How To Fix The Error Code 0x80070091 Directory Not Empty in Windows 10/11

Error codes can be frustrating to encounter, especially when they disrupt your workflow. One such error that Windows users may come across is 0x80070091, indicating that a directory is not empty.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of error code 0x80070091, explore its causes, and provide step-by-step methods to resolve it on Windows 10/11 using both command prompt (cmd) and shortcuts.

What is Error Code 0x80070091?

Error code 0x80070091 is a common Windows error that occurs when attempting to delete or modify a directory that contains files or subdirectories.

The error message typically states “The directory is not empty,” indicating that the directory cannot be removed or manipulated until it is empty.

Causes of Error Code 0x80070091:

Several factors can trigger error code 0x80070091 in Windows 10/11:

1. Files or Subdirectories Exist: The most common cause of this error is that the directory you’re trying to delete or modify contains files, folders, or hidden system files that prevent it from being emptied.
2. Permissions Issue: Insufficient permissions or ownership restrictions may prevent you from deleting or modifying certain directories, leading to error code 0x80070091.
3. Corrupted Files or File System: If the files within the directory are corrupted or the file system itself is damaged, it can result in errors when attempting to manipulate the directory.

Step-by-Step Methods to Fix Error Code 0x80070091:

Method 1: Using File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the directory causing the error.
2. Review the contents of the directory and ensure there are no important files that you need to keep.
3. Delete all files and subdirectories within the directory.
4. Once the directory is empty, attempt to delete or modify it again.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt (CMD)

1. Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   rd /s /q C:\path\to\directory


   Replace “C:\path\to\directory” with the actual path of the directory causing the error.

3. Press Enter to execute the command. This command will forcibly remove the directory and all its contents (/s) without prompting for confirmation (/q).
4. Once the command is executed successfully, close Command Prompt and check if the error is resolved.

Method 3: Using Shortcuts

1. Create a shortcut to the directory causing the error on your desktop or any accessible location.
2. Open the shortcut and review the contents of the directory.
3. Delete all files and subdirectories within the directory.
4. Once the directory is empty, attempt to delete or modify it again.

Additional Tips:

• Backup Important Data: Before attempting to delete or modify directories, always ensure you have backed up any important files to prevent data loss.
• Run Disk Cleanup: Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and unnecessary system files that may be occupying space within the directory.
• Check for Hidden Files: Enable the option to show hidden files and folders in File Explorer to ensure you’re deleting all contents within the directory.

Here are some additional considerations and tips to complement the discussion on error code 0x80070091:

Verify Recycle Bin Contents:

Sometimes, files and directories that you attempt to delete may end up in the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently removed. Make sure to check the Recycle Bin to ensure that the files from the problematic directory are not present there.

If they are, you can restore them to their original location or permanently delete them from the Recycle Bin.

Check for System and Hidden Files:

System and hidden files, such as those used by Windows for various purposes, may also be present within the directory causing the error.

Ensure that you have enabled the option to show hidden files and system files in File Explorer to accurately assess the contents of the directory. You can do this by going to the “View” tab in File Explorer and checking the box for “Hidden items.”

Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan:

Running a System File Checker (SFC) scan can help identify and repair corrupted system files that may be contributing to the error.

To run an SFC scan, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “sfc /scannow” (without quotes), then press Enter. Allow the scan to complete, and follow any on-screen instructions to resolve any issues detected.

Perform Disk Cleanup:

Use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility in Windows to remove unnecessary files and free up disk space. This can help alleviate issues related to disk space constraints, which may be preventing the directory from being emptied.

To run Disk Cleanup, simply search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, select your disk drive, and follow the prompts to clean up unnecessary files.

Consider Third-Party File Management Tools:

If you encounter persistent issues with deleting or modifying directories using standard Windows methods, consider using third-party file management tools that offer advanced features and capabilities.

These tools may provide additional options for managing files and directories and offer solutions to specific error codes and issues.

Consult Microsoft Support or Community Forums:

If you’re unable to resolve the error using the methods outlined above, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft Support or community forums dedicated to Windows troubleshooting.

Microsoft’s official support channels may provide specialized guidance and solutions tailored to your specific situation, helping you address the error effectively.

Conclusion:

Error code 0x80070091, indicating that a directory is not empty, can be resolved using the methods outlined above. Whether through File Explorer, Command Prompt, or shortcuts, emptying the directory of its contents will allow you to delete or modify it without encountering the error.

By following the step-by-step instructions provided and taking precautionary measures, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve error code 0x80070091 on Windows 10/11, restoring normal functionality to your system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Error Code 0x80070091:

1. What does error code 0x80070091 mean in Windows 10/11?

   • Error code 0x80070091 indicates that a directory is not empty, preventing it from being deleted or modified. This error commonly occurs when attempting to perform file operations on directories containing files or subdirectories.

2. What causes error code 0x80070091?

   • Error code 0x80070091 is typically caused by directories that contain files, folders, or hidden system files, preventing them from being emptied. Insufficient permissions, corrupted files, or damaged file systems may also contribute to this error.

3. How do I fix error code 0x80070091 in Windows 10/11?

   • To fix error code 0x80070091, you can:
     • Use File Explorer to manually delete files from the directory.
     • Utilize Command Prompt (CMD) to forcibly remove the directory using the rd command.
     • Create shortcuts to the directory and delete its contents.
     • Check for hidden files and system files within the directory.
     • Run Disk Cleanup to free up disk space and remove unnecessary files.

4. Is error code 0x80070091 reversible?

   • Yes, error code 0x80070091 is reversible by following the appropriate troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide. Once you’ve successfully emptied the directory causing the error, you should be able to perform the desired file operations without encountering the error.

5. Can I prevent error code 0x80070091 from occurring?

   • While error code 0x80070091 may occur due to various factors, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering it by regularly organizing and maintaining your files, ensuring proper permissions, and performing routine disk maintenance tasks such as disk cleanup and file system checks.

6. Are there any risks associated with fixing error code 0x80070091?

   • As with any file operation, there is a risk of data loss if files are inadvertently deleted or modified. It’s essential to exercise caution and double-check the contents of the directory before performing any deletion operations. Additionally, ensure that you have appropriate backups in place to safeguard important data.

7. What should I do if I encounter error code 0x80070091 despite following the troubleshooting steps?

   • If you continue to encounter error code 0x80070091 despite following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft Support or community forums dedicated to Windows troubleshooting. A trained professional or knowledgeable community member may be able to provide further guidance and assistance tailored to your specific situation.

These FAQs provide insights into error code 0x80070091, its causes, fixes, and precautions to take when encountering it on Windows 10/11 systems. If you have further questions or encounter specific issues, consider referring to additional resources or seeking assistance from relevant support channels.