Can't access device manager after update

Question

Since the new update, I can not access device manager or the control panel. I can't restore or back up or anything. I've tried the CMD, but windows will not let me do anything as it says I have to be in the administrator mode. I am in the administrator mode. Is there anyway to get access besides totally wiping my drive?

Answer 1

Windows 10, 2004

update 0X80070002 failed to update, and after that I have been in limbo.

I can't right click to get to the Admin (CMD) prompt.

I can't access device manager or run SCANNOW from the Administrator.

I have McAfee antivirus installed.

Answer 2

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that you’re facing issues when accessing Device Manager and Control Panel on your PC after Windows Updates. I will certainly try my best to assist you with the issue.

For further clarity on the issue, please respond to the questions below:

1.    Which build version of Windows 10 are you using currently?

2.    Which updates were installed recently?

3.    Do you have any third party antivirus installed on the PC?

To check the installed updates go to Settings > Updates & Security > Windows updates > View installed update history.

Refer the article Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

Let’s try a couple of troubleshooting steps and see if we can fix the issue.

Method 1: Reset permissions using icacls command

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Try resetting the permissions using icacls command and see if you’re able to access Device Manager and Control Panel normally.

1. Press Windows + S key together to open Search.
2. Now type CMD and select Run as administrator.
3. Accept the UAC prompts.
4. Type in the following commands one by one and hit Enter:

ICACLS * /T /Q /C /RESET 5. Restart the PC

Method 2: Enable built-in administrator

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1. Press Windows + S key together to open Search.
2. Now type CMD and select Run as administrator.
3. Accept the UAC prompts.
4. Type in the following commands one by one and hit Enter: net user administrator /active:yes

Once the command is successful login to the built-in administrator and try to create a new user account and see if you’re able to access all the apps normally. Refer the article Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10

Note: After finishing the troubleshooting steps disable the built-in administrator using the command:net user administrator /active:no

Let us know how it goes. If the issue persists, we will certainly assist you further.

Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator