How to Fix "Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device" Error in Windows?
Last Updated :
07 Apr, 2025
Encountering the "Windows cannot access the specified device" error can be frustrating, especially when you need to access an important file or application. This common issue often arises due to permission settings, file location, or even antivirus software blocking the file. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix Windows cannot access errors using several methods. Whether the problem is caused by incorrect permissions or file path issues, these steps will help you resolve the Windows error-specified device quickly.
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 the 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 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 the Control Panel from the start menu and select programs.
Step 2: Now select the Programs and Features option.
Step 3: Right-click on any program and select Uninstall/Change.
Conclusion
Dealing with the "Windows cannot access the specified device" error doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps, you can effectively fix Windows cannot access error and regain access to the device or file. Whether it's a simple permission change or updating your antivirus settings, troubleshooting specified device access issues in Windows will help you resolve this problem and get back to work without interruptions.
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