What Happens If You Delete the System32 Folder? Here Are the Answers

Have you ever stumbled upon a System32 folder on your computer and wondered what it's for? Some people think getting rid of it can boost your PC's performance. But is that true? In this blog post, we'll answer those questions and more. We'll also guide you on when it's safe to delete the System32 folder and when you shouldn't. So, whether you're new to Windows or an experienced user, keep reading to learn more about the System32 folder.

What is the System32 directory/folder?

System32 is a folder within a computer that contains crucial system files for the Windows operating system. These files are vital for the proper functioning of the OS, including drivers, DLL files, and EXE files, among others.

It's located in the C:\Windows\ folder on your hard drive. While it's hidden by default, you can view it in File Explorer by selecting “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.” Though it's an essential part of the Windows operating system, System32 is often associated with errors.

What is the “System32” Folder?

A common error is a “DLL error,” caused by the presence in the System32 folder of several versions of the same DLL (dynamic link library). Conflicts resulting from this can prevent programs from running normally.

Another "Startup Repair infinite loop" error occurs when System32 tries to load a non-existent file, causing an endless loop of loading and reloading.

Though a System32 error can be frustrating, it's usually fixable by reinstalling the affected files or running a System File Checker (SFC) scan.

What happens if I delete the System32 folder?

Deleting the System32 folder is not a good idea, and it can do more harm than good, even if you're trying to remove a virus. If you delete the System32 folder, you'll run into the following issues with your computer:

Cannot start it anymore.

This is because many critical system files are stored in this folder, and your computer cannot start up properly without them.

The computer will crash.

You may need to reinstall Windows 10; even if your machine doesn't crash, you will likely encounter a litany of bugs and quirks.

In fact, deleting the System32 folder is a popular prank because of all the chaos it can cause. But what if you actually did it? Don't!

• 0:32 What is System32?
• 2:00 Difference between System32 and System64
• 6:01 What happens if you delete System32?

How to Delete the System32 Folder in Windows 11/10/8/7

While you can't directly delete the System32 folder in Windows, you can delete its contents. However, it's not recommended, as it may lead to errors and instability in the Windows operating system. If you're absolutely sure you want to proceed with deleting the contents of System32, follow these steps to use the CMD commands to do so (but exercise caution, as this may cause system issues): 1. **Open Command Prompt as an Administrator:** - Press `Win + X` on your keyboard. - Select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu. 2. **Type the following command and press Enter:** ``` takeown /f C:\Windows\System32 /r /d y ``` This command will change the ownership of all files and subfolders within System32 to the current user. 3. **Now, type the following command and press Enter:** ``` icacls C:\Windows\System32 /grant %username%:(F) /t ``` This command grants full control to the current user over all files and subfolders within System32. 4. **Type the following command to confirm deletion and press Enter:** ``` del /s /f /q C:\Windows\System32\* ``` This command will delete all files within the System32 folder, but not the folder itself. Please note that these actions can severely harm your system, potentially making it unusable. It's highly suggested to back up your important data and create a system restore point before attempting any such operation. If you're unsure about what you're doing, consult a professional or seek assistance online.

Step 1. Click the “Start” icon, search for “Command Prompt.”

Step 2. Run it as an administrator.

Step 3. Type `del /s /q C:\Windows\System32\*` and press "Enter."

This will delete all files and folders within the System32 folder.

Step 4. Type rd /s /q C:\Windows\System32, and then press Enter.

This will delete the System32 folder itself. Keep in mind that deleting System32 is irreversible, so make sure you really want to do this before proceeding.

How to Recover Deleted Windows System32 Folder/File

You should not delete the Windows System32 folder. If you do and want to restore it, you might run into boot errors. You can use some of the best data recovery software out there. Disk Drill is a reliable and effective data recovery tool that can recover lost, deleted, or formatted data from your PC, laptop, or external storage device. It has a well-designed interface that's easy to use, even for those without much technical expertise.

• Recover deleted files from external storage devices like USB drives and memory cards.
• Supports data recovery on Windows 11/10/8/7 and macOS 13.0 ~ OS X 10.9 operating systems.
• Retrieve lost files after Windows updates, system crashes, and virus attacks.

tools Data Recovery Wizard is an excellent option for anyone in need of lost data recovery. This software is user-friendly and comes with some very useful features that can be particularly helpful in certain situations. Download this tool to recover deleted System32 folder on Windows 11/10/8/7.

Step 1: Run the Tool – Data Recovery Wizard. Select the drive where you lost your files and start the scan. This software allows you to recover lost data from all kinds of devices, including HDD, SSD, USB drives, SD cards, flash drives, cameras, and more.

Step 2: Browse the entire scan result. You can click the file type filter to choose the file types you need. The tool supports 1000+ file types, such as photos, videos, documents, emails, audio files, and more.

Step 3: Preview the files you want to recover. Click “Recover” and set a location to save the recovered data.

Conclusions

This article should help clear up any confusion surrounding the System32 folder and its purpose. As a reminder, we do not advise deleting this folder or any of its contents, as it can lead to significant issues with your computer. If you accidentally removed something from the System32 folder or need to recover lost data, there are ways to go about it. However, we recommend using professional data recovery tools to avoid further damage to your system. Have you ever accidentally deleted something from the System32 folder? What impact did it have on your computer?

"Frequently Asked Questions about Deleting the System32 Folder"

Normally, we recommend not deleting this folder or its contents, as doing so might render your computer unusable. If you're still unsure, please read the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers below for assistance.

1. Do You Need System32?

Yes, System32 is the name of a folder utilized by Windows 11/10/8/7. This directory contains files that are essential for the proper functioning of Windows, and therefore, it should not be deleted.

2. Is there any way to reinstall system32?

Yes, you can reinstall System32 by following these steps:

1. Restart your computer. 2. Press the F8 key continuously until the menu appears. 3. When the menu shows up, use the Up and Down arrow keys to select the "Last Known Good Configuration" option. 4. After selecting it, press the Enter key. 5. Now, your computer should reinstall the "Last Known Good Configuration." 6. Restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved.

3. How to Fix the System32 Error in Windows 10?

You can use any of these solutions to fix the corrupted System32 folder:

1. Solution One: Repair the corrupted registry using Easy Recovery Essentials 2. Solution Two: Restart your PC to a previous known good configuration 3. Solution Three: Check the disk file system with the chkdsk tool 4. Solution Four: Manually restore the registry