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Solve This Folder Is Empty Issue in Windows 11 Right Now
On this page, we will discuss how to fix this folder is empty issue in Windows 11. You can try all the options we provide to have a try. Of these, using data recovery software is the easiest.
By Zoey / Updated on July 23, 2024
“I just restarted my computer as a part of a Windows update and a seemingly random folder is now empty. I'm checking other folders but so far have not found any others. It was a folder in my pictures folder that contained subfolders and video and picture files. Documents, music, and video folders seem to be good so far.Is there a way to recover files lost like this?” – Question fromMicrosoft Community
If you are experiencing "this folder is empty" after a Windows update, or in a similar situation, you are eager to make your files invisible or get them back quickly.
So What causes such an error and how to fix it? This article will offer you a satisfying answer in the following part and 4 effective methods to recover missing folder. For deleted files, the most effective method is using trustworthy data recovery software.
Why Does "This Folder is Empty" Happen?
The Windows 11 empty folders error can occur due to various reasons beyond the folder actually being empty. Some of the common causes include:
- Partition errors on the hard drive.
- Virus or malware attacks on the hard drive.
- The folder is being moved to another location.
- System settings hide certain files from view.
By understanding these reasons, you can implement the appropriate fixes to overcome the "This folder is empty" error on Windows 11 or 10 and USB drives.
How to Fix "This Folder is Empty" Error?
If you meet this PC folder is empty issue in Windows 11, you can consider trying some feasible ways in the following part according to the possible factors above.
Way 1. Recover Your Files or Folder with MyRecover
Virus or malware may delete files on the hard drive while attacking it, or you accidentally delete files but forget, in this case, consider using a trustworthy data recovery software for Windows - MyRecover. It's user-friendly, with a simple graphical user interface and easy-to-follow steps.
It's fully compatible with Windows operating systems like Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, etc., and specializes in recovering deleted or missing files due to accidental deletion, virus infected, lost or corrupted partitions, and more, shown promising results in various situations.
🧡🧡🧡 The unique advantages and shining points in MyRecover
- Two advanced scanning technologies locate all the recoverable data, making the data recovery process easy and quick, with a high success rate.
- Recover more than 200 types of files, including images (e.g. recover deleted PNG files), documents, videos, emails, audio, and so on.
- Locate deleted files in specific formats quickly and accurately and preview them before recovering.
- Perform data recovery while scanning saving your precious time.
- Compatible with many file systems including NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS.
Now, you can download and get MyRecover installed on your computer. Then, follow the easy guidelines to recover your folder containing important data with this software.
1. Open MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the drive and click Scan to scan.
2. MyRecover will perform Quick Scan and Deep Scan processes automatically to locate deleted or missing files. You can select the target folder without waiting for the process to finish by searching its name. All the files inside this folder will be displayed in the following.
3. Once found, select them and press the Recover x files button to get back your folder and files within it. The x means the number of selected files. The file size is also included.
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To recover a specific file in this folder, you can directly type its file name or extension in the search box.
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To recover specific files, click the funnel-shaped button, click Type, and select one of them (e.g. documents). You can also set the date modified (from today to last 30 days, or custom), or size (including 5 different options).
4. You will be asked to select a location to save the recovered files or folders. Don't save them to their original location as it will cause data overwriting.
Way 2: Show Hidden Files
If you are experiencing a situation where the Windows folder is empty but not, you can try revealing hidden files. Follow these steps to find hidden files in folder.
1. Open the folder showing as empty.
2. Click on "View" and then select "Options."
3. Under "Advanced settings," locate "Hidden files and folders."
4. Select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives," and click "Apply" and then "OK."
Enabling this option will make all hidden files and folders visible, potentially resolving the issue.
Way 3: Use Attrib Command
For the second situation where the error occurs when connecting a USB or external drive, you can use the attrib command to recover deleted files and folders. Here's how:
1. Type "cmd" into the Windows search bar, right-click on the Command Prompt app, and select "Run as Administrator."
2. If the error appears on a USB flash drive or external hard drive, connect it.
3. Input the command "attrib -h -r -s /s /d G:*.*" in the Command Prompt. G means the drive letter.
Way 4: Use Disk Check Tool
Another option is to utilize the Disk Check tool, which can detect and repair hard drive errors. Follow these steps:
1. Open the This PC page on your computer.
2. Right-click on the disk that saves your folder and choose "Properties."
3. Under the "Tools" tab, click on the "Check" button in the Error Checking section.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the error detection process.
Written In the End
By applying the 4 methods outlined in this article, you can fix this folder is empty issue in Windows 11. Consider trustworthy data recovery software like MyRecover if it's virus-infected or deleted due to different reasons. It takes care of the recovery process, from scanning to recovery, making this process easy and quick.
MyRecoverSave time and effort with reliable file or folder recovery software
You can also attempt to fix the folders shows empty issue by revealing hidden files, utilizing the attrib command, and running the Disk Check tool. Don't lose hope and remember to backup this folder after recovery. The best practice is to run this task schedule and save the backup image to two different locations.
FAQs
✍ 1. Is it possible to recover my files if the folder is empty?
Yes, there are data recovery software options available that can help you recover files from empty folders. Consider using reputable software like MyRecover for better chances of successful recovery.
✍ 2. Why does my folder show as empty in Windows?
There could be several reasons for this, including hidden files, partition errors, virus/malware attacks, or changes in system settings.
✍ 3. What is the Attrib command, and how can it help fix the empty folder error?
The Attrib command is a Windows command used to modify file attributes. By running the appropriate command in the Command Prompt, you can potentially resolve the issue.
✍ 4. Can the Disk Check tool help in resolving the empty folder error?
Yes, the Disk Check tool can detect and repair errors on the hard drive, which may be causing the folder to appear empty. Running the tool can potentially fix the issue.
✍ 5. What if none of the suggested solutions work for my empty folder issue?
If none of the fixes mentioned here resolve the problem, it's recommended to seek assistance from technical support or consult relevant online forums where experts can provide further guidance for your specific situation.
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