Location Is Not Available Error in Windows: Fixes

The “Location is not available” error in Windows appears when you try to open a drive, folder, or file and Windows cannot access the path, often because the drive is disconnected, the path is too long, or permissions are broken. This guide explains the common causes and gives step-by-step fixes you can try in order, from simple checks to more advanced repairs.

What Causes the “Location Is Not Available” Error?

This error usually appears in a dialog box with a message like “Location is not available” followed by a specific path (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\Documents) and an error code such as 0x80070005 (access denied), 0x80070091 (directory not empty), or 0x80070570 (file or directory corrupted). The most common triggers are:

• External drives or network shares that are unplugged or offline – Windows still has a shortcut pointing to the missing location.
• OneDrive or other cloud sync folders that are not signed in or are paused – the local folder is a placeholder that needs the cloud service to be active.
• Corrupted user profile or registry entries – often after a Windows update or a failed migration.
• File or folder permissions changed – the account no longer has rights to the path.
• Path length exceeding Windows limits – the classic 260-character MAX_PATH restriction, though newer Windows versions can handle longer paths if enabled.
• Malware or antivirus interference – some security tools lock or quarantine folders.

Quick Checks Before You Start

Try these simple steps first; they resolve a surprising number of cases.

1. Reconnect the drive: If the error involves a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive, unplug it and plug it back in. Try a different port.
2. Check the network path: If it’s a network share, confirm the host computer is on and you have the right credentials. Open File Explorer and type the full UNC path (e.g., \\Server\Share) in the address bar.
3. Sign in to OneDrive: If the path is under C:\Users\YourName\OneDrive, open OneDrive settings and ensure you are signed in. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select “Settings” to check.
4. Restart Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer,” right-click it, and choose “Restart.” This can clear a stuck file handle.
5. Run a disk check: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run chkdsk C: /f (replace C: with the drive letter). You may need to restart. This fixes file system errors that can cause the error.

Fix 1: Take Ownership of the Folder

If the error is “Access is denied” (error 0x80070005), the current user may have lost ownership. To fix it:

1. Right-click the affected folder and select Properties.
2. Go to the Security tab and click Advanced.
3. At the top, next to “Owner,” click Change.
4. Type your username (e.g., Everyone or your account name) and click Check Names, then OK.
5. Check the box “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” and click OK.
6. Back in the Security tab, click Edit, select your user, and check “Full control” under Allow. Apply and restart.

This is a common fix for folders that were migrated from an old Windows installation or restored from a backup.

Fix 2: Enable Long Path Support

If the path is longer than 260 characters, Windows may show “Location is not available” even though the file exists. To enable long paths:

1. Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc (Pro/Enterprise) or regedit (all editions).
2. In Group Policy Editor, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem.
3. Double-click “Enable Win32 long paths,” set it to Enabled, and restart.

If you use Registry Editor instead, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem and set LongPathsEnabled to 1. This works on Windows 10 and 11, but some older apps still won’t support long paths.

Fix 3: Repair the User Profile

A corrupted user profile can cause the error when opening Desktop, Documents, or Downloads. Windows often creates a temporary profile after a crash. To check:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info. If it says “You’re using a temporary profile,” sign out and restart.
2. If the problem persists, create a new local administrator account: Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > “Add someone else to this PC.”
3. Log into the new account and see if the error is gone. If yes, migrate your files from the old profile (they are usually in C:\Users\OldName).

This is a drastic step, but it’s often the only way when the profile itself is damaged.

Fix 4: Remove or Recreate the Problematic Shortcut

If the error appears when you click a specific shortcut (like a pinned folder in Quick Access), the target may have moved. Right-click the shortcut, select Properties, and check the “Target” path. If it points to a drive that no longer exists, delete the shortcut and create a new one. For Quick Access items, right-click the entry and choose “Unpin from Quick access.”

Fix 5: Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause this error. Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt:

1. sfc /scannow – this scans and repairs protected system files. It may take 10-15 minutes.
2. If that doesn’t help, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth – this repairs the Windows image. Then run sfc /scannow again.

Fix 6: Check for Malware

Some malware hides folders and shows “Location is not available” to trick you. Run a full scan with Windows Defender (or your preferred antivirus). Also check if the folder is hidden: in File Explorer, go to View > Show > Hidden items. If the folder is hidden, right-click it, select Properties, and uncheck “Hidden.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the error say “Location is not available” but the drive is visible in File Explorer?

This often happens when the drive letter is assigned but the file system is corrupted or the drive is not ready. Check Disk Management (Win+X > Disk Management) to see if the partition is healthy. If it shows “RAW,” you may need to recover data with a tool and then reformat.

Can I recover files from a folder that shows this error?

Yes, if the folder exists but permissions are broken. Try taking ownership (Fix 1) or booting from a Linux live USB to copy files. If the drive is physically failing, stop using it and seek data recovery services.

Does this error mean my hard drive is dead?

Not necessarily. It can be a software issue. However, if you also hear clicking noises or the drive is not recognized in BIOS, it may be failing. Back up important data immediately.

Why does it happen after a Windows update?

Windows updates can change permission settings or corrupt the user profile. Running sfc and DISM, or creating a new user profile, usually resolves it.

Is there a way to prevent this error?

Keep your system updated, avoid unplugging external drives without “Safely Remove Hardware,” and regularly back up your files. Also, enable long paths if you work with deep folder structures.

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