Summary :
When you are trying to open a file or start a program, you might receive an error message that says Windows cannot access the specified device path or file. This post will show you 5 solutions to solve this problem. In addition, this post will introduce an effective and reliable way to keep data safe, which is using MiniTool ShadowMaker to create a backup image.
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Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File
After the scan, go back to the uTorrent app and try downloading files to check if it fixed the “Access is Denied” issue on your computer. This ends our guide on how to fix the uTorrent “Access is Denied” error on your computer. Torrent downloading not working 'access is denied'? Im trying to download torrents using utorrent 1.6.1. I had this problem before, except i was able to fix it by disabling the indexing feature. So it was working fine for a while, but now its just gone back to saying that when i try and download a torrent.
You may receive an error message ‘Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item.’ when you are trying to start a program or open a file. And the error message is shown as the follow:
You won't be able to access the file or the program when you receive the error message. Do you know the reason behind and how to fix this?
In general, there are various reasons that cause the issue Windows cannot access the specified device. For example:
- The antivirus software may block the files.
- Windows has blocked the files.
- The file is corrupted, hidden or deleted by antivirus.
- The shortcut of the program is corrupted.
- Or you don’t have the permission to access the item since you are not the administrator.
Of course, some other reasons may also give rise to the issue that Windows cannot access the specified device path or file. Meanwhile, the most important part is how to solve this problem. Thus, please keep on reading.
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How to Fix Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File?
- Disable antivirus software temporarily.
- Check permission of the file or folder.
- Unblock the file.
- Check the location of the file.
- Recover the removed file or deleted file.
5 Solutions to Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File
In this section, we will list 5 solutions to solve the problem when Windows cannot access the specified path. You can try them one by one to fix this problem when you may not have appropriate permissions to access the item. You can also watch the following video to fix the problem Windows cannot access the specified file.
Solution 1. Disable the Antivirus Software Temporarily
The issue Windows cannot access the specified file may be caused by the antivirus program. Therefore, in order to solve the problem, you can temporarily disable it. You can follow the steps below to disable your antivirus program.
Step 1: Press Windows key and R key together to open Run dialog and type msconfig in the box, then click OK or hit Enter to continue.
Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the Start up tab and click Open Task Manager to continue.
Step 3: In the popup window, find the antivirus program and choose it. Then click Disable button at the right bottom to continue.
Now, you can open the program or the file again to check whether the issue Windows cannot access the specified path Windows 10 is solved.
Solution 2. Check Permissions of the File or Folder
Now, this section will introduce the second method to solve the issue when you may not have appropriate permissions to access the item. To fix this problem, you can try checking the permissions of the file or folder.
You can refer to the following detailed instructions.
Step 1: Select the file you want to open and right-click it. Then choose Properties from the context menu.
Step 2: Go to the Security tab and choose your name under Group or user name and click Edit to continue.
Step 3: Then under Permissions for SYSTEM in the popup window, you can check the permissions you want to have in Allow column. After that, please check whether the issue Windows cannot access the specified path is solved.
Solution 3. Unblock the File
Windows cannot access the specified device path or file may occur if the file is blocked by Windows. To fix this problem, you can try to unblock the file. You can look at the specific steps of operations below.
Step 1: Right-click the file which has the problem Windows cannot access the specified path and choose Properties to continue.
Step 2: In the popup window, go to the General tab. Then you will see a message The file came from another computer and might be blocked to help to protect the computer if the file is blocked by Windows. Thus, you can check Unblock and click OK to continue.
Now, you can check whether the issue Windows cannot access the specified path Windows 10 is solved.
Solution 4. Check the Location of File
If you are trying to access a file via a shortcut which is on an external hard drive or a network location that it is no longer connected to your computer, Windows might not be able to access the specified device path or file. Thus, you can check the location of the target file and see if the file is in an inaccessible location based on following instructions.
Step 1: Right-click the shortcut of the file on your computer and choose Properties from the context menu.
Step 2: Under the Shortcut tab in the popup window, check the path in Target is available or not.
Solution 5. Recover the Removed or Deleted File
Windows will not be able to access the specified device path or file if the files are removed, deleted, or hidden by an antivirus. In a situation like this, you can recover the data to solve this problem.
In order to recover the lost data, you can take advantage of the best data recovery software – MiniTool Power Data Recovery. It is a user-friendly program for Windows users, which can be used to recover lost data due to various reasons, such as mistaken deletion, virus attack, mistaken formatting and so on.
As a read-only software, it will not bring any damage to the original data. So if you have lost data, you can download the Trail edition to scan the lost files.
Here are the specific instructions to recover the lost data from the inaccessible folder or partition.
Step 1: Download and install the best data recovery software and launch it to enter its main interface.
Step 2: Next, you will see four options and choose This PC module to continue. Then choose the partition which you have lost the file and click Scan to continue.
Step 3: When the scan is finished, you can see all files are listed here in order and you can open each path to find out the file you need.
Step 4: When you have checked the lost files, you can choose a destination to save the files by clicking Save button. Here, you will receive a warning message that tells you a license key is required to activate the program since you are using the Trial edition. Thus, you can click here to get here to buy a license. Then activate the program and complete the recovery.
When you have recovered lost files, you can check whether the issue Windows cannot access the specified device path or file is solved.
Useful Suggestion
When you have solved the issue when Windows cannot access the specified path Windows 10 or successfully recovered the lost files, it is recommended to back up the data so as to provide better protection.
Here, MiniTool ShadowMaker, the best backup software is another product of MiniTool® Software Ltd.
MiniTool ShadowMaker is a user-friendly program which can provide protection for your data and computer. With its powerful features, it can back up a file, folder, disk, partition, and the operating system.
Besides the backup feature, it can also provide recovery solutions when there is a need so as to help you to restore the computer or data.
Thus, you can download MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial to create a backup image for the data so as to provide better protection for them when you have recovered the lost data or solved the issue Windows cannot access the specified file.
Here, we will show you how to back up the files with MiniTool ShadowMaker. ou can continue according to the following instructions.
For backup the operating system, you can refer to this article: Easily & Free Create a Windows 10 Image Backup Now - MiniTool
Step 1: Install the program and launch it, click Keep Trail, and click Connect in This Computer to enter its main interface.
Step 2: In the main interface, go to the Backup tab and click Source module to continue.
Step 3: In the popup window, choose Folder and Files to choose what you want to back up.
Step 4: When returning to the main interface, you need to click Destination module to choose where you want to save the backup image. It is advised to choose an external hard drive as the destination.
In order to provide better protection for data, there are three important things you need to pay attention to.
- MiniTool ShadowMaker enables you to create an automatic file backup. Thus, you just need to click Schedule button to set the backup task on a regular basis.
- There are three different backup schemes offered, including Full Backup, Incremental backup, and Differential backup. You can change the backup scheme by clicking Scheme.
- You can also set some advanced backup parameters by clicking Options.
Step 5: When you have selected the backup source and destination, you can click Back up Now to perform this backup task immediately or click Back up Later to delay the backup task.
After having successfully created a backup image to the data, you can keep data safe and even can restore them to a previous state when there is a need.
Bottom Line
After reading this post, we learned that Windows cannot access the specified device path or file because of many reasons such as antivirus software, corrupted shortcut, file deleted by antivirus and so on.
However, this post has listed 5 solutions to solve the problem when Windows cannot access the specified file and you can try them out.
After successfully solving the problem or recovering the lost files, you should use MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up all important files so as to provide better protection for data.
By the way, if you have any better solution to the problem you may not have appropriate permissions to access the item, you can share it one the comment zone.
Or if you have any problem about MiniTool products, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the email [email protected].
Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device Path or File FAQ


- Disable antivirus software temporarily.
- Check permission of the file or folder.
- Unblock the file.
- Check the location of the file.
- Recover the removed file or deleted file.
After Download Torrent Access Denied File
- Change the owner.
- Change security permissions with Command Prompt.
For more detailed instruction, you can refer to the post: You Need Permission To Perform This Action: Solved.
- Open File Explorer and select the file or folder you want to have full permission to right-click it.
- Choose Properties.
- Go to the Security tab.
- Click Advanced.
- On the next page, click Change.
- Then click Advanced.
- On the Select User or Group page, click Find Now.
- Then select your user account and click OK.
- On the Select User or Group page, click OK.
- Click Apply,
- Then click OK.
You can refer to the post How To Take Ownership Of Folder In Windows 10 By Yourself to learn more.
- Take the ownership of the file or folder.
- Get the proper permissions.
- Recover your data.
For more detailed instruction, please refer to the post: It's Easy to Fix Access Is Denied Error (Focus on Disk and Folder).
This article talks about 'access denied' error which may appear in a variety of situations, and provides step-by-step solutions for each Access Denied scenarios. This error is explained in 5 cases, including most situations you may encounter. If you are experiencing same error message, keep reading to check solutions.
Overview on access denied error
Issue 1: You cannot open a file or folder
Issue 2: File / Folder access denied, error changing or deleting file or folder
Issue 3: Receive 'Location is not available. Access is denied.' error message
Issue 4: Error 5: Access Denied
Issue 5: DiskPart has encountered an error: Access is denied
Summary
Overview on access denied error
If you are getting Access Denied error in Windows, then you are not alone. This is a quite common problem related to permission, file system, etc. It occurs when you are unable to open a file or folder, a service on your computer fails to start, cannot open file on a network, unable to access web site, etc. Error messages differ from issue to issue, for example, it can be 'Folder Access Denied. You need permission to perform this action. You require permission from TrustedInstaller to make changes to this folder' or 'Location is not available. E: is not accessible. Access is denied.'
Let's see two real world cases on this error:
'I got problem in deleting a folder. Here is the story: I attempted to delete a folder using Shift + Del, but the Access Denied error occurred. The folder cannot be deleted and so did files in the folder. Also, I tried deleting as an Administrator, but it says I do not have that privileges. However, I'm the only user and it is the very administrator account. The error message is: <file path> is not accessible. Access is denied. I checked solutions online, and tried some, but none worked. Any suggestions?'
' couple of day ago I downloaded DOTA from STEAM I got an update error when I tried to launch the game. I looked to solutions and found one which asks to delete 'downloading' folder located in Steamapps. Unfortunately, I couldn't delete it, as it requires Administrator permission. I clicked Continue and got Access Denied error. I restarted PC and logged in as Administrator and still cannot delete it! Any idea to fix this?'
Issue 1: You cannot open a file or folder
Symptom
When you try to open a file or folder in Microsoft Windows, you are unable to access is and receive error message like:
'Folder is not accessible. Access is denied.' (Folder here represents the name of the folder you cannot open.)
'You don't currently have permission to access this folder. Click Continue to permanently get access to this folder.'

'You have been denied permission to access this folder. To gain access to this folder you will need to use the security tab.'
Causes
An 'Access Denied' error can occur for one or more of the following reasons:
Resolution
Solution 1: Take ownership of the file or folder in Windows
Step 1 Select the file or folder you want to take ownership and right-click it to select Properties from context menu.
Step 2 Select the Security tab and click Advanced button. Then click Change. If you are asked to give confirmation or administrator password, then provide confirmation or type the password.
Step 3 Type the name of the person whom you want to give ownership to, and click Check Names.
How to fix a broken tooth yourself. Step 4 Click OK. If you want this person to be the owner of the folders and files that are stored in this folder, select check box of Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
Step 5 Click OK.
Solution 2: Change permission
It is common that the access denied error you experience is related to permission. Permissions rules whether you can access or change files and folders. If you do not gain permission, you are not able to access specified location. If you are logging in as administrator and still cannot access a folder, you can try changing permissions. Note: to change permission you should log on as an administrator.
Step 1 Select the file or folder and right-click it to select Properties. Then click Security tab.
Step 2 Click your name under Group or user names, and you can see permissions you have.
Step 3 Select all boxes under Allow and click OK and Apply. Then you'll get full control of the file or folder, such as modify, read & execute, list folder contents, etc.
Solution 3: The file or folder is encrypted
Data encryption is one of the best solutions to protect data again any unwanted access. You are unable to access encrypt file or folder without proper certificate. You can have a check whether the folder is encrypted or not.
Step 1 Select and right-click the file or folder to click Properties. Isearch resources ms. schroll's ela classes a b c.
Step 2 Select General tab, and then click Advanced button. If the Encrypt contents to secure data is selected, then file is encrypted, and you'll have to get the certificate to open it.
Issue 2: File / Folder access denied, error changing or deleting file or folder
Symptom
When you try to delete, copy, move or change a file or folder on your computer, you might be blocked by Accedd denied error which prompts you donot have permission to do so. The error message could be:
'Folder Access Denied. You need permission to perform this action. You require permission from TrustedInstaller to make changes to this folder.'
'Destination Folder Access Denied. You need permission to perform this action.'
Causes
This error might be caused by following reasons:
Resolution
Solution 1: Take ownership using Command Prompt
There are a couple of methods to take ownership of a file or folder, and this solution modifies ownership in Command Prompt. It's OK if you follow steps in previous part to take ownership.
Step 1 Right-click on Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin). If you are prompted for password or conformation, provide password or give confirmation.
Step 2 Confirm the path of the folder you want to take ownership. Here, say you want to take ownership of the folder Photos of E drive and the address is : E:Photos
Step 3 Type command takeown /f 'full path of the file or folder', which, in this case, should be takeown /f 'E:Photos'. Then press Enter.
Step 4 Once the process completes, restart computer and check if the problem is removed.
After Download Torrent Access Denied Adobe
Solution 2: Delete corrupt files with third-party software
Corrupted files cannot work properly and these files can be of any file type like pictures, documents, system files, etc. Many corrupted files cannot be repaired or even cannot be deleted. Here is an easier solution to delete corrupt files.
Step 1 Download, install and launch Eassos DiskGenius.
Step 2 Select the corrupt file or folder you want to delete, right-click it and select Delete Files Directly.
Step 3 Click Delete button to delete selected file. Note: files deleted in this way won't be put into Recycle Bin, please make sure these files are no longer important to you.
Tips on preventing files from getting corrupted:

Solution 3: Create a new local user account
If the access denied issue is caused by a corrupt account, you can resolve it by creating a new local user profile / account. To do that, follow these steps:
Step 1 Click Start menu and select Settings. Click Accounts on the Windows Settings pane.
Step 2 Select 'Family & other people' on the left side and then click 'Add someone else to this PC'.
Step 3 Click link 'I don't have this person's sign-in information' and click Next. On next screen, click 'Add a user account without a Microsoft' account and click Next. Then you can enter user name, password and password hint, and then select Next.
Issue 3:Receive 'Location is not available. Access is denied.' error message
Symptom
When you are trying to open a partition on local hard drive or USB devices, you cannot open it and receive error message:
Location is not available. E: is not accessible. Access is denied.
Causes
Resolution
Solution 1: Change permission for the drive
Step 1 In Windows Explorer, right-click the partition that you cannot access and click Properties. Continue clicking Security -> Advanced.
Step 2 Click Add in Advanced Security Settings and on next screen click Select a principal.
Step 3 Enter the username to select and click OK. Then you should select follow information:
Type: Allow
Applies to: This Folder, subfolder and files
Basic Permissions: Full Control
Step 4 Click OK and Apply to save changes.
Solution 2: Recover data from inaccessible drive and format it.
If changing permission does not help, you can recover data from the inaccessible drive and format the disk to repair the error. It's easy to retrieve data when location is not available and access is denied. Here is the guide to recover data from corrupt drive.
Step 1 Install and launch Eassos DiskGenius, then check if files in this partition can be displayed directly. If not, go to next step.
Step 2 Select the inaccessible drive and click File Recovery button from the toolbar. Make sure you are selecting the correct partition.
Step 3 Select Complete Recovery mode and click Start button. The full scan will start to search for files and folders in selected partition.
Step 4 Preview files. File found by Eassos DiskGenius will be displayed automatically during scanning, and you can preview listed files and folders to check whether they are correct or damaged.
Step 5 Recover data. Select files and folders you want to recover and right-click them to select 'Copy to'. Then you can set a location to save recovered data.
Issue 4: Error 5: Access Denied
Symptom
When you install application or game on your computer, you are prevented from accessing certain location or modifying files; also, you attempt to start certain service or software but fails. Error messages you may receive as follows:
'Windows could not start the sshd service on local computer. Error 5: Access is denied.'
'Setup was unable to create the directory 'full file path'. Error 5: Access is denied.'
'Unable to execute file in the temporary directory. Setup aborted. Error 5: Access is denied.'
Cause
The main reason of this error is permission issue. If you do not have the Administrator privileges or the account you logged in is not administrator account, the access denied error is tend to appear.
Resolution
Solution 1: Fix permission issue in temp folder
Step 1 Double click Computer icon to open Windows Explorer. Then type %appdata%.local in the address bar and press Enter.
Step 2 Select and right-click on Temp folder and click Properties. Click Security tab and click Advanced button.
Step 3 Make sure the option 'Replace all child object permission with inheritable permissions from this object' is selected.
Step 4 Select entries that are not inherited from 'C:Users[Username]' folder and click Remove. Click Apply and OK.
Solution 2: Make your account administrator
Step 1 Press key combination Windows + R to open Run dialogue where you should type netplwiz and press Enter.
Step 2 Select the user account that you want to change it to administrator and click Properties.
Step 3 Click 'Group Membership' tab and select Administrator, then click Apply and OK.
Issue 5: DiskPart has encountered an error: Access is denied
Symptom
When you use DiskPart to clean a disk, you cannot complete the task and receive error message:
DISKPART> clean
DiskPart has encountered an error: Access is denied.
See the System Event Log for more information.
Causes
Resolution
Solution 1: Run Command Prompt as Administrator
Step 1 Make sure you are logging on your computer as the Administrator account. If not, restart your PC and log on Administrator account.
Step 2 Click Start menu and enter cmd in search box.
Step 3 Right-click 'cmd.exe' and choose Run as administrator. If you are prompted for password or confirmation, then enter password or give confirmation.
Solution 2: Remove write protection
Step 1 Click Windows + R to open Run. Type regedit in Run dialog and click OK to open Registry Editor.
Step 2 In Registry Editor browse path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlStorageDevicePolicies
Step 3 Right click key WriteProtect and change the value to 0.
Summary
In this article we discuss Access Denied error in 5 scenarios and provide step-by-step solutions to each issue. We hope these solutions are useful to you. If they are proved to be useful, please share it to help more people. If you have any questions or better solutions, please feel free to share or contact us.
