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. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 4 complete
01Run CHKDSK disk repair utility
  1. Run CHKDSK disk repair utility
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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02Delete the target folder in Safe Mode
  1. Delete the target folder in Safe Mode
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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03Take folder ownership via Command Prompt
  1. Take folder ownership via Command Prompt
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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04Rename the WindowsApps directory in recovery console
  1. Rename the WindowsApps directory in recovery console
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

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