Are you receiving an error "File Cannot be Accessed by the System" while trying to run a program or task in Windows 10? This error is common and can disrupt our workflow and unfortunately, there is no one-click fix for this error. However, there are alternatives that can get us back on track. In this post, we will take take a look at the root causes of this error and some safe and secure steps that you can take to fix the issue.
Root Causes
- Corrupted System Files
- The file is blocked by Windows
- The program requires a higher user privilege
- Software incompatibility matters
Possible Solution
1. Unblock the File
If the file has been blocked by Windows, then the system will not be able to access it. To unblock the file, you can use the Windows File Properties window.
To unblock the file, right-click on the file, select Properties and then click on the General tab. Look for a Privacy message at the bottom of the window. If you see Unblock option, then click on it.
2. Run the File as an Administrator
Some files require a higher user privilege for opening and running. So, the simplest way to make sure that your file will open properly is to run it as an administrator.
To do that, right-click on the file, select Properties and then switch to the Compatibility tab. Check the Run this program as an administrator option and then click on Apply.
3. Diagnose and Repair Corrupted System Files
Windows 10 has a great built-in feature for diagnosing and repairing corrupted system files. To access this feature, you have to open the Command Prompt in Admin mode.
To access the Command Prompt in Admin mode, you can simply press Windows + X from your keyboard. From the menu that appears, select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, execute the following command and then restart your system afterwards.
sfc /Scannow
4. Disable the Incompatible Software
If you have recently installed any incompatible software in your machine then it can also cause the file cannot be accessed by the system error. So, the best way to fix this is to disable the incompatible software and then check if the issue is resolved or not.
You can use the Task Manager to disable the software. To open the Task Manager, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc from your keyboard.
FAQ
Q1. What are the root causes of 'File Cannot Be Accessed by the System' Error?
The root causes of the ‘File Cannot Be Accessed by the System’ Error can be corrupted system files, blocked file, higher user privilege and software incompatibility issues.
Q2. How do I unblock the file?
To unblock the file, right-click on the file, select Properties and then click on the General tab. Look for a Privacy message at the bottom of the window. If you see Unblock option, then click on it.
Q3. How do I run a file as an administrator?
To run a file as an administrator, right-click on the file, select Properties and then switch to the Compatibility tab. Check the Run this program as an administrator option and then click on Apply.
Q4. How can I diagnose and repair corrupted system files?
Windows has a great built-in feature for diagnosing and repairing corrupted system files. To access this feature, open the Command Prompt in Admin mode and execute the command ‘sfc /Scannow’.
Q5. How do I disable the incompatible software?
You can use the Task Manager to disable the software. To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc from your keyboard.
Final Words
Although it is very frustrating to get the 'File Cannot Be Accessed by the System' error, you can follow the steps mentioned above to fix the issue. If none of these methods fail to fix the issue then we recommend you seek professional help.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this post, feel free to leave a comment below.
Related Links
- How to fix "File Access Denied" error in Windows 10: This article by TechRadar provides additional steps you can take to resolve file access issues in Windows 10. Link: https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-fix-file-access-denied-errors-in-windows-10
- How to use System File Checker (SFC) to repair Windows files: This article by Microsoft explains how to use the System File Checker tool to repair corrupted or missing Windows files. Link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corrupted-system-files-79aa86cb-ca52-166a-92a3-966e85d4094e
- How to run programs as administrator in Windows 10: This article by Lifewire explains how to run programs as an administrator in Windows 10. Link: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-run-programs-as-administrator-in-windows-10-4684755
- How to disable startup programs in Windows 10: If you suspect that a startup program is causing the "File Cannot Be Accessed by the System" error, this article by Techbout explains how to disable startup programs in Windows 10. Link: https://www.techbout.com/disable-startup-programs-windows-10-46709/