How to Fix Fortnite Windows cannot access the specified device

Discover effective solutions to resolve the "Windows cannot access the specified device" issue in Fortnite effortlessly.

Title: How to Fix Fortnite "Windows Cannot Access the Specified Device" Issue on Windows:

Are you a passionate Fortnite player who's been encountering the frustrating "Windows cannot access the specified device" error on your Windows computer? Don't panic! We understand the importance of uninterrupted gaming experiences, and in this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to fix this issue with Epic Games. By following these simple yet effective strategies, you'll be back in the game in no time!

Step 1: Run Epic Games as an Administrator

To kickstart the troubleshooting process, we recommend running Epic Games as an administrator. This will grant the software elevated privileges to access the necessary files and resolve any potential conflicts. Here's how you can do it:

1. Locate the Epic Games Launcher by searching for "Epic Games Launcher" in the search bar of your Windows computer.

2. Once you've found it, right-click on the Epic Games Launcher and select "Open file location."

3. In the file explorer window, locate the Epic Games Launcher executable file (usually named "EpicGamesLauncher.exe") and right-click on it.

4. From the context menu that appears, choose "Run as administrator." This action will ensure that Epic Games has the necessary permissions to function properly.

Step 2: Change Fortnite's Compatibility Settings

Sometimes, adjusting Fortnite's compatibility settings can resolve compatibility issues with your operating system. Follow these steps to modify the compatibility settings for Fortnite:

1. Right-click on the Fortnite application shortcut or the executable file.

2. From the context menu, select "Compatibility."

3. In the Compatibility tab of the Properties window, checkmark the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for."

4. Select a compatible operating system from the drop-down menu. You can try different options if the issue persists.

5. Click "Apply" and then click "OK" to save your changes.

Step 3: Clear Cache for Fortnite and Epic Games

Clearing cache files can often resolve issues related to accessing programs like Fortnite or the Epic Games Launcher. By deleting these temporary files, you can eliminate potential conflicts that may be causing the "Windows cannot access the specified device" error. Here's how you can clear the cache for Fortnite and Epic Games:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "%localappdata%" (without quotes) into the Run dialog box and press Enter.

This action will open a folder containing local app data for various applications on your computer.

3. Within the %localappdata% directory, locate the folders named "Fortnite" and "EpicGamesLauncher."

4. Delete the contents of these folders, or if you prefer, delete the entire folders themselves.

Note: Deleting these files will not affect your game progress or settings.

Step 4: Allow Permissions for Fortnite

In some cases, adjusting the permissions for Fortnite can help resolve access issues. By granting full control permissions to the necessary groups or users, you can ensure that Fortnite has the required access to function properly. Here's what you need to do:

1. Right-click on the Fortnite application shortcut or the executable file.

2. Select "Properties" from the context menu.

3. In the Properties window, navigate to the "Security" tab.

4. Click on "Edit" to modify the group or user permissions for Fortnite.

5. For each group or user name listed, make sure to tick the box next to "Full control."

6. Apply the changes by clicking "OK."

Step 5: Repeat Step 4 for All Five Apps

To ensure that full control is allowed for all necessary applications related to Fortnite, you should repeat Step 4 for the following five apps:

- Epic Games Launcher

- FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe

- FortniteClient-Win32-Shipping.exe

- UnrealCEFSubProcess.exe

- UE4PrereqSetup_x64.exe

By granting full control permissions to these apps, you eliminate any potential access restrictions that may be causing the "Windows cannot access the specified device" issue.

Congratulations! By following these step-by-step instructions, you should now be able to fix the frustrating issue of Windows being unable to access the specified device while playing Fortnite through Epic Games. We hope that these troubleshooting strategies have enabled you to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions and have a blast in Fortnite! Remember, if you encounter any other issues, always stay up to date with the latest software updates and consult the official Epic Games support channels for further assistance. Happy gaming!