Are You Getting Error Code 0x800701B1 on Windows 10/11? Here’s What You Can Do

It’s annoying when one faces the 0x800701b1 Windows 10 error. Normally, this is an error code when one tries to copy or move files between drives, especially using external drives to transfer information. The actual message may be, “An unexpected error is keeping you from moving the file,” or “A device which does not exist was specified.” Thankfully, there are a couple of ways to clear up this difficulty.

What Causes Error Code 0x800701b1?

Error code 0x800701B1 may appear at any time, and it always catches most users by surprise since the copying operation will fail. Actually, there are several different causes that might end up throwing this particular error code.

• That is because some external hard drives, especially HDDs or SSDs, do require at least a USB 3.0 port in order for them to function correctly. If a proper and adequate USB port is not used, then this will have insufficient power and reduced transfer speeds, which could cause an error.
• Using the generic driver on your external drive may be a source of this error at times.
• If your PSU is underpowered and you have too many peripherals drawing from it, the system may not have enough to support all devices.
• Large File Size – having a file size greater than 4GB – may have problems when trying to copy on a FAT32 partition.
• The Source Destination Disk being write-protected or simply set to read-only will prevent the file transfer from taking place.
• Low Disk Space: The destination drive might not have adequate free space to handle data.
• Malware or physical damage to the corruption may impede proper copying.
• Sometimes, system limitations obstruct the smooth copying of some of your files or folders.
• If there is a change in ownership over the file or folder, it could also be one of the reasons for permission issues that lead to disruption in the copying process.

Read about other common Windows errors:

Backup Error Code 0x800700E1

Zip File Extraction Error 0x80010135

How to Fix Error Code 0x800701b1

There are several ways to deal with this error. But before you try any of the methods below, try these workarounds first:

• Copy-paste another file or file type. If you can transfer this file without any issues, then there are some issues with the previous file itself. 
• Maybe, a simple reboot can fix the issue for you. After rebooting, try to copy and paste files or folders and check if you are experiencing the same error again or not.
• Temporarily disable the antivirus on your computer. After disabling it, try to transfer the files again. 

If any of these workarounds didn’t work out for you, give these fixes a try:

Fix 1: Check the USB Port

Sometimes, the error is caused by a malfunctioning USB port. Unplug the external device and try connecting it to a different USB port on your computer to see if the error persists.

Fix 2: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

According to some affected users, this problem can also occur due to driver inconsistencies. This problem is typically reported to occur with external HDD and SSD and is typically the result of an incompatible generic driver. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix this problem by using Device Manager to force your OS to install a compatible version for your external HDD or SSD.

So, you can update drivers manually in Device Manager or use a Outbyte Driver Updater tool to automatically update your drivers, ensuring compatibility and resolving potential conflicts.

Fix 3: Upgrading Your PSU for Desktop Computers

In case all of the above methods have not succeeded yet, now it is probably a good time to take a glance at your PSU. A normal SSD requires as much as 3 watts, while a regular 3.5″ HDD may require about 10 watts. Whenever your computer utilizes powerful parts, like a powerful video card, this can make your PSU not capable of supplying enough power.

In this case, shut down all the peripherals which may not be essential and see whether the error is appearing. If it doesn’t appear, then that means that your PSU doesn’t supply enough wattage. When upgrading your PSU, at least go for 500W real capacity.

Fix 4: Take Ownership of the Drive in Security Settings

This will occur when you get a device does not exist error on your USB flash drive; this can be because of the lack of security permissions. In order to fix it, you need to take ownership of the drive: 

• Open File Explorer >This PC, then right-click the problematic USB drive on the right. Select Properties > Security > Advanced at the bottom, then click Change next to Owner.
• In the new window, click Advanced, then Find Now. Then double-click your username, followed by OK.
• Select the check box beside Replace All Child Object Permission Entries with Inheriting Permission Entries from this Object and click Apply.

Once permissions have been changed, check if the problem has been solved.

Fix 5: Roll Back the USB Drive Driver

When your USB flash drive shows an “not specified” error, that means probably the recently updated driver is incompatible. The issue can be resolved by rolling back to its previous version.

1. Go to Device Manager. Expand the USB Serial Bus Controllers or Disk Drives and right-click on the USB drive.
2. Click Properties > Driver tab. Note the current driver then click Update Driver.
3. Click Browse My Computer for Drivers > then click Let Me Pick from a List.
4. Select a driver different from installed and click Next. Let the installation of the driver complete, then check if the USB Drive works.

In our Driver library you can find the most suitable USB Drivers for your OS and a short guide on how to install it.

Fix 6: Run the CHKDSK Utility

The error can also be caused by corrupted data on the drive. To repair that, run the CHKDSK utility to scan and then fix any errors on your drive. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type: chkdsk /f /r. Let the CHKDSK scan the drive. The process will take some time, so let it complete. Check once the CHKDSK process is complete without any issue.

Fix 7: Create a New Local User Account

Sometimes Windows messes up reading your profile thus not allowing you to use your stuff. Creating a new local account fixes this:

For Windows 10: Open the Microsoft Management Console by typing “mmc” in the Start menu , then enter your admin password if prompted. Select Local User and Groups, go to User > Action > New User, and fill in the details.

For Windows 11: Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, and choose Add account. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and create a new account without a Microsoft account.

Fix 8: Scan for Malware

Malware can prevent files from being copied to external drives. Use a reliable antivirus to scan your system and remove any threats. Download an antivirus from the official site, run a scan, and delete or quarantine any threats found.

Fix 9: Change the Destination Format

This is because the format the destination drive is utilizing does not support larger files, such as the FAT32 format. You can change this to NTFS: Right-click the drive inside of File Explorer and select Format, then change it to NTFS. Note: Formatting will erase all files, so make sure to back up important data beforehand.

Fix 10: Remove Read-Only Status

You will receive errors while copying any files to that drive if the destination drive is read-only. Well, here is how you remove the read-only status from a destination drive:

• Open Command Prompt as an admin and type:

diskpart
list volume
select volume X (replace "X" with the drive letter)
attributes disk clear readonly

• Restart your PC and try again.

Fix 11: Create an NTFS Partition

If other methods fail, creating a new NTFS partition might help. Open Command Prompt and run (this formats the drive and creates a new partition):

diskpart
list volume
select volume X (replace "X" with the drive letter)
clean
create partition primary
format fs=ntfs
assign letter=G

Fix 12: Disconnect Other Peripherals

If the system is underpowered, then you should unplug the unnecessary peripherals to divert the power to the drive being addressed. This may make the error disappear.

Fix 13: Copy Files in Smaller Batches

When you copy files larger than 5GB, try to break them into smaller chunks. Some systems tend to choke on large file transfers.

Fix 14: Use a Different External Drive

If that doesn’t work, try using another external drive. The current one has physical problems. Recover important data using a professional tool or seek professional help.

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