"Windows cannot access specified device, path, or file" error launching Office

• Applies to:

  Office apps for the web

Symptoms

When you try to launch an Office in the Microsoft Store app, you receive the following error:

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

Note

This issue occurs with Office in the Microsoft Store (or pre-installed) apps and does not occur with Click-To-Run or volume license Products.

Cause

Office apps won't launch when Folder Redirection for AppData folder is enabled.

Resolution

This issue has been resolved in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

• RS4: April 25, 2019—KB4493437 (OS Build 17134.753)
• RS5: May 3, 2019—KB4495667 (OS Build 17763.475)

These KBs address an issue that prevents certain apps from launching when you set folder redirection for the Roaming AppData folder to a network path.

Workaround

If the issue persists, try adding permission for all users to access the %appdata\Microsoft folder:

1. Select the Windows Start button (or CTRL + R) and type %appdata%.

2. In the Roaming folder, right-click the Microsoft folder.

3. Select Properties and then the Security tab.

4. Select the user or users required to access this folder.

5. Ensure that "List folder contents" is checked under Permission for Everyone.

6. Select OK.

More information

For more information, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

• FAQ: Office on Windows 10 in S mode

• Install Office from the Microsoft Store app on a PC

  Note

  You can also get Office apps (Office in Microsoft) with a PC that bundles with Microsoft Office.

• "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" error when you try to install, update or start a program or file

Determine your version of Office

To determine whether your Office is an "Office in the Microsoft Store" version or another, follow these steps:

Method 1

1. Open Settings from the Windows menu and select Apps.

2. Under "Apps & features", enter "Office" in the Search this list box.

If "Microsoft Office Desktop Apps" is listed, you are using "Office in the Microsoft Store".

Method 2

1. Start an Office application.

2. On the File menu, select Account.

If you are using "Office in the Microsoft Store", the Update Options button will not be displayed, and you will see "Microsoft Store" in under About Word instead of a build version.