Error Code 1606, Could not access Network Location

Users are not able to install a program on their Windows 11/10 computers. When they try to do so, they are seeing Error Code 1606, Could not access Network Location. In this article, we are going to see some easy solutions to resolve the error.

Why am I seeing Error Code 1606?

This error usually occurs due to the wrongful Registry settings of the Shell folder. This can easily be fixed by modifying the registry via the Registry Editor. Another reason why you would see this error is if a third-party application is interfering with the installation process. You can also encounter this error if you lack permission, we will be seeing that as well.

Fix Error Code 1606, Could not access Network Location

If you are seeing Error Code 1606, Could not access Network Location on Windows 11.10, use the given solutions to resolve it.

Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
Edit Registry
Change the Permission
Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State

Let us talk about them in detail.

1] Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

First up, we would recommend you to use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter of Windows to fix the issue. Use the following steps to do the same.

Open Control Panel from the Start Menu.
Click Program > Run programs made for previous versions of Windows.
Follow the on-screen instruction to run the troubleshooter.

Now, retry installing the app and see if the issue persists.

2] Edit Registry

As mentioned earlier, this issue can occur because of wrongful registry configuration. So, we need to modify the Registry and see if that can fix the issue.

So, open Registry Editor from the Start Menu and go to the following location.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

Double-click on Common Documents and check if Value data is set to the following location.

C:\Users\Public\Documents

If not, you have to paste it there and click Ok.

3] Change the Permission

If the Registry configuration is fine, you have to change the permission of the Pubic Documents folder. To do that, follow the given steps.

Open File Explorer by Win + E or from the Start Menu.
Go to C:\Users\Public.
Right-click on Public Documents and select Properties.
Go to the Security tab, select the active user name, and click Edit.
Tick Full Control and click Apply > Ok.

Now, check if the issue persists.

4] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State

If you are still not able to resolve the issue then it can be because of a third-party application. In that case, you have to troubleshoot in Clean Boot State and see what’s causing the error. When you know the culprit, remove it and you will be good to go.

What is error 1606 network location?

When you enter an incorrect value in the Shell folder inside the Windows Registry Editor, your computer may display this error. For your information, this specific error code appears when you install a particular type of application. It mainly appears when you install third-party apps instead of pre-installed apps.

That’s it!