Windows 10: "Windows cannot access the specific device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate...

I first got this error when I tried to install steam. Now its happening whenever I try to open something. Keep in mind I am set as the owner and administrator of the system. I cannot open any control editors either as it keeps saying my access is denied.

:)

 

'Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.' Error.

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you receive an error, ‘'Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item’ when trying to access one particular file. I’ll certainly assist you with the issue.



However, please let us know:

• Are you trying to access the shortcut of the file?
  
• Which anti-virus are you using on the computer?
  

I would suggest you try running the application as an administrator and see if that helps. To do this, right click on the file and select
Run as administrator.



You may also want to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article
"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or
file" error when you try to install, update or start a program or file



Note: The above mentioned article is for Windows 7, however, holds good for Windows 10.




Alternatively, you can also try enabling hidden admin account and check if you are able to access the file in hidden admin account.



Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Type command prompt in the search bar on the
   Taskbar.
   
2. Right click on the command prompt icon and select
   Run as administrator.
   
3. Type in the following commands one by one and hit
   Enter:
   
   net user administrator /active:yes
   
4. After enabling the hidden admin, try accessing the file.
   

Note: Make sure to disable hidden admin by using the command
net user administrator /active:no after performing the troubleshooting steps.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Windows cannot access the specified device path or file, you may not have the appropriate permissions to access them.?

Windows cannot access the specified device path or file, you may not have the appropriate permissions to access them.

The path is c:\program files\ windosapp\ microsoftwindowsnotepad......

 

Unable to reinstall Lenovo Vantage. Error message: Windows cannot access the specific device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item.

Lenovo Vantage did not work anymore. Repair attempted but failed. Advised to uninstall and reinstall. Download from Windows store fail to open : Error message "Windows cannot access the specific device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item."

Please advise. Thanks.