News: Are you facing trouble launching Fortnite due to the “Windows cannot access the specified device” error? This issue can be a significant hurdle for gamers excited to dive into the Fortnite world. The error message often reads, “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You might not have the necessary permissions to access the item.”
Solutions to Fix the Error
1. Run Epic Games Launcher as an Administrator
One easy fix is to run the Epic Games Launcher as an administrator. This grants it the required permissions to access all game files. To do this, right-click on the Epic Games Launcher shortcut or executable and select “Run as administrator” from the menu that appears. Then, attempt to launch Fortnite once more to check if the issue is resolved.
2. Change Fortnite’s Compatibility Settings
Compatibility problems can lead to access errors. To resolve this for Fortnite on your Windows computer, you can modify the compatibility settings. Find the “FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe” file within Fortnite’s installation folder. Right-click on the file, choose “Properties,” and go to the “Compatibility” tab. Tick the box for “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and pick the suggested Windows version. Additionally, check the box for “Run this program as an administrator.” Finally, click on “Apply” and then “OK.”
3. Clear the Cache for Fortnite and Epic Games
Over time, cache files might get damaged, causing different errors. Deleting these files can often fix problems by prompting the game to generate new, uncorrupted cache data. First, close the Epic Games Launcher and shut down any ongoing Fortnite sessions. Press Win+R, type “%localappdata%”, and hit Enter. Inside the “EpicGamesLauncher” folder, remove the “Saved” folder to clear the cache. Also, explore the “FortniteGame” folder within “%localappdata%” and delete any cache files present there.
4. Check File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions might stop you from accessing the game’s executable. Verifying and adjusting these permissions can guarantee that your user account has the required privileges to operate Fortnite. Here’s how to do it: Go to the Fortnite installation folder, right-click the Fortnite folder, choose “Properties,” access the “Security” tab, and click “Edit” to adjust permissions. Ensure that your user account has full control or the appropriate permissions, apply the changes, and then click “OK.”
5. Unblock the File
Incorrect file permissions might stop you from accessing the game’s executable. Verifying and adjusting these permissions can guarantee that your user account has the required privileges to operate Fortnite. Here’s how to do it: Go to the Fortnite installation folder, right-click the Fortnite folder, choose “Properties,” access the “Security” tab, and click “Edit” to adjust permissions. Ensure that your user account has full control or the appropriate permissions, apply the changes, and then click “OK.”
More Solutions to the Error
6. Verify Game Files
Errors often stem from corrupted or missing game files, but the Epic Games Launcher has a built-in tool to rectify this issue. Follow these steps: Open the Epic Games Launcher, navigate to your library, locate Fortnite, click on the three dots next to it, and choose “Verify” from the drop-down menu. This action prompts the launcher to scan and confirm the integrity of the game files, replacing any damaged or absent files detected.
7. Disable Antivirus or Add an Exception
Antivirus software can occasionally block legitimate applications by mistake. To check if it’s causing the problem, temporarily disable your antivirus. Here’s what to do: Turn off your antivirus and try launching Fortnite to see if it fixes the issue. If it works, re-enable the antivirus and add exceptions for Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher to prevent future interference.
8. Update Windows and Drivers
Old system drivers or outdated versions of Windows might cause problems when playing games. It’s really important to keep your computer up to date to make sure everything runs smoothly and stays secure. Here’s how you can do it: Go to “Settings,” then click on “Update & Security,” and select “Windows Update.” Click on “Check for updates” and install any updates that are available. Also, don’t forget to visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer and download the newest drivers for your card.
9. Check for Malware
Malicious software, known as malware, can disrupt programs and lead to different types of errors on your computer. To make sure your system is free from such threats, it’s essential to run a complete scan using your antivirus software. Simply follow the instructions provided by the antivirus program to address any identified malware and keep your system running smoothly.
10. Create a New User Account
Sometimes, a damaged user profile can create problems with accessing certain features. To resolve this, you can make a fresh user account, which acts like a clean start for using applications such as Fortnite. Here’s how you can do it: Navigate to “Settings,” then select “Accounts,” and go to “Family & other users.” Click on “Add someone else to this PC” and follow the instructions to set up a new account. Once the account is created, log in with the new account and try running Fortnite to see if the issue is resolved.
11. Uninstall and Reinstall Fortnite
If everything else doesn’t work, doing a fresh installation might be the best fix. Remove Fortnite using the Epic Games Launcher, restart your computer once it’s uninstalled, and then reinstall Fortnite.
12. Contact Epic Games Support
If you’ve tried everything else and still have trouble, contacting the experts at Epic Games Support could offer a solution tailored to your situation. They might have specific remedies or additional steps to troubleshoot your problem.
Encountering the “Windows cannot access the specified device” error while attempting to play Fortnite can be frustrating. However, by diligently following these step-by-step methods, you can successfully resolve this error and resume gaming without interruptions. Test each solution until you discover the one that resolves the issue for you.
FAQs
Q: What causes the “Windows cannot access the specified device” error to occur when trying to access Fortnite?
A: The problem arises due to various factors like file permissions, compatibility settings, cache files, or antivirus restrictions that hinder Fortnite from accessing required resources.
Q: What steps can I take to remove the block on the Fortnite file?
A: To remove restrictions from Fortnite, do this: Go to Fortnite’s file or its shortcut, right-click, pick “Properties,” and in the General tab, find and click “Unblock” to allow access.
Q: If the solutions don’t work, what steps should I take?
A: If the solutions provided earlier don’t resolve your issue, consider contacting Epic Games Support for personalized help with your specific situation.
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