"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file..." on Server

Created by Robert Bullock, Modified on Wed, Jul 13, 2022 at 7:49 PM by Robert Bullock

Background: Getting "windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file..." when using the Windows update troubleshooter, going to network config, or any other admin controls.

Used the following article to apply a fix:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/3e4d3515-8e27-40a3-a37a-d571a3554f2b/network-change-adapter-options-windows-cannot-access-the-specified-device-path-or-file?forum=winserverManagement

Specifically:

Elevated command prompt, run gpedit.msc

Navigate to Computer Configuration->Windows Settings->Security Settings->Local Policies->Security Options

Enable "User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account"

Reboot and try again.

-Rob