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If I try to open Device Manager, an error message will pop up:

MMC cannot open the file C:\WINDOWS\system32\devmgmt.msc

I have already searched for solutions, but there was nothing that seemed like my problem. How do I troubleshoot this?

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  • If access permissions are not the issue, perform Steps 1 - 6
    – JW0914
    Commented May 24, 2021 at 13:14
  • Dism and Sfc are executed from an Admin terminal
    – JW0914
    Commented May 24, 2021 at 14:03

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
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First try the first and simplest repair: DISM and SFC .

Open cmd.exe with Run as Administrator.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

SFC /SCANNOW

Restart when all the above is complete and test.

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Then, if the initial repair did not work, use the Windows 10 Repair Install.

Go to the Media Creation Link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Windows 10 is running, so click on the Download button (not Upgrade Button) and select Run. If the Repair will not run as per above, use the Download button to create a USB Windows Installation key, then run Setup on the USB Key.

This will launch the Repair and proceed normally. Use the option to Keep Everything.

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  • Hello John Thank you for your answer. I just have a few questions. How to open the DISM.exe. And after opening the DISM.exe. How do I enter Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup.And DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
    – Bennpoes
    Commented May 24, 2021 at 14:00
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    I have yet to see this generic solution (DISM and SFC) solve anything ever. I think this might be the one case where it actually does something of use. Please let me know if this solution (posted over and over) was of any help.
    – Señor CMasMas
    Commented May 24, 2021 at 14:02
  • At the administrative command prompt, enter the complete dism string as I posted. I think component cleanup might likely replace (fix) devmgmnt
    – anon
    Commented May 24, 2021 at 14:04
  • Is it normal if you type in after the DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup that it says The system cannot find the path specified?
    – Bennpoes
    Commented May 24, 2021 at 14:24
  • If you do all 3 steps (2 DISM, 1 SFC) and restart and still cannot find the Device Manager file, then proceed with the Windows 10 Repair Install outlined.
    – anon
    Commented May 24, 2021 at 14:26
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As an alternative to John's answer.

  1. Start > Run > MMC
  2. File > Add/Remove Snap-in (or ctrl+m)
  3. Select Device Manager from the list, and click Add >
  4. Click OK to close the dialog

enter image description here

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