Fix "Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device" Error in Windows (2024)

When users are unable to access a file, folder or external device, the “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device” error can occur. This may happen as a result of permission issues, corrupted system files or hardware problems. Users may not be able to open or make changes to files; access their external drives, or use specific devices attached to their computer due to this error.

To fix the “Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device” error, we have explained six solutions to help you repair Windows can’t access specified device issues. But before that let’s briefly understand why this error arises.

Why Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device Path Error?

For certain reasons, Windows is unable to access the specified device path. Firstly, there could be permission issues, which means that there might be insufficient permissions for users in order for them to access files.

Another possible cause is if the file paths are not accessible. Moreover, the files may be on external devices that are not connected. Also Corrupted files and security blocks from Windows are other potential causes.

Access issues can also arise from bad sectors in drive, antivirus interference with it, damaged files within it, missing system files in it, and insufficient disk space on it among others. Now let’s learn to repair Windows can’t access specified device issues.

How to Fix the “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device” Error in Windows?

Now, we’ll see some easy methods to fix “Windows cannot access the specified device”. In this article, we will discuss eight methods to resolve Windows cannot access the specified device error.

Method 1: Run the App as an Administrator

Running the App as an Administrator mostly does the trick. Very often, the simplest solution is the most effective. Run the program with admin privilege to avoid access-related problems and allow it to execute commands correctly.

Step 1: Right-click on any application that cannot access the problem

Step 2: After that right-clicking on the application and select “Run as administrator“

Method 2: Disable the Antivirus Software Temporarily

Antivirus programs are supposed to protect your system but they can sometimes confuse secure ones for viruses. Disable your antivirus temporarily to resolve windows cannot access the specified device error.

Step 1: Open your antivirus software like Windows security

Step 2: On the left side bar click on “Virus & threat threat threat protection-threat protection-threat protection“

Step 3: Scroll down and then click on “Manage Settings” under the Virus & Threat Protection settings

Step 4: Toggle off the “Real-time protection“

Method 3: Check Permissions of the File or Folder

Is access denied? Improper permissions might be the culprit. Check that your user account has the correct permissions for the file or folder to troubleshoot access errors.

Step 1: Select the file you want to open. Right-click on the selected file.

Step 2: Choose “Properties” from the context menu.

Step 3: Then navigate to the “Security” tab, Under the Group or user name click on the “Edit” button

Step 4: Check desired permissions for SYSTEM under the “Allow” column in the popup window. Then, verify if the issue is resolved

Method 4: Unblock the File

Security features can block files from unfamiliar sources. Unblock the file if you trust its origin, as this could be the simple fix you need.

Step 1: Right-click on the file/folder that Windows cannot access the specified path then from the menu select “Properties“

Step 2: Navigate to the “General” tab then uncheck the checkbox next to Unblock

Method 5: Check the Location of the File

Verify the File’s Location Access errors can result from a misdirected shortcut or a moved file. Verify the file’s location to ensure your system isn’t misled.

Step 1: Right-click on the file/folder that Windows cannot access the specified path then from the menu select “Properties“

Step 2: Navigate to the “Shortcut” tab, and check whether the path in the Target location is available or not.

Method 6: Recreate a Program’s Shortcut

Recreate the Program’s Shortcut Shortcuts are convenient, but they’re useless when broken. Recreate the program’s shortcut to regain access to it.

Step 1: Right-click on space on the desktop then from the menu select “New” After that click on “Shortcut“

Step 2: Click on browse to select EXE that has Windows cannot access the specified path error then press the OK button

Step 3: Choose “Next” and enter a shortcut title.

Step 4: Click “Finish” to add the new program shortcut.

Method 7: Repair or Reinstall Corrupted File Using Control Panel

Step 1: Open Control Panel from the start menu and select programs.

Step 2: Now select Programs and Features option.

Step 3: Right-click on any program and select Uninstall/Change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device” error can be resolved via different approaches instead of one such solution as running the app as a supervisor, disabling anti-virus software, checking file authorization, ununblocking the file, verifying the file location, and developing a new shortcut of the software.

Also Read

• How to Fix Missing Operating System Issues on Windows?
• How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 Boot Issues?
• How to Fix Boot Error 0xc0000225 in Windows?

Fix “Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device” Error – FAQs

How to Fix “Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device” Error in Windows

Follow these steps to Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device error in windows

• Right-click on the application.
• Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.

Why does Windows cannot access the device at the specified path or file?

Windows might give you that “Cannot Access” error for a few reasons. It might be permission issues; a hidden file; problems with your device; even incorrect driver software being used by your computer; too many security features being installed in your registry so that other programs can’t run without permission from Microsoft first. Sometimes it’s just Windows being extra cautious about security.

How can I unblock a file that’s been blocked by Windows security features?

Users need to Follow these easy steps to unblock a file that’s been blocked by windows security

• Right-click the blocked file.
• Select “Properties.”
• In the General tab, choose “Unblock” if available.