Can’t delete empty folder Windows 10? This is a common issue that many Windows 10 users encounter. An empty folder that cannot be deleted can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to free up space on your computer. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this problem and provide you with effective solutions to help you delete the empty folder in Windows 10.
Many factors can contribute to the inability to delete an empty folder in Windows 10. One of the most common reasons is that the folder is read-only. When a folder is set to read-only, you won’t be able to delete, rename, or move it. Another possible cause is that the folder is associated with a system file or program, making it protected from deletion. In some cases, the issue might be due to a corrupted file system or a hidden file within the folder.
To resolve the “can’t delete empty folder Windows 10” problem, follow these steps:
1. Check if the folder is read-only:
– Right-click on the empty folder and select “Properties.”
– Go to the “Security” tab and click on “Edit.”
– Uncheck the “Read-only” box and click “Apply” and “OK.”
2. Remove the folder association:
– Right-click on the empty folder and select “Properties.”
– Go to the “General” tab and click on “Change icon.”
– Choose a new icon and click “OK.”
– Close the Properties window and try deleting the folder again.
3. Check for hidden files:
– Open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab.
– Check the “Hidden items” box in the “Show/hide” section.
– If there are any hidden files within the folder, delete them and try deleting the folder again.
4. Use the Command Prompt:
– Press “Windows key + X” and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
– Navigate to the folder’s location using the “cd” command.
– Type “rd /s /q folder_name” (replace “folder_name” with the actual name of the folder) and press Enter.
5. Run the SFC and DISM scans:
– Press “Windows key + X” and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
– Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to run the System File Checker scan.
– Once the scan is complete, type “dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth” and press Enter to run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management scan.
– Restart your computer and try deleting the folder again.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “can’t delete empty folder Windows 10” issue and successfully delete the empty folder from your computer.
