How to Fix the “This Item Is No Longer Available” Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering the “This item is no longer available” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This message often appears when trying to open files, shortcuts, or apps that the system cannot locate. Understanding the cause and following simple steps can help you fix the problem quickly.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to resolve this error. Each method is explained in detail, so even beginners will find it helpful. Whether it’s a missing file or a broken shortcut, you can restore access with the right approach.

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to know some quick checks you can perform. These can save time and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting. Let’s start with those first.

By the end of this article, you’ll have several methods to try, from basic fixes to advanced options. Follow the steps patiently for the best results.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before proceeding, make sure to check the following:

Verify the file or shortcut location: Sometimes files are moved or deleted accidentally. Confirm the item you want to open still exists in the expected folder.
Check external drives: If the file is on a USB drive or external hard drive, ensure it is connected and recognized by Windows.
Restart your PC: A simple reboot can often fix minor glitches causing the error.
Update Windows: Keeping your system updated helps avoid bugs and compatibility issues. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.

Step 1: Refresh or Rebuild the Shortcut

This error commonly appears with shortcuts pointing to files or programs that have been moved or deleted. Fixing the shortcut is often the easiest solution.

Right-click the shortcut showing the error.
Select Properties from the context menu.
Look at the Target field under the Shortcut tab. This shows the path where the shortcut points.
Open File Explorer and navigate to that path to confirm if the file or app still exists there.
If the file has moved, click Find Target or manually locate the file.
Delete the old shortcut and create a new one by right-clicking the actual file and choosing Create shortcut.

Why this helps: Shortcuts are just pointers. If the original file moves or is deleted, the shortcut breaks. Rebuilding it restores the correct link.

Step 2: Use the Windows Search to Locate the Item

If you are unsure where the file or app is, Windows Search can help find it.

Click the Search icon on the taskbar or press Win + S.
Type the name of the file, folder, or app you want to open.
If it appears in the results, right-click it and select Open file location.
Once located, you can create a new shortcut or open it directly.

This method helps recover access when the original location is unknown or has changed.

Step 3: Check and Repair Corrupted System Files

Sometimes system file corruption causes Windows to misbehave, leading to errors like this.

Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This will scan for corrupted system files and repair them automatically.

Wait for the process to complete. It may take several minutes.
Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.

Why this is important: System File Checker (SFC) fixes damaged Windows files that might interfere with file access or shortcuts.

Step 4: Clear Thumbnail Cache

Sometimes, corrupted thumbnail cache can cause Windows Explorer to behave erratically, including showing this error.

Open File Explorer.
Click the View tab, then choose Options.
In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.
Uncheck Show thumbnails instead of icons, then click Apply and OK.
Next, press Win + R, type %localappdata%MicrosoftWindowsExplorer, and press Enter.
Delete all files starting with thumbcache.
Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

Clearing the thumbnail cache forces Windows to rebuild these files and can fix display-related errors.

Step 5: Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, restoring Windows to an earlier point may fix the problem.

Press Win + S and type Create a restore point, then select it.
In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
Choose a restore point dated before the error appeared and follow the on-screen instructions.
After the process completes, your system will reboot automatically.

Note: System Restore does not affect your personal files but will remove recently installed apps or updates.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If the above steps don’t fix the issue, here are some additional options:

Reset Microsoft Store cache: If the error occurs with apps from the Store, press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter.
Create a new user account: Corrupted user profiles can cause errors. Try creating a new Windows user and see if the problem persists there.
Run DISM commands: Open Command Prompt as admin and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This repairs the Windows image and can fix deeper system issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Windows say “This item is no longer available”?

This message appears when Windows cannot find the file or app linked to a shortcut or command, often because the item was moved, deleted, or corrupted.

Can I recover files that cause this error?

If the file was deleted, you can try restoring it from the Recycle Bin or using file recovery software if it’s permanently removed.

Will deleting the shortcut delete the actual file?

No, deleting a shortcut only removes the link. The original file remains untouched unless you delete that separately.

Is it safe to perform System Restore?

Yes, System Restore is safe and helps undo recent system changes without affecting personal files. However, it may remove recently installed apps or drivers.

What if none of these solutions work?

It’s possible the file or system issue is more complex. Consider seeking professional help or reinstalling Windows as a last resort.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above methods and still face the error, consider these final options:

Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft’s official support site for personalized help.
Backup important files: Before performing major repairs or reinstallations, back up your data to avoid loss.
Reset or reinstall Windows 11: Use Settings > System > Recovery to reset your PC, which reinstalls Windows without affecting personal files (choose carefully).

Conclusion

The “This item is no longer available” error in Windows 11 is usually caused by broken shortcuts, moved or deleted files, or system glitches. Starting with simple steps like rebuilding shortcuts and using Windows Search can quickly resolve the issue.

If the problem persists, running system scans, clearing caches, or performing a System Restore often helps. For more stubborn cases, advanced tools like DISM or even resetting Windows might be necessary.

Remember to always check the item’s location first, keep your system updated, and back up important data regularly. With the detailed steps provided, you should be able to fix this error and restore smooth access to your files and apps.