If you see an error Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file when trying to open the Printer properties, here is how you can fix the issue in Windows 11/10 PC. There are several possible reasons why you might encounter this error. We have listed some of the most common reasons and solutions to resolve this issue.
The entire error says something like this:
Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.
Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file, when trying to open Printer properties
If Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file when trying to open Printer properties, follow these solutions:
- Ensure the network drive is online
- Check security settings in Group Policy
- Check file/folder permissions
- Unlock specific file
- Create file shortcut again
- Disable antivirus temporarily
- Restart Print Spooler service
To learn more about these solutions, continue reading.
1] Ensure the network drive is online
It is the very first thing you need to check since this error mainly occurs when you try to use a printer on a network drive. You can find the status in the File Explorer. However, if you get any problem, you can clear the mapped network drive cache and try again.
2] Check security settings in Group Policy
To check the service settings in the Local Group Policy Editor, follow these steps:
- Press Win+R > type gpedit.msc and hit the Enter button.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
- Double-click on the User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account setting.
- Choose the Enabled option.
- Click the OK button.
Then, close all the windows and restart your computer. However, if you are getting this error on Windows Server, it is suggested to restart your server.
Read: How to force Group Policy Update in Windows
3] Check file/folder permissions
To check the file or folder permissions, right-click on the desired file or folder and select Properties. Then, switch to the Security tab.
Select the user account that you have been using and click the Edit button.
Then, tick the Allow checkboxes and click the OK button. Finally, close all the windows and try again.
4] Unlock specific file
If you download a file from the internet, it may be locked, and as a result, you may encounter the error above when printing. That is why it is suggested to unlock it before printing. For that, do the following:
- Right-click on the file and select Properties.
- Make sure that you are in the General tab.
- Tick the Unlock checkbox.
- Click the OK button.
5] Create file shortcut again
At times, you might create a shortcut to print a file, and that shortcut could be corrupted due to various reasons. As a result, you might end up with the error mentioned above when trying to print a corrupt file. That is why we would suggest that you recreate the file shortcut.
6] Disable antivirus temporarily
If you use a third-party antivirus, it is recommended to disable it temporarily. Even if you use Windows Security or Windows Defender, you can disable it on Windows 11/10 PC.
Read: How to disable Windows Defender in Windows
7] Restart Print Spooler service
To restart the Print Spooler service, do this:
- Open the Services panel.
- Double-click on the Print Spooler service.
- Click the Stop button.
- Click the Start button.
- Click on the OK button.
Note: If you see the Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file error message while trying to open a file, you need to follow this detailed guide. However, if you encounter the same message while trying to open your Printer properties or print, you can try the solutions above.
Read: Fix MSDT.exe error – Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file
How to fix the Windows cannot access the specified device path or file error?
To resolve the ‘Windows cannot access the specified device path or file’ error, ensure that the network drive or location is online. Next, verify that you have the necessary permission to print the file or document using your printer.
How to fix The system cannot open the device or file specified?
To fix The system cannot open the device or file specified error, you need to run the System File Checker first. Then, you can reinstall the faulty driver and install the driver using the INF file. Finally, you can check for driver updates.
Read: The system cannot find the drive specified.
