New error message March 2026 on boot up

The error message indicates that Windows is blocking access to a specific executable during startup. In the documented scenario, this happens when access to PowerShell.exe (or another executable) is restricted by policy or security software. When Windows or an app tries to run that file at boot, the system shows:

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

The underlying problem is therefore one or both of the following:

1. Permissions to the executable (for example, PowerShell.exe or another component under C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\...) are restricted or blocked by a local or domain policy.
2. Security software on the device is blocking that executable from running.

To confirm and work around it, temporarily allow that executable in security software and/or relax the policy that blocks it, then reboot and test. After confirming, reapply any security restrictions as needed.

References:

• Error "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" when you install Microsoft 365 apps
• "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" error when installing Microsoft 365 apps