Fix: ‘Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty’ issue

This article will show you how to Fix ‘Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty’ issue. Several Windows users have seen the error “0x80070091 – The directory is not empty” when they try to delete a folder. When transferring files from an external drive, doing a backup, or imagining, this happened to other people with the same error. This error happens on computers running Windows 10 through Windows 11. It’s clear what the problem is, but most likely it’s caused by corrupted sectors on the external drive or files that can’t be deleted because they are corrupted.

When you’re using your Windows-based computer, it’s not unusual to get an error out of the blue. Unexpected errors are basically mistakes that happen for no obvious reason. We would put Error 0x80070091 in this group of problems. Most of the time, the full error message looks like this: Error 0x80070091: The directory does not have nothing in it. Shortly, the error message means that you can’t delete the folder you’re trying to delete at the moment.

But it also means that the directory (folder) is not empty, which often makes users confused. The error message says, “The directory is not empty,” and the folder that causes the error can’t be deleted. The error message 0x80070091 suggests that the problem is caused by a folder that isn’t empty. Still, you shouldn’t have any trouble deleting directories that have files in them. This error can also happen with folders that are empty. If you’re getting the same folder error 0x80070091 in Windows, try these possible Fix ‘Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty’ issue.

Use Windows Recovery Environment

System recovery from the Windows Recovery Environment may also work, especially if it has been stopped by other tasks.

1. One time, press the Windows key.
2. Hold down the Shift key and choose Restart.
3. After the computer restarts, you will be taken to the Windows Recovery Environment screen. Here, you can choose to Continue, Troubleshoot, or Turn Off your PC.
4. From this environment, click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore to get to the System Restore option.

Run the SFC Tool

The error can be fixed with the help of the built-in System File Checker tool. The program looks for broken files that could be causing the error and tries to fix them.

1. Press the “Start” button to get things going.
2. In the box to search for programs and files, type cmd.
3. Press CTRL + SHIFT + Enter to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
4. In the Command Prompt window, type SFC /scannow and press Enter.
5. When verification is done, restart your computer.

Run System Restore from Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a feature of Windows that has a simple user interface and only runs the apps that are needed. You can be sure that no other programs, like antivirus software, are messing with System Restore this way. If you want to know more information about this Visit Official Microsoft Website.

1. Click on Windows > Power.
2. Hold down the Shift key and press the Restart key.
3. Click Troubleshoot, then click Advanced Options, then click Startup Options, and then click Restart.
4. Now, your system will start up again and give you a list of choices.
5. Press F4 on your keyboard to go into Safe Mode.

Your computer will restart in Safe Mode, which means that only the most important programs will be running. This will make sure that nothing goes wrong. Now, follow the steps below to do a System Restore.

1. Press the R key after holding down the Windows key.
2. Enter rstrui.exe and press the Enter key.
3. Click “Next,” and then choose the restore point you want to use.
4. Click Next, then End.

Delete the WINDOWS.OLD Folder

Getting rid of the junk files on your computer is another good way to fix this problem. To do this, do these things:

1. Hold down the Windows key and press R to open the Run box.
2. Then, paste or type C:windowsSYSTEM32cleanmgr.exe into the Run box and click OK.
3. After that, pick a drive to clean up and click OK. Disk Cleanup will run on its own.
4. Next, click Clean up system files. From the drop-down menu, choose Previous Windows installation, and then click OK.
5. If you choose Delete Files, the C:Windows.old folder will be deleted.

Perform a Check Disk Scan

Fix: ‘Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty’ issue: The built-in disk check (chkdsk) software works like System File Checker, but it focuses on fixing damaged sectors on hard drives. It can help fix a wide range of problems, including error 0x80070091. Here’s what you need to do to run a scan:

1. Press Win + X to get to the menu.
2. Choose the option that says “Command Prompt (Admin)“.
3. Select Yes to run Command Prompt as an administrator.
4. Type chkdsk C/f/r/x and hit Enter.
5. Hit Enter to start the scan, then wait for it to finish before restarting your computer and deleting the file or folder you want to see if the error 0x80070091 has been fixed.

Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is a file manager that has been included in Windows since Windows 95. Users can manage files, folders, and network connections with it, and they can also search for files and related parts. If you can’t delete a folder in Windows 10 or 11, restarting Windows Explorer can fix the problem. The steps are as follows:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar on the desktop and choose Task Manager from the menu that comes up.
2. Go to the Processes tab in the Task Manager window and look for Windows Explorer.
3. You can right-click on it and choose “Restart” from the menu, or you can choose “Windows Explorer” and then click the “Restart” button in the lower right corner of the Task Manager window.

What is the Error0x80070091?

The bug check value for this error is 0x80070091. In addition, the bug code says, “The directory is not empty.” You can’t delete files from any folder on your system because of the error. Windows throws this bug code whenever you try to delete a file or folder. As you try to figure out what’s causing this problem, you may find that it’s because the folder isn’t empty or because an application (which is running in the background) has already opened it. But that’s not what happens. You might see this bug code even if the folder is empty.

What Causes Error0x80070091?

This system problem could be caused by a number of things, such as corrupted system files, hard drives with bad sectors, insufficient folder permissions, or a malware infection. Since this error could be caused by a number of different things, we’ve come up with the best workarounds to help you fix the problem.