How to Fix "Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device, Path, or File"

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" appears when you try to open a file, start a program, use a shortcut or run an installer, and Windows can't reach it or isn't allowed to open it. It's often followed by "You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." The usual reasons are that the file has moved or its drive isn't connected, a shortcut is broken, Windows has blocked a downloaded file, security software has stopped it, or your account doesn't have permission. Work through the checks below in order. They apply to Windows 11 and Windows 10.

1. Check That the File and Drive Are Still There

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If the file has been moved, renamed or deleted, or it's on a USB drive, external disk or network folder that isn't connected, Windows can't reach it.

1. Open File Explorer and go to the folder where the file should be.
2. If it's on an external drive or USB stick, plug it in and check it appears under This PC.
3. If it's on a network folder, make sure you're connected to that network and can open the folder.

Expected result: you can see the file in File Explorer and open it from there.

2. Recreate a Broken Shortcut

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A shortcut still points to the old location after the original file moves, and shortcuts can also become damaged. Make a new one from the real file.

1. In File Explorer, go to the original file or program.
2. Right-click it and select Show more options > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). On some PCs, and on Windows 10, Send to appears straight away.
3. Delete the old shortcut and use the new one.

Expected result: the new shortcut opens the file.

3. Unblock a File You Downloaded

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Windows marks files that come from the internet or another computer, and may block them or show a warning before they open. If you downloaded the file from a source you trust, you can unblock it.

1. In File Explorer, right-click the file and select Properties.
2. On the General tab, look for the security message near the bottom: "This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer."
3. Select Unblock, then Apply > OK.

Expected result: the security message is gone, and the file opens.

4. Check Windows Security and Your Antivirus

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Security software can stop a file or program from opening. Windows Security also has Controlled folder access, which blocks untrusted apps from changing files in protected folders such as Documents, Pictures and Desktop, and shows a notification when it does.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu and select Virus & threat protection > Quick scan to check your PC for threats.
2. If a program you trust was blocked by Controlled folder access, select Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection > Allow an app through Controlled folder access > Add an allowed app, and browse to it.
3. If you use another antivirus app, open it and check whether it blocked or quarantined the file.

Expected result: your security software isn't blocking the file, or you've allowed a program you trust.

5. Check Your Permissions on the File or Folder

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Every file and folder has a list of who can open or change it. If your account isn't allowed, Windows refuses access.

1. Right-click the file or folder and select Properties > Security.
2. Select your account in the list to see which permissions it has.
3. If the file or folder is your own and you manage this PC, you can grant your account the access it needs from this Security tab. This needs administrator rights.

When you open a folder you don't have permission for, File Explorer may say "You don't currently have permission to access this folder. Click Continue to permanently get access to this folder." Microsoft explains that selecting Continue permanently changes the folder's permissions to give your account access, including everything inside it. That's fine for your own folders, but not for Windows folders.

If the file is on a work network or another person's account, ask the owner or your IT team for access instead.

Expected result: your account is allowed to open the file.

6. Try a Fresh Copy of the File or Program

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A file that was damaged while downloading or copying may not open. If it's an installer or program, download it again from the maker's website. If it's a document, open a backup copy or ask the sender for a new copy.

Expected result: the fresh copy opens normally.

7. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

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If the error appears when you start an older program, first check the maker's website for a newer version. Then try Windows' compatibility troubleshooter:

1. In Windows 11, select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, find Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and select Run. On newer versions, this opens it in the Get Help app.
2. In Windows 10, select Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Program Compatibility Troubleshooter > Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the on-screen steps.

Expected result: the program starts with the settings the troubleshooter recommends.

Still Not Working? What to Try Next

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• Run it as administrator: for a program or installer, right-click it and select Run as administrator.
• Reinstall the program: select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select More (…) > Uninstall, restart, and install it again from the maker's website.
• Contact the program maker if only one program shows the error, or your IT team if the file is on a work network.