Some Windows users have been complaining about the 0x80070141 error on their PCs. The error message says that the device is unreachable. It comes up when the user tries to open, copy or move a JPEG file from a camera storage device to a computer. The error is not limited to a specific version of Windows and plagues users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. So, how do you get rid of the Error 0x80070141 when copying photos or videos?
In this post, we are looking into how to fix the Error 0x80070141 on Windows 10.
Why Are You Getting the 0x80070141 (Device is unreachable) Error?
We’ve taken a closer look at the error code, analyzed user reports, and reviewed official documentation on the problem. It seems that this specific error message occurs in several different scenarios. Here’s what can be causing it:
File Explorer Glitch
The error seems to happen often when File Explorer is glitched and can’t keep up a stable external storage device connection. If this is what’s causing the problem, you should be able to fix it by running the hardware and device troubleshooter.
Faulty USB Port
The error may occur when one of the two connection ports are not working properly. If this is the case, you can typically fix the problem by simply using a different USB port. Connect the needed external storage device to your PC.
Hotfix Is Not Installed
As this error is often caused by a bug on Windows 10, Microsoft has released a hotfix for this problem. In order to use it, you will need to make sure your OS is up to date.
File or Its Pathname Is Too Large
The 0x80070141 error can also be caused by an unusually large file name or path. Note that Windows is unable to process files with a name or path over 256 characters. So, if your file is longer, you will need to shorten its path to fix the issue.
The Transfer Protocol Is Not MTP
If you are copying files from an Android device, you may be seeing the error message because the transfer protocol is not set to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol). In this case, the problem can often be solved by adjusting your Android USB connection preferences. This way, the external device is read as media.
Below, we will look into several fixes that can help you solve the 0x80070141 error. We suggest you try these fixes in the same order as they are presented below. We have listed them by how simple they are to execute and how effective they proved to be for most users. Hopefully, you will soon find a solution that works for you.
How to Fix Error 0x80070141 (Device is Unreachable)
As mentioned above, there are several things you can try to fix the 0x80070141 error on Windows 10. Here’s what you can try:
- Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter
- Reconnect the Device to a different USB Port (If Possible)
- Install all Pending Windows Updates
- Shorten the File Name
- Connect as Media Device
- Adjust Transfer Settings (on Your iOS Device)
Let’s look into each of these solutions in more detail.
Option One: Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the error can sometimes occur because of a File Explorer glitch that prevents your OS from establishing a stable connection with the device you are trying to connect externally. Start by checking whether Windows can resolve the issue automatically.
Some users have been able to solve the problem by simply running the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter. The tool will check your device for any possible issues and, if a problem is detected, recommend a viable solution.
Here’s how to run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter:
- Press the Win + R key combo on your keyboard to open Run.
- Once Run launches, type in “ms-settings:troubleshoot” and hit Enter on your keyboard.
- This will open the Troubleshooting tab in Settings.
- Once you are in the Troubleshooting tab, scroll down to the Find and Fix other problems section.
- Click Hardware and Devices.
- In the new menu, click Run the troubleshooter.
- Hold on for the scan to complete.
- If a solution is offered, click Apply this fix to use it.
- After the fix is applied, restart your PC.
Check if the issue has been resolved.
If you are still facing the 0x80070141 error, move on to the solution below.
Option Two: Reconnect the Device to a different USB Port (if possible)
Yet another reason why you may be seeing the error is a faulty USB port. A partially functioning USB port may also be the reason for the problem. After all, it may not have enough power to support the task at hand.
Some users have been able to fix the issues by disconnecting the device from its USB port and connecting it to a different port. Note that if you are trying to plug it to an older device, you may want to try using a USB 2.0 port instead of 3.0. This is in case the device doesn’t have the needed drivers to support a USB 3.0 connection.
If the error message is still popping up, try the next solution below.
Option Three: Install All Pending Windows Updates
As we’ve already mentioned, it seems that Microsoft has already released a hotfix for the 0x80070141 error code. In fact, a number of users have reported that they’ve been able to get rid of the error by simply updating their Windows.
Here’s how to update your OS to the latest available version:
- On your keyboard, press the Windows key + R key combo to open Run.
- Type in “ms-settings:windowsupdate” (no quotes) and press the Enter key.
- This will open the Windows Update tab of the Settings app.
- When you are on the Windows Update screen, click the Check for updates option.
- Hold on as your system searches for available updates.
- Next, follow the on-screen prompts to install every pending update.
After the update has been installed, restart your PC and check if the error has disappeared.
If not, proceed to the next fix.
Option Four: Shorten the Filename
We’ve already addressed this above but Windows does impose certain restrictions on the file name: your file path needs to stay within the 256-character limit. So, the reason you may be facing the error is that your file name is too long. If this is what you think the problem is, the only way out is to rename the needed file so that it matches the requirements. Here’s how to do it:
- Use File Explorer to locate the needed file.
- Right-click it and select Rename from the context menu.
Option Five: Connect as Media Device
If you are running into the 0x80070141 error when trying to copy files to Windows from an Android device, you may be seeing the error message because your transfer protocol is set as
“Connected as Camera.” You can solve the problem by changing the transfer protocol to “Connected as a Media Device.”
In order to change the transfer protocol, do the following:
- Swipe downloads from the top of the screen.
- You will see the details of your current USB connection.
- In this menu, select Media Device (MTP).
Option Six: Adjust Transfer Settings
If you are trying to connect an iOS device to your PC, you may need to tweak with some settings to get rid of the error. Here’s what to do:
- Unlock your iOS device.
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to Photos.
- Scroll down to the Transfer to Mac or PC option.
- Click it and select the Keep Originals option instead of the Automatic option.
Pro Tip: Optimize Your PC’s Performance
Finally, if you feel like you are often running into errors and glitches on your PC, it may be time for a boost for your PC. You can go about it manually by checking your system and removing any unnecessary files that may be slowing down your system. However, there is a much quicker and easier way to go about it. You can use a specialized performance-enhancing program like Auslogics BoostSpeed.
The software will start by running a quick scan of your system during which it will locate any files that may be causing a slowdown in performance. These can be temporary user files, web browser cache, unused error logs, leftover Windows Update files, temporary Sun Java files, unneeded Microsoft Office cache and more. These files will then be safely removed from your system — this way, you will be getting gigabytes of free space on your PC, which can help you get rid of lots of related glitches and errors. The best thing is that you get to do this without investing in expensive hardware upgrades or spending hours on trying to clean up your system manually.
Hopefully, you have now been able to fix the 0x80070141 error with one of the solutions presented above. Which method has worked the best for you? Please share in the comments below.
