'. c) Click on 'Add' and type 'everyone'. d) Click on 'Check names' and then click 'OK'.
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