How to Fix “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device, Path, or File” Error

Few Windows errors are as frustrating as the “Windows cannot access the specified device” message, which prevents you from opening files or running applications. This error can appear for many reasons, from simple permission issues to file corruption or driver conflicts.

The pleasant news is that it’s usually simple to fix. If you’re dealing with this problem, keep reading for proven methods to get your PC back on track.

Part 1. Why Does “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device, Path, or File” Happen?

You may see the error “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file...” when trying to open a file or start a program. Once this message appears, you won’t be able to access the item.

Like many Windows 10 errors, this one doesn’t have a single cause. Based on user reports, the most common reasons include:

• The file is blocked by antivirus or firewall.
• Damaged or corrupted files may trigger this error.
• The file no longer exists locally.
• Malicious software altered or deleted the file.
• Long names or special characters cause conflicts.
• The file is on a disconnected drive or network.

These are the usual reasons behind the error. Next, let’s look at how to fix it.

Part 2. 6 Proven Fixes for “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device” Error

The problem may look complicated, but it isn’t. Troubleshoot the “Windows cannot access the specified device” problem with 6 easy ways.

1. Run as Administrator

Many programs need administrator rights to work correctly. If you see this error when trying to open a program or executable file, running it as an administrator can fix the issue.

To do this:

Step 1: Right-click the program you want to access.

Step 2: Select Run as administrator.

2. Manage File or Folder Permissions

Windows assigns permissions to control who can open, edit, or delete files and folders. If your account doesn’t have the right access level, the system may block you.

Sometimes this “Windows cannot access the specified device” error appears because your account doesn’t have the permissions to access the file or folder. If the file location is correct but you still see the error, try giving yourself Full Control permissions.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Right-click the chosen file or folder and tick Properties.

Step 2: Open Security and click your username under Group or User. Check if you have permissions like Full control, Modify, Read, Write, and Read & Execute.

Step 3: If permissions are missing, click Edit, check all boxes, and select OK to save.

3. Modify Antivirus Settings

Security software blocks files it considers suspicious, even when they’re safe. This is a common reason for the “Windows cannot access the specified device” error. Check your antivirus quarantine list or exclusions, and add the file or program to the safe list (exceptions/whitelist). If the error disappears when the antivirus is turned off, then the program is being wrongly blocked. Just be careful to only whitelist trusted files.

You can try disabling it for a while to see if the problem goes away. Follow the following directions:

Step 1: Press Windows + R and enter the msconfig syntax.

Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.

Step 3: Locate your antivirus program and click Disable. Now, try opening the file or program again.

Note: Once the issue is fixed, turn your antivirus back on to keep your computer safe.

4. Remove File Restrictions (Unblock the File)

When you save files from the internet, Windows may block them for security reasons. This may stop the file from opening and cause an error. Do the following to fix this:

Step 1: Right-click the selected file/folder and hit Properties.

Step 2: Under the General tab, look for a message saying the file might be blocked.

Step 3: Check the box Unblock, then click OK. Now, try opening the file again to see if the error is gone.

5. Confirm the File’s Location

This “Windows cannot access the specified device” error can appear if the file or shortcut points to a location that no longer exists. It may happen due to a deleted file, an unplugged external drive, or a disconnected network.

Double-check that the device or location is still accessible and the path is valid. If it’s on a removable device, make sure it’s connected and accessible. Updating or recreating the shortcut may also solve the issue.

Step 1: Access the selected file’s Properties.

Step 2: Check the file path in the General tab.

Step 3: Open File Explorer and follow the path to see if the device or location exists. If it is missing, it may have been deleted or moved. Try restoring or recovering it to fix the error.

6. Clear Program Cache

Temporary files and cache help programs run faster, but can cause errors when corrupted. Clearing the cache seems an easy fix by forcing Windows to load fresh data.

Depending on the app, you may need to clear cache through its settings, AppData folder, or reinstall the program. This resolves hidden issues that block file or program access.

Step 1: Press Windows + R and enter %localappdata%.

Step 2: Open the folder of the program showing the error.

Step 3: Select all Windows files inside the cache folder and delete them.

Step 4: Reboot your computer and try opening the program again.

Part 3. How to Repair Corrupted and Inaccessible Windows Files

When the error “Windows cannot access the specified device” appears, it is often caused by corrupted or damaged files. In such cases, adjusting permissions or changing settings may not solve the problem. The most effective solution is to repair the inaccessible files directly.

A powerful tool for this purpose is Repairit File Repair. It specializes in fixing corrupted, unreadable, or inaccessible files across multiple formats, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, ZIP, and ISO. With its reliable performance and easy-to-use interface, Repairit helps you quickly overcome the “Windows cannot access the specified device” error and restore your files without data loss.

With Repairit, you can:

• Repair files in over 30 formats including Office documents, PDFs, iWork files, and common archives such as ZIP and ISO.
• Fix corrupted Windows files that appear blank, garbled, or refuse to open due to damage or system errors.
• Preserve original layouts and formatting, ensuring charts, images, and design elements remain intact.
• Batch repair large files at once, improving efficiency and minimizing system disruption.
• Preview repaired files before saving to verify quality and accuracy.
• Choose between desktop or online versions, giving you flexible repair options anywhere.

By repairing the damaged files directly, you eliminate one of the main causes of the “Windows cannot access the specified device” error and ensure your Windows system stays stable and reliable.

Step 1: Open Repairit Windows File Repair and find More Types Repair, then tick File Repair.

Click Add to browse your inaccessible Windows file. Use Repairit’s batch feature to troubleshoot multiple Windows files at the same time.

Step 2: Click Repair to begin. Repairit will scan your inaccessible Windows files, fix the found issues, and display the progress.

Step 3: Tick Preview to review the fixed Windows files. If your files look correct, click Save or Save All to keep them in your chosen folder. Only the files successfully repaired will be saved, so take this final step to secure your data.

Part 4. Prevention Tips to Avoid “Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device”

Tired of running into this “Windows cannot access specified device path or file” error again and again? The good news is that you can lessen the possibility of it happening by taking a few preventive measures. Here are some practical tips to keep your files and programs accessible:​

1. Keep Windows updated with the latest patches.
2. Use and regularly update reliable antivirus software.
3. Avoid saving files from unknown or untrusted sources.
4. Scan your system for malware or viruses regularly.
5. Always eject external drives safely before unplugging.
6. Set correct permissions for frequently used files and folders.
7. Back up important data to avoid loss from corruption or deletion.

Conclusion

The “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file” issue might look frustrating at first, but the good news is it’s usually easy to fix. Simple checks like adjusting permissions, making sure the file is in the right place, or clearing the cache solve the problem. And if the file is corrupted, a tool like Repairit can help bring it back safely.