Fix Error 0x80070091 in Windows with Easy Solutions Guide

What Is Error 0x80070091?

Error 0x80070091 is a Windows system error that shows up when you try to delete or rename a folder, and Windows can’t complete the action. The full message usually reads:

“An unexpected error is keeping you from deleting the folder. Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty.”

Despite what it says, the folder might appear empty. The real problem is happening underneath the system. A hidden file may be stuck inside the folder, or another program may still be using it. In some cases, the folder itself becomes corrupted. It can also happen when Windows faces a sync conflict with OneDrive or another cloud service.

What Causes Error 0x80070091?

• Hidden or system files are still inside the folder. 
• Another program is actively using the folder. 
• OneDrive or cloud sync is interfering.
• The folder or files are corrupted. 
• Moreover, permission issues.

How to Fix Error 0x80070091 — All Working Methods

Alright, let’s get into the fixes. There’s no single cure-all for this error — different situations call for different approaches. Work through the methods below one by one and stop when something clicks.

Method 01: Run the System File Checker Tool

The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs damaged or missing system files. Follow these steps:

• Firstly, open Command Prompt and run it as Administrator.
• In the command window, type: sfc /scannow
• Now, press Enter to start the scan.
• Wait for the process to complete.
• Restart your computer after the scan finishes.

Method 02: Run the Check Disk Utility to Resolve Error 0x80070091

Disk errors or file system issues can also trigger this problem. The Check Disk utility scans the drive and fixes related errors. Steps to follow:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following command: chkdsk C: /f /r
• Next, press Enter and allow the system to check the drive.
• Restart your computer once the scan is completed.
• After the restart, try deleting the file or folder again to see whether the 0x80070091 error has been resolved.

Method 03: Use Windows Recovery Environment

You can also try restoring your system using the Windows Recovery Environment, especially if the problem started recently. Steps:

• Primarily, press the Windows key.
• Afterwards, click Restart while holding the Shift key.
• Windows will open the Recovery Environment.
• Select Troubleshoot. Click Advanced Options.
• Further, choose System Restore.
• Select a restore point and follow the on-screen instructions.
• This process will restore your system to a previous working state.

Method 04: Start Windows in Safe Mode to Fix Error Code 0x80070091

Safe Mode runs Windows with only the essential system services. This often helps remove files or folders that are locked by other programs. Steps:

• Restart your computer.
• When Windows starts loading, press the Power button to interrupt it. Repeat this process two more times.
• Windows will open the Advanced Startup screen.
• Select Troubleshoot and click Advanced Options.
• Choose Startup Settings and then click Restart.
• After the restart, press 4 (F4) for Safe Mode or 5 (F5) for Safe Mode with Networking.
• Once Safe Mode opens, try deleting the folder again.

Method 05: Scan the System for Malware

In some cases, malware or suspicious programs can prevent files from being removed. Running a full security scan may help. Steps:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security.
• Select Windows Security.
• Click Virus & Threat Protection.
• Scroll down and select Scan Options.
• Choose Microsoft Defender Offline Scan. Click Scan Now.
• This will perform a deep scan and remove any potential threats.
• Once the system restarts, try deleting the folder again. If the error still appears, move to the next method.

Important Note: 

• If the error still appears after trying all these methods, the problem may be caused by deeper system issues, such as directory corruption. Sometimes multiple factors are involved, which makes the issue harder to diagnose. 
• Also, be careful while performing these steps because some commands may permanently delete folders and their contents. If the data inside the folder is important, using a reliable automated recovery tool can be a safer option.

Complete Solution to Fix Error 0x80070091 in Windows

The DRS Windows Data Recovery Tool provides a reliable way to deal with issues caused by drive, file, or directory corruption. It can also help recover data in situations such as Windows crashes, accidental deletion, or damaged storage media. The software is designed to restore lost or inaccessible data from various storage devices, including DVDs, CDs, HDDs, USB drives, and microSD cards. With its advanced recovery engine, it scans the storage device and retrieves the maximum possible data without affecting existing files. Also, helpful to fix the file not found error in Windows 10 and other errors.

Simple Steps to Resolve Error Code 0x80070091 in Windows

1. Download and install the DRS Windows Data Recovery Software.
2. Choose the drive/physical drive you want to recover and click Next.
3. Select the Recovery Modes from the different options. Press Next.
4. After that, wait for the scanning process until it is done.
5. Lastly, preview all the recovered Windows data and click Save.

Conclusion

Error 0x80070091 is annoying, but it’s rarely a dead end. Run SFC or use Command Prompt first to fix Error 0x80070091. If the folder still won’t budge, work through Safe Mode or CHKDSK. Just be careful if there’s anything important inside, because some of these steps delete content permanently. When data is at risk, the DRS Windows Data Recovery Tool is worth running before you do anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions