Getting "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file

Can you confirm that it exists without taking ownership? Q-Dir x64 Portable> Run as Admin> Extras> System Enable Privilege.

Then navigate to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\

Check that the file exists. If it does then it must be some permissions problem.

Yes ... Below if after a reboot with the error message still on the screen.



I see what you mean about Cortana though. Looked at some of the files under it and one was full of Cortana references.

I currently have Cortana disabled. I wonder if I can uninstall it and if that would make a difference?

Edit# Okay, just uninstalled Cortana via Powershell via:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -PackageTypeFilter Bundle -name "*Microsoft.549981C3F5F10*" | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Now to reboot and see what happens.

That seems to have fixed it. I think I'll leave Cortana uninstalled since I never use it.

Thanks for your help Callendar. You d3efinitely pointed me in the right direction.

Well you are not supposed to have access to that folder if you navigate via explorer you should get:

Which is how it should be. So it suggest that somehow permissions have changed on that folder/ subfolders. I don't know how to revert to default.

Anyway if it's working now I'd say don't worry about it.

Agreed, uninstalling Cortana resolved the problem.

Reinstall Windows 10 default apps with following PowerShell command.

Code:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}