Encountering a “Location is not available” error when attempting to access a folder? Your folder may have undergone relocation or deletion, or there could be another issue hindering access. We’ll present various methods to address this concern on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
The Folder Might Have Been Deleted or Moved:
It’s plausible that the folder you’re attempting to access has been either deleted or relocated. Consequently, you won’t be able to access it, and Windows will present an error message.
If you’re utilizing a shortcut to reach the folder, try navigating to the actual folder path to check if it still exists. If you’re unable to locate the folder at its original location, conduct a thorough search and see if you can locate it elsewhere. Utilizing the Windows search function will prove beneficial, particularly if you’re unsure of the folder’s initial placement.
Verify External Drive Connection :
If your folder resides on an external drive, confirm that the drive is securely connected to your PC. Windows may fail to read data from a drive that is improperly connected or loosely attached, and it might not appear at all. It’s recommended to utilize the USB ports located on the back of your desktop PC rather than those on the front of the case or on a USB hub.
Attempt disconnecting and then reconnecting the drive to your PC. Subsequently, check if your USB drive (and the folder within) has reappeared.
Ensure Network Connectivity :
If your folder is located on a network, ensure that your PC is connected to that network, whether it’s a local network or the internet.
In the case of an internet-based folder, verify that your PC maintains a stable internet connection. You can ascertain this by opening a web browser and attempting to load a website. If the website fails to load, troubleshoot your PC’s internet connectivity issues. Some initial troubleshooting steps include restarting your router, inspecting your Ethernet cable (if you’re using a wired network), and contacting your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
If the folder is stored on a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) drive or a comparable device, disconnect and then reconnect that device to the network. This action can resolve minor network-related issues with the device. Additionally, consider attempting to access the device from another machine to determine if it functions properly. If it’s a different type of storage device, refer to the device’s manual for instructions on troubleshooting connectivity issues.
Restart Windows Explorer :
At times, Windows Explorer may malfunction, impeding your ability to carry out file-related tasks. In such instances, restarting Windows Explorer can usually resolve minor issues.
To initiate the restart of Windows Explorer, right-click the Start Menu icon and choose “Task Manager.”
On the “Processes” tab, right-click the “Windows Explorer” process and choose “Restart.”
Windows Explorer will shut down and restart. If it encounters any issues reopening, you might need to force-launch it. In Windows 11’s Task Manager, select “Run New Task.” In Windows 10’s Task Manager, go to File > Run New Task. Then, enter “explorer.exe” into the designated field and press Enter.
Verify Drive Letter Changes :
If you’re attempting to access a folder through a shortcut and the drive containing the actual folder has undergone a change in its drive letter, you’ll encounter difficulties accessing the folder.
Ensure the Original Folder Path Exists Confirm that the original path of your folder still exists. If you’ve connected a new drive to your PC, and it happens to use the same letter as the previously connected drive, Windows may attempt to locate the folder on this new drive. However, since the folder isn’t present there, an error will occur.
Always navigate to the actual folder path to verify its existence. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, consider utilizing Windows search to locate the folder.
Once you’ve manually located the folder, you can either create a new shortcut or modify the existing one.
Conduct a Virus Scan :
Virus or malware infections can impede your ability to access folders. In such cases, perform a comprehensive virus scan using the integrated Microsoft Defender Antivirus or your preferred antivirus software. This will eliminate any threats that could be causing the problem.
To initiate a virus scan, open the Start Menu and search for Windows Security. Launch the app, then select “Virus & Threat Protection” followed by “Scan Options.” Enable the “Full Scan” option and select “Scan Now.”
Wait for the antivirus to detect and eliminate threats from your PC.
Utilize System Restore :
If you’re attempting to access a system folder and suspect that a recent system change may have relocated it, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state.
To initiate this process, open the Start Menu and search for “Recovery.” Select it, then click on “Open System Restore.”
Select “Next,” choose the most recent restore point, and click “Next.”
Choose “Finish” to start restoring your PC.
After restoring the PC, you should have access to your folder.
