If you encounter the “Location is not available” error in Windows 10, it can be frustrating, especially when you can’t access important files or folders. This error can occur for various reasons, such as a corrupted file system, bad sectors on the hard drive, or incorrect user permissions. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to fix this issue and regain access to your files.
Method 1: Access Safe Mode with Networking
Booting your computer into Safe Mode with Networking can help resolve various issues, including the “Location is not available” error. Here’s how to do it:
Press the Windows key I to open the Settings app.
Click on “Update & Security.”
Select “Recovery” from the left-hand menu.
Under “Advanced startup,” click on “Restart now.”
Once your computer restarts, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” > “Restart.”
Press the F5 key to select “Safe Mode with Networking.”
Once in Safe Mode, try accessing the problematic drive or folder again. If the error persists, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Reset User Permissions
Incorrect user permissions can prevent you from accessing certain files or folders. You can reset the user permissions by following these steps:
Open File Explorer and navigate to the problematic drive or folder.
Right-click on the drive or folder and select “Properties.”
Click on the “Security” tab and then click on “Advanced.”
Click on the “Change permissions” button.
Select “Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object” and click “OK.”
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
After resetting the user permissions, try accessing the drive or folder again.
Method 3: Run the Disk Check on Command Prompt
If the “Location is not available” error is caused by a corrupted file system, you can use the built-in CHKDSK utility to scan and repair the drive. Here’s how to do it:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f /r
If prompted, type “Y” and press Enter to schedule the disk check for the next restart.
Restart your computer and let the disk check process complete.
Once the disk check is finished, try accessing the drive or folder again.
Method 4: Restore Default Desktop Settings
If the “Location is not available” error is related to your desktop settings, you can restore the default settings by following these steps:
Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Delete any shortcuts or files in this folder.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
Type explorer.exe and press Enter to restart File Explorer.
After restoring the default desktop settings, try accessing the problematic drive or folder again.
Method 5: Restart File Explorer Process
Sometimes, restarting the File Explorer process can resolve the “Location is not available” error. Here’s how to do it:
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl Shift Esc.
Click on the “Processes” tab.
Find the “Windows Explorer” process and right-click on it.
Select “Restart” from the context menu.
After restarting File Explorer, try accessing the problematic drive or folder again.
If none of the above methods work, you may need to use data recovery software to recover any important files before attempting more advanced troubleshooting steps. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a reliable tool that can help you recover lost or inaccessible files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards.
In conclusion, the “Location is not available” error in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but there are several methods you can try to fix it. From accessing Safe Mode with Networking to resetting user permissions and running a disk check, these steps can help you regain access to your files and folders. If all else fails, consider using data recovery software to salvage any important data before attempting more advanced troubleshooting.