“Location is not available” is a common Windows error, usually shown in a pop-up as soon as the system starts.
Errors like this can have a logical or a physical cause, and repeated repair attempts can make things worse. If the files matter, see how hard drive data recovery works, starting with a free diagnosis.
The issue commonly appears after operating system updates, although it may also occur in other situations.
When this happens, the desktop becomes inaccessible, preventing basic functions such as accessing the Start menu, using Windows search, or interacting with the taskbar.
As a result, operations such as copying, moving, or opening saved files are blocked, making computer usage extremely limited.
This is therefore a critical failure that leads many users to seek urgent solutions to restore normal system functionality.
Why does the computer say “location is not available”?
This error is often related to misconfigured administrator permissions, whether changed manually, by updates, or due to malware infection. Permission restrictions may prevent the system from accessing essential directories, blocking the entire desktop.
Situations where the “location is not available” error may occur
Several factors can cause this error. Below are the most common:
The volume does not contain a recognized file system
This warning appears when accessing a drive (external HDD, USB drive, SD card, etc.) whose file system is corrupted or in RAW format, which is not recognized by Windows. This issue usually results from failures in the partition table or boot sector.
The parameter is incorrect
Events such as abrupt disconnection, faulty USB ports or bad sectors on the disk can damage the drive’s metadata and trigger this error. Windows may then offer to format the drive, but formatting erases the data: if the files matter, recover them first — with recovery software or, if the drive has physical problems, a specialized service — and only format afterwards.
Access denied
When trying to open a folder or drive, the message “Access denied” may appear, indicating permission restrictions, drive corruption, or malware presence.
The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable
Failures in the MFT (Master File Table) or FAT (File Allocation Table) may render files and directories inaccessible.
CRC error
The CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) detects inconsistencies in stored data. Disk corruption, misconfigured files, or failed installations are common causes.
The specified network name is no longer available
This is often related to failures in the SMB protocol, firewall or antivirus blocks, or version incompatibility between systems.
6 solutions to fix the “location is not available” error
Solution 1: Access Safe Mode with Networking
- Restart your computer;
- On the login screen, hold down Shift while you click Restart;
- Go to: Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart;
- Press F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.
Solution 2: Take full control of the folder
- Right-click the folder and go to Properties;
- Go to the Security tab and click Edit;
- Add your user (or select it) and check “Full control”;
- Apply changes and restart if needed.
Solution 3: Take ownership of the folder
- Go to Properties > Security > Advanced > Change owner;
- Enter your username or “Administrators” and click OK;
- Check “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects”;
- Save changes and restart if necessary.
Solution 4: Reset authenticated user permissions
- Open Properties of the folder or drive;
- Go to Security > Edit > Add;
- Type “Authenticated Users” and confirm;
- Check “Full control” and apply.
Solution 5: Run CHKDSK via Command Prompt
- Type “cmd” in Start, right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”;
- Run:
chkdsk E: /f /r /x(replace “E” with your drive letter). Note: CHKDSK writes to the drive and the/rscan puts heavy load on it, so if the drive holds important data or shows signs of physical failure (clicking, extreme slowness), recover the data first; - If prompted, confirm with “Y” and restart. If the drive is in RAW format, CHKDSK will not run — recover the data instead of trying to force a repair.
Solution 6: Use System Restore
- Search for “Create a restore point” in Start;
- Click System Restore;
- Select a restore point before the issue;
- Confirm and restart.
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