Unable to empty Windows Recycle Bin because directory is not empty.
Question
Unable to empty Windows Recycle Bin because directory is not empty.
Answer
When attempting to empty the Microsoft Windows Recycle Bin, you may get an error indicating that a directory exists in the Recycling Bin that is not empty even though it may show no files. To resolve this issue try the below suggestions.
Empty the Recycle Bin from Safe Mode
Boot the computer into Windows Safe Mode and open the profile that contains the Recycling bin that cannot be emptied.
In Safe Mode empty the Recycle bin again. If you continue to get the same error, continue with the suggestions below. Otherwise, if emptied, reboot the computer and allow it to boot back into Normal mode.
Run ScanDisk on the computer
If corrupt files exist on the computer, often times they can cause random issues when attempting to delete them. Make sure corrupt files do not exist on the computer by running ScanDisk on the computer.
Additional information
- See the Recycle Bin definition for further information and related links.