How to Fix the “Directory is Not Empty” Error 0x80070091 in Windows 10 & 11
Error 0x80070091 is a File Explorer issue that occurs for some users when they try to delete folders in Windows 11/10. The error message says, “The directory is not empty," and you can’t delete the folder that throws the error.
The 0x80070091 message suggests that the error occurs because a folder isn’t empty. Yet, you should be able to erase directories that contain files without any issues. Furthermore, that error can also arise for empty folders. If you’re seeing the same folder error 0x80070091 in Windows, try applying these potential fixes.
1. Try Erasing the Folder With the Command Prompt
The Command Prompt gives users another way to delete folders in Windows 11/10. So, you might be able to erase an affected folder without issues by using the Command Prompt. Using the Command Prompt might be more of a workaround, but at least you’ll get the folder deleted if works.
Run Command Prompt with elevated (administrative) rights. Our guide aboutrunning Command Prompt as an administratorincludes numerous methods for launching that app. Then input this command and pressEnterto delete an affected folder:
You’ll need to replacefolder pathin that command with the location of whatever directory you need to delete. The location should include a drive letter and a full path for the directory like in this example:
2. Restart Windows File Explorer
Restarting File Explorer can resolve issues that occur with that file manager. However, closing and reopening the Explorer window doesn’t restart the file manager. You’ll need to restart the Explorer process via Task Manager like this:
3. Scan System Files With an SFC Scan
Error 0x80070091 can be caused by some corrupted system files that need repairing. Running an SFC scan might both detect and repair corrupted system files and fix error 0x80070091 in the process. You can scan with SFC as instructed in our post forrunning the System File Checker tool.
4. Check for Errors With a Disk Scan
The 0x80070091 error is often due to corrupted or bad hard drive sectors. A lot of users have said they’ve resolved that issue by using the Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility for repairing bad drive sectors. This is how you can check for and repair bad sectors with Check Disk:
If the folder the 0x80070091 error occurs for isn’t on the C: drive, you’ll need to modify the above command. ReplaceC:with the letter of the storage drive that includes the affected folder.
5. Modify the Affected Folder’s Permissions
Error 0x80070091 can arise because of insufficient folder permission. You might need to set an affected folder to full permission to resolve error 0x80070091. To do that, change the folder’s permission settings as follows:
6. Run an Antivirus Scan
Malware could also feasibly be causing error 0x80070091 on your PC. If you’re still trying to fix that issue after going through all the potential fixes above, run an antivirus scan with Windows Security or alternative third-party software. This is how to run a scan with the Windows Security app.
Delete Your Folders in File Explorer Again With These Fixes
You’ll probably be able to delete the folders for which error 0x80070091 occurred after applying those potential solutions. If that error persists, the Windows registry on your PC could be corrupted. To resolve such registry issues, you might need to perform a system restore or even reset Windows 11/10.
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