Windows & BSOD · medium

How to fix0x80070091

0x80070091 - Directory Not Empty Error

What this error means

0x80070091 shows up as a medium-severity Windows operating system fault. The directory is not empty. Commonly occurs during failed System Restore operations or when attempting to delete Windows.old or app folders. It sometimes comes down to bad sectors on the storage partition. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 4 complete
01Run CHKDSK disk repair utility

Run CHKDSK disk repair utility.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Delete the target folder in Safe Mode

Delete the target folder in Safe Mode.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Take folder ownership via Command Prompt

Take folder ownership via Command Prompt.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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04Rename the WindowsApps directory in recovery console

Rename the WindowsApps directory in recovery console.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Corrupted directory indexing structure
  • Background handles locking folder files
  • System Restore database mismatch
  • Bad sectors on the storage partition