Why do I get the error message "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" error when you try to install, update or start a program or file" when trying to download MATLAB?

When trying to download the MATLAB Installer why do I get a Windows error message:

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

This seems to be an issue with Windows rather than MATLAB. There can be several causes of this issue:

• You do not have permissions to the file or the file location.
• The file is on a location that is not currently accessible like a network location or an external drive that is not currently connected to the PC.
• The file has been moved or deleted.
• The file or shortcut is corrupt.
• The file may be blocked by Windows.
• Your antivirus software may be blocking the file.

Please refer to Microsoft's help page and follow the possible solutions to resolve this matter:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/-windows-cannot-access-the-specified-device-path-or-file-error-when-you-try-to-install-update-or-start-a-program-or-file-46361133-47ed-6967-c13e-e75d3cc29657