How to Fix the “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device, Path or File” Error
Are you encountering the “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.” error on Windows 10 or 11? This issue usually appears when you strive to run an EXE application or open a document. When this error happens, you can’t run some programs or access some documents, limiting your computer’s usefulness.
So, how do you solve the “cannot access the specified device” error? Check out some of the troubleshooting steps you can take below.
1. Run the App as an Administrator
Some programs, for a variety of reasons, need administrator privileges to perform specific tasks. In fact in certain situations, you might not be able to open them either.
In your case, the “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device, Path or File” error might be the result of this error as well. So if you are looking to fix this error, running it as an administrator will be your best bet. Here’s how you can get started:
If the issue was the lack of administrator privileges, your app will run by the end of these steps.
2. Disable Potentially Unwanted App Blocking
Unwanted app blocking is aWindows Securityfeature that prevents low-reputation apps and software from running. That feature can cause the “cannot access the specified device” error when enabled. You can check if unwanted app blocking is enabled and disable it as follows:
3. Deselect the “Unblock File” Setting
SometimesWindows blocks access to files or foldersdownloaded from untrusted online sources, which can cause the “cannot access the specified device” error. When that happens, you’ll see anUnblockcheckbox on an affected files properties window. This is how you can deselect the “unblock file” setting:
verify that you trust the file’s source before doing this. If you unblock an infected file, it can damage your computer and cause file loss.
4. Edit the File’s Permissions
Another cause of the “cannot access the specified device” error message is insufficient file permissions. That’s something you can remedy by editing the permissions for affected files. So, try editing an affected file’s permissions as follows:
5. Recreate a Program’s Shortcut
If the “cannot access the specified device” error occurs when you try to run a program shortcut, the issue might lie within the shortcut itself. In this case, setting up a new shortcut for affected software could resolve the issue. This is how to do so on your desktop:
6. Double-Check the File’s Location
Do you install software and save some files to an external or network drive? If so, it could be the case that the access error is occurring because a file is on a drive that’s not currently accessible.
Double-check the locations of the files you’re trying to run or open by right-clicking desktop shortcuts for them and selectingProperties. Then you can check the path for the shortcut in theTarget box shown directly below.
ThatTargetbox will show whether the file is on another drive. If it is, connect the external drive that includes the file to your PC to access it. Double-check that the file specified hasn’t been deleted if theTargetbox references the local C: drive. To do that, open the folder path specified in File Explorer.
Should you discover a shortcut’s file has been deleted, you might be able to retrieve it. Open the Recycle Bin to see if the file is in it. If so, right-click the file and selectRestore.
7. Enable Admin Permissions With the Group Policy Editor
Users have confirmed enabling admin approval mode in Group Policy Editor can resolve this file access error. However, Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows 11 and 10 Pro and Enterprise editions. If you may utilize Group Policy Editor, try enabling admin approval mode as follows:
8. Set Up a Windows Security Exclusion Affected Software or File
As Windows Security blocks can cause this error, we recommend users add affected files to that antivirus app’s exclusion list. Doing so will exclude the file from Defender’s antivirus protection. Check out our guide towhitelisting files in Microsoft (formerly Windows) Defenderfor details about how to apply this potential solution.
9. Temporarily Disable Any Active Third-Party Security Software
Some third-party antivirus apps share similar app-blocking features to Windows Security. Thus, alternative security software can also feasibly cause the same issue to occur much the same. So, try turning off any third-party antivirus software installed on your PC before attempting to run affected EXE software.
How exactly you turn off different third-party antivirus apps varies slightly. However, most have context menus from which you can select to disable their shields. Click the system tray icon for your antivirus software with the right mouse button to view its context menu. Then choose an option for disabling its antivirus shield from there.
Should this potential solution work, you’ll know what’s causing it. However, don’t leave your antivirus software disabled. Add affected files to the security software’s exceptions list.
10. Repair or Reinstall the File
If you are facing this issue due to corruption in the file, then repairing or reinstalling it is your best bet. Using the Control Panel will be your best bet in this case. Here’s how you can do it:
Depending on the app, you will get an option to either uninstall the app or change its settings. That’s it—from there just follow the on-screen instructions, and you will be done in no time. If you installed the app, make sure you get it from a trusted source again and then see if you are facing the same error again.
Get the “Cannot Access the Specified Device” Error Sorted in Windows 10 and 11
We don’t promise guaranteed solutions, but the potential resolutions here will likely resolve the “cannot access the specified device” error on your PC. Many users have sorted that file access issue out in Windows by applying the above fixes.
If Windows refuses to let you open a file, try these fixes to gain access once more.
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