How to Fix Windows cannot access the specified device path or file

Windows 11 is in the earlier stages of development, and it is possible that you are having troubles due to bugs, and one of those bugs may appear. When you try to start a program or file, the following error occurs: “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.” I have seen these types of errors in Windows 10 also, and I hope in upcoming updates of development teams of Windows 11 will fix this issue.

Causes of Windows cannot access the specified device path or file:

Antivirus is blocking the file or program: Sometimes, the above error occurs because antivirus is blocking this file from opening.
File or program is corrupt: Your program or file may be corrupt. You can check if the file is corrupted by creating a shortcut. If the file is corrupt, you may have to repair the file.
You may not have appropriate permissions: The above error can be displayed if you don’t have appropriate permissions. We will see how you can get the permissions, but let me first discuss the causes.
File or program has been removed or deleted: You can also get this issue if the file is removed or deleted.
Malware Alteration: Malware may have altered the file’s settings or have corrupted the file.

Now that we know the causes of this error let us see how this error can be dealt with.

How to Fix Windows cannot access the specified device path or file

Method 1: Check for the permissions

Permissions are the rules that determine who can access the file or program and who can’t. You must be an administrator to change the file’s permissions you wish for.

1. Right-Click on the specified file causing this error. Click on properties now.

2. Click on the security tab.

3. Under Group or user names, click on your name to see the available permissions.

4. If you don’t have appropriate permissions to run the program or file. Click on Edit and then select the checkboxes you need the permissions. Then, select ok.

Method 2: Unblock the File

The error “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.” may occur if Windows has blocked your file,

To unblock the file, follow the steps:

1. Right-click on the file and click properties.

2. At the bottom in the General tab, you find the security note saying This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer. Check the check box of the Unblock and click Ok.

Method 3: Check for file in its file location if it is removed or deleted

The above error can occur if the file has been removed or deleted from the specified file location.

Right-click on the specified file and click on the file location to locate the file. If the file doesn’t exist, this is the possible reason for the error message.

Method 4: Antivirus Software is blocking this file

Your Antivirus software sometimes stops the suspicious files to protect your PC from malware and viruses, due to which this error can occur. You can check if the Antivirus software is blocking the file by temporarily disabling your Antivirus software. If this is the case, you can go to the protection history of your antivirus software and unblock the file or program. However, disabling your Antivirus software is vulnerable to viruses and malware, so I recommend you to turn on your Antivirus software as soon as possible.

Cautions

If you download the file from the internet, verify if the source is genuine.

If you are importing files from others’ PCs, make sure the files don’t contain malware and are not corrupt. Ensure that the drives you are taking files are safe and do not contain viruses.

Remember that with the rise in technology, there is an increase in Cybercriminals and, in turn, a decrease in privacy, so make sure the files or programs you use are safe.