"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" error when installing Microsoft 365 apps

• Applies to:

  Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Microsoft 365 Apps for business, Office 2021, Office 2019

Symptoms

When you install Microsoft 365 apps from Microsoft 365 portal or by using enterprise-level deployment methods, you receive the following error message about the PowerShell.exe file:

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

This error also occurs in the following scenarios:

• Adding language packs or products such as Microsoft Visio or Microsoft Project to your device if Microsoft 365 apps are already installed
• Making online repairs of Microsoft 365 apps
• Uninstalling Microsoft 365 apps

Important: If you set Display Level to None (Display Level = "None") when you use the Office Deployment Tool, the installation fails without generating an error message or any progress bars.

Cause

This error occurs for one or both of the following reasons:

• Permissions for PowerShell.exe are restricted or blocked by a policy.
• PowerShell is blocked by your security software.

Workaround

Note: You must have administrator permissions to take the following actions.

To work around this issue, enable PowerShell.exe only during the scenario in which the error occurs. After the error is fixed, block or disable PowerShell.exe again on the device.

Status

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post more information in this article when it becomes available.