If a file or program's shortcut is corrupt, the computer also shows 'Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file'. Solution 5: Recreate A Shortcut to the File You may uninstall the antivirus software or disable the software when you need to use the file. If you can access the file when antivirus software is disabled, the software is obviously blocking the file. Therefore, you can temporarily disable the antivirus software on your computer and then try to open the file. Solution 4: Disable Antivirus SoftwareĪntivirus software can also block your files. In the General tab, if you see anything like 'this file came from another computer and might be blocked', select Unblock to unlock the file. Right-click the blocked file and select Properties. You can check the properties of a file to see if it is blocked. That's why Windows cannot open or edit the files. Sometimes, Windows block some files that you received to protect the computer. Under the Shortcut tab, check the path in Target. Right-click a shortcut on your PC and choose Property. Here is how to check the location of target file of a shortcut. So if you get the error when clicking a shortcut, check the location of its target file and see if the file is in an inaccessible location. Solution 2: Make Sure That the File Is in the Right LocationĪs I have mentioned before, Windows cannot launch a program or open a file from a external or network drive that is not currently connected.

If you don't have one of the permissions, click Edit and check the checkboxes for all the permissions. Make sure you have the permissions of the file or folder, including the permissions to full control, modify, read, write and read & excute. Choose the Security tab and click your name under Group or User. Right-click the inaccessible file or folder, and then select Properties from the drop-out menu. Since the error message suggests that 'you may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item', you should first check if you have the permission of the file or folder when Windows cannot access the file or folder. Solution 1: Get the Permission of the File or Folder Or it is blocked by the anti-virus software of your computer. The file has been deleted or move to other location. You are clicking a shortcut to access a file on an external drive or a network location that is now not properly connected to the PC or is not available. You don't have permissions to the file, the folder or the drive. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item' because of one of the following reasons. You are seeing the message 'Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.

Buy with 20% off Buy with 20% off Causes for 'Windows cannot access the specified device path or file' Error

Chrome cannot files