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?

Question

MathWorks Support Team 2018-5-1

编辑： MathWorks Support Team 2021-5-19

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

编辑：MathWorks Support Team 2021-5-19

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: