rundll32.exe Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file

In this post, I describe how to fix the error:

C:\Windows\system32\rundll32.exe

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

Cause

This error can occur on Windows Server 2019 when you press Desktop icon settings within Themes and related settings whilst logged in as the built-in Administrator account on a domain controller.

The error occurs because of User Account Control (UAC) for the built-in Administrator account.

Resolution

To resolve the issue, enable the following policy:

User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account

This is located in Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options

Then restart the server.

Desktop icon settings should now open as expected:

Alternative Workaround

An alternative way to open Desktop icon settings is to open a run prompt (Windows key + R) then type:

desk.cpl ,5

Video

YouTube link: rundll32.exe Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file

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