Error Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.

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

Symtomps

When you try to install, update or start a program or a file, you receive the following error message:
Error: Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item

Cause

This issue can occur if any of the following scenarios exist on your PC.

·         You do not have permissions to the file or the file location.

·         The file is on a location that is not currently accessible like a network location or an external drive that is not currently connected to the PC.

·         The file has been moved or deleted.

·         The file or shortcut is corrupt.

·         The file may be blocked by Windows.

·         Your antivirus software may be blocking the file.

Method 1: Check to see if you have permission to open the file

Note Make sure you are an Administrator or you are part of the Domain Admins group if you are in a domain.

Permissions are rules associated with files that determine if you can access the file and what you can do with it. To check the permission of the file or folder, follow these steps:  

1.     Right-click the file or folder, and then click Properties.

2.     Click the Security tab.

3.     Under Group or User names, click your name to see the permissions you have.

4.     Click Edit, and then click to check the check boxes for the permissions that you need, and then click OK.

Method 2: Check to make sure the file location is available

You might get this error if the shortcut or installation is attempting to access a location that is not currently available such as a networked or a removable drive. Check the path of the file that Windows cannot access and make sure that the location is accessible.

Method 3: Make sure that the file has not been moved or deleted

You can also receive this error if the file has been moved or deleted. Browse to the location of the file and make sure the file is in that location.

Method 4: Recreate the shortcut to check for corruption

You can also receive this error if the shortcut or other file type has become corrupt. You can check for corruption in shortcuts by recreating the shortcut. 
If an application or other type of file is corrupt it may be necessary to repair the application to resolve the issue.

Method 5: Check  to see if the file has been blocked by Windows

In some cases the file may be blocked by Windows. Check the properties of the file, there may be a note saying This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer To check for and unblock the file, follow these steps:

1.     Right-click the blocked file and then click Properties.

2.     In the General tab, click Unblock if the option is available.