Every Windows 10 user will eventually run across this issue at some point. Occasionally, the gadget may randomly start showing error messages. One of the most common is an issue where you just can’t get to a certain file or piece of hardware.
You conduct a search for a certain document, PDF, image, or other type of file or folder. The error notice “Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device Path or File” appears regardless of whether you try to delete, edit, or open the file.
This issue may also occur for individual files or directory structures. However, this creates obstacles if you plan on working on that file at the same time.
In any case, there are a few tricks or workarounds that can be used to deal with this issue. Follow this link to learn more about this.
Methods for Fixing “Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device Path or File”
Method 1. Repairing Anything is to Obtain Ownership of the Appropriate File or Folder
Obtaining the correct authorization to open the desired directory or file should be your first step. If you’re unsure whether or not you have the necessary permissions, you can verify it by following these steps:
Step 1. Click the file’s right mouse button first.
Step 2. Choose “Properties” from the menu that appears.
Step 3. When you click the third tab from the left, “Security,” a dialogue window will pop up.
Step 4. Make sure your name is listed under “Group or user names.” Be an administrator before doing this.
Step 5. Move your mouse to the “Edit” button.
Step 6. After that, select the box next to “Allow Full control” to grant yourself unrestricted access to the file going forward. As an alternative, you can perform a manual check of each necessary permission command.
Step 7. Please confirm your changes by clicking the “OK” button.
Method 2. Verify Correct File Location
Windows cannot access the specified device path or file” despite having the necessary permissions, double-check the file’s location.
When this occurs, it’s usually because the file’s location has changed and the user is attempting to open it using an outdated file path. To verify the location of a file, follow these simple steps:
Step 1. To use the context menu, right-click the relevant directory or file.
Step 2. Choose “Properties” afterward. There will be a new window that appears on your screen.
Step 3. Go to the “General” menu and look at the journey to its current place. To get to the document, use this address. If you can’t find it, it may have moved.
Method 3. Remove the File’s Lock
It’s possible for Windows to incorrectly identify a file, programme, or folder. The software will treat any file it is unable to properly detect as dangerous and prevent you from opening it. If this happens, use these procedures to manually unlock the file:
Step 1. To begin, right-click the file that is giving you trouble.
Step 2. Pick “Properties” from the menu that appears. A new window will open with a conversation box, please wait.
Step 3. Select the “General” tab here. The “Unblock” button should be located here. The box next to this choice should be checked.
Step 4. Select “Apply” to finish.
Step 5. At last, select “OK” to allow access to the required file.
Method 4. Activate Covert Admin Account
If you’re getting the “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file” message, many experts say you need to enable a secret administrator account. Your hidden administrator account can now be accessed, granting you full control over any and all files.
The detailed instructions are as follows:
Step 1. Initially, you should boot your computer into safe mode.
Step 2. It’s time to bring up the command prompt.
Step 3. Enter “net user administrator /active:yes” into the box.
Step 4. To continue, hit the “Enter” button. For the cloaked administrator, this means
You should try restarting the computer in safe mode once more.
Step 5. At this point, you should log out of the PC’s hidden administrator account.
Launch the Settings Menu from here.
Step 6. Select “Small Icon View” to change the current setting. Find your user account quickly and easily by entering your information here.
Step 7. When you get to the menu, select the User Account option.
Step 8. To do so, select the menu item labelled “Manage Another Account.”
Step 9. Next, click “Your Account” in the menu.
Step 10. Choose “Change Account Type” to alter your current account.
Step 11. Choose “Administrator” and then “Change Account Type” from this menu.
Leave the settings menu and restart the computer. Again, please try to open the correct file and obtain access to it.
Method 5. Disable All External Antivirus Software
If the issue persists, you may want to double-check the health of your third-party antivirus software. In many cases, disabling the antivirus programme will allow you to open the highly compressed file without any trouble.
While you’re working on that file, it’s best to turn off the antivirus software temporarily. When you’re done working, restart the antivirus software.
Conclusion
The error message “Windows Cannot Access The Specified Device Path or File” might have a number of different root causes. As a result, you might need to resort to the aforementioned methods to gain access to the desired document or directory.
Examine all of your options to see which one works best to fix the issue. Take a copy of your data just in case something goes wrong. Everything can be backed up by using backup software or an external storage device.
In addition, it should be standard practise to create backups of all critical data on a regular basis.
