If you are a Windows 10 user, you may have encountered this problem sometimes in your life. Often the device sometimes displays some errors, seemingly from nowhere. Among these, the most common is the error of being unable to access any specific device or file. Show
You are trying to find a specific file (doc, pdf, image, etc.) or folder and search for it. But, your device displays the message “Windows cannot access the specified device path or file” even if you try to delete, modify, or open a particular file. This problem can happen for specific files or file paths as well. But, it causes some problems while you intend to work on that particular file. But fortunately, there are some ways or hacks to counter this problem. Read on to know how to know more. Outline
What Results in the “Windows can’t Access Specified Device Path or File” Error?There can be different causes for the error “Windows cannot access the specified device path or file”. Our experts have listed the possible errors here-
You probably are trying to find the file you have long deleted or moved somewhere else. If the file does not exist or its file path has changed, you will get this error message. In some cases, the corrupted files get deleted or modified, and when you try to find those files again, this error happens.
Often the leading cause behind such problems is the antivirus. An antivirus can identify some files as threats and may try to block you from accessing them. In such cases, this message is displayed.
Some files require specific permission to access them. If you do not have the needed permission, this error happens while you try to access the files.
You may have relocated and moved the file to an external location, i.e., a pen drive or a hard disk that is not accessible. But, other errors can also cause these similar problems. Here are some of the solutions to counter this error- How to Rectify “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File.”Fix 1. Get Permission of File or FolderThe first thing you need to try is to get the proper permission to access the intended file or folder. If you are unsure about this permission status, you can check it by following this procedure-
Fix 2. Ensure That File Is in Right LocationIf you have the proper permission but still getting the message “Windows cannot access the specified device path or file”, try checking the file location once. Often the errors happen if the file location is changed and you are trying to open the file using its older file path, which is no longer functional. Here is the step-by-step guide to checking the file path-
Fix 3. Unblock the FileWindows can mistake identifying a file or app, or folder. If it cannot identify it correctly, it will consider the file a threat and block you from accessing them. In such circumstances, you will have to unlock the file manually by using these steps-
Fix 4. Disable Your Antivirus SoftwareThe antivirus is often the main reason you get the message “Windows cannot access the specified device path or file”. The antivirus may deem any file a threat and deny you access to it. The best part is to disable the antivirus you are using. For this, follow these instructions-
If the problem is solved, you need to whitelist the file from the antivirus-
But, do not use the device without any antivirus as this can cause serious security issues for your device. If whitelisting doesn’t help, you can change the antivirus you use. Fix 5. Recreate A Shortcut to FileWindows do not update the shortcut path’s location when it undergoes a change. Hence, you may get the error message when accessing any file through its shortcut. For this, recreating a new shortcut often solves the problem-
Try opening the file from this new shortcut. If it does not open, move to the following methods to access that. Fix 6. Recover File That Has Been Deleted or Removed, or CorruptedYou are trying to access if you have deleted or removed the file. It is time to recover it. If you have recently deleted the file or folder, it is probably lying in the “Bin” app.”
If you have deleted or removed the file long ago, you need to use data recovery software to recover it. You can download and launch the data recovery file. Follow the instructions to restore the intended folder or file in its previous location. Ensure you have a backup of the files to recover them. Fix 7. Enable Hidden Admin AccountMany experts reckoned to enable a hidden administrator account to fix the error “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file ”. This allows you to open your hidden administrator account to enable the administrator right to access any file you want. Here is the step-by-step guide-
Fix 8: Temporarily turn off all third-party antivirusIn case the problem persists, try to check the status of the third-[arty antivirus you use. Often disabling such antivirus software helps you to access the intense file easily. Temporarily disable the antivirus as long you are working with that particular file. Again enable the antivirus after finishing your work. ConclusionDifferent underlying causes can result in the error “Windows cannot access the specified device path or file”. In such cases, you may need to use the tricks mentioned above to access the file or folder. Try each method and check which one helps to solve the problem. Before that, make sure to take a backup of all stored data. You can use backup software or an external storage device to backup everything. On top of that, make a habit of taking a backup of all the essential files and folders for emergencies. How do I fix windows Cannot access the specified device path or file?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.. Why does it say Windows Cannot access the specified device path or file you may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item?The following error message shows when you run the OfficeScan installer: Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item. This error occurs due to insufficient permissions or because the EXE file is blocked for added security.
How do you fix you don't have permission to access?Fixes for "You Don't Currently Have Permission to Access This Folder". Right-click on the folder to navigate to "Properties".. Go to the "group or username" section on the "Security" tab.. Click on "Advanced", and then "Change".. Type your account name. ... . Check "Replace owner on sub containers and objects" > "OK".. |