Access to files, device and paths

Hi there,

Thank you for posting your question here!

This error usually happens when Windows permissions suddenly break due to a failed update, antivirus block, corrupted user profile, or system file damage and it does not usually mean your PC is dead.

The first thing to try is a full shutdown then power it back on not restart. If that does not help, check if Task Manager opens because that confirms you still have some access. Booting into Safe Mode is important because if your files open there, a background app or security setting is blocking access. Antivirus software including Windows Security commonly causes this so temporarily disabling real time protection is a key test. Here's how you do it:

• Hold Shift
• Click Restart
• Troubleshoot
• Advanced options
• Startup Settings
• Restart
• Press 4 for Safe Mode

To help the Community and guide others with the same concern please let us know if this reply solved your problem by clicking Yes or No below.

Best Regards,

Angelique P.

The error message indicates a permissions or access issue to files, devices, or paths. Based on the provided information, there are several common causes and resolutions.

1. If the issue occurs when launching Office apps from the Microsoft Store

• Symptom: When trying to launch an Office in the Microsoft Store app, the message appears: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item."
• Cause: Folder Redirection for the Roaming AppData folder is enabled, and a known Windows issue prevents certain apps from launching when AppData is redirected to a network path.
• Resolution:
  • Install the Windows updates that fix the problem:
    • RS4: April 25, 2019—KB4493437 (OS Build 17134.753)
    • RS5: May 3, 2019—KB4495667 (OS Build 17763.475)
  • These updates address the issue that prevents apps from launching when Roaming AppData is redirected.
• Workaround if the issue persists:
  1. Press the Windows key (or CTRL + R), type %appdata%, and press Enter.
  2. In the Roaming folder, right-click the Microsoft folder and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Security tab.
  4. Select the user or users who need access.
  5. Ensure that List folder contents is checked under permissions (for example, for Everyone).
  6. Select OK.

2. If the issue appears as "access is denied" even though permissions look correct

• Symptom: Trying to access a file on an NTFS volume returns "access is denied," but NTFS permissions show that access should be allowed.
• Cause: The file may be encrypted with Encrypting File System (EFS) by another user. EFS-encrypted files are only accessible to the user who encrypted them or a designated Recovery Agent, regardless of other permissions.
• Resolution:
  • The file must be decrypted by the user who encrypted it or by the Recovery Agent.
• How to check if a file is encrypted:
  1. Open Windows Explorer.
  2. On the View menu, select Detail.
  3. Select View → Choose Columns, and enable the Attributes column.
  4. If there is an E in the Attributes column for the file, it is encrypted.

3. If the error appears when installing or modifying Microsoft 365 apps (PowerShell.exe blocked)

• Symptom: When installing Microsoft 365 apps, adding language packs or products (Visio/Project), repairing, or uninstalling Microsoft 365 apps, the error appears for PowerShell.exe: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."
• Causes:
  1. Permissions for PowerShell.exe are restricted or blocked by policy.
  2. PowerShell is blocked by security software.
• Workaround (requires administrator permissions):
  • Temporarily enable PowerShell.exe only during the operation that fails.
  • After completing the install/repair/uninstall, block or disable PowerShell.exe again if required by policy.

If the error is system-wide (cannot access most files or drives), also check:

• Whether files or folders are encrypted by another user (see EFS steps above).
• Whether security software is blocking access to executables or folders.
• Whether Roaming AppData or other key folders are redirected to network locations and affected by known issues; ensure the relevant Windows updates are installed.

References:

• "Windows cannot access specified device, path, or file" error launching Office
• "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" error when installing Microsoft 365 apps
• Access is denied error message appears when permissions are correct