[Solved] Windows 10 Error: This Folder is Empty

Summary: Windows 10 - “This Folder is Empty” Error is a common Windows error where USB or external drive despite containing files and folders displays an error ‘This folder is empty’. Here are the DIY methods to fix the error and also the steps to recover data from the inaccessible drives using Stellar Data Recovery software.

There is a common Windows error, which a few users have experienced, where your USB or external drive containing files and folders displays an error ‘This folder is empty’ in Windows 7 & Windows 10 when you try to open it. Despite having all the files and folders, your Windows PC warns you that the selected drive is empty.

The error occurs due to several reasons such as virus or malware infection, damaged device drivers, hardware issue, file system corruption, and a few other common issues.

It is a scary situation especially when your portable media contains crucial files and business-related critical data. Nevertheless, you need not worry, as we will help you fix this common issue within a few minutes. All you have to do is stay calm [very important] and do not try to experiment with various software as it can lead to further damage and permanent data loss.

Methods to Fix the Windows 10 Error: This Folder is Empty

Here are a few troubleshooting techniques that can help you fix the issue where system shows folder empty but contains files in Windows 10:

1. Try Different Port

You might have already tried this but if you did not, consider swapping the storage device to a different USB port. Changing port will help you find out if the USB port, to which your external drive is connected, is faulty. In case the error still appears after changing the port, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

2. Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows to Scan and Restore Files from a USB Drive

When none of the above-mentioned troubleshooting techniques works, rely on a trusted data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows.

The drive could have a damaged File System or a corrupt file that might be causing the error. To fix it, you need to format the drive after performing data recovery to avoid permanent data loss.

The software will help you retrieve inaccessible and lost data from your external drive that shows error ‘This folder is empty’ in Windows 10 and Windows 7.

Follow these steps to restore your lost files and folders:

3. Use ‘attrib’ Command

Sometimes files and folder go invisible due to virus or malware infections. The attrib command accompanied by a few parameters can help unhide those files and folders in your Windows OS. Follow these steps and execute the attrib command to remove ‘This folder is empty’ error in Windows 10.

4. Scan with Antivirus Tool

In case attrib command is not able to get back your lost files and folders, try using a reliable anti-virus software. Scan the drive for any virus or malware infection and quarantine it. Then use attrib commands again to make files and folders visible.

However, in case no virus is found or after scanning the affected drive if you are still not able to access your lost files and folders, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

5. Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

Connect your affected USB drive and follow these steps:

Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

6. Reinstall USB drivers

Damaged device drivers can also lead to such errors. The drivers are a bridge between hardware and software and if this bridge has cracks, it can affect the performance of the connected device. Thus, if the above-mentioned troubleshooting methods fail to fix the issue, go to your PC and follow these steps:

At this stage, you have successfully retrieved your inaccessible and lost files and folders from the affected drive. Now you can format the drive and move the recovered data to its original location. Also, create a backup to avoid data loss due to such errors.

Conclusion:

We discussed Windows 10 ‘This folder is empty’ error, why it occurs, and how to fix it. The error is mostly related to software issue and that can be fixed most of the time. You can implement the above-mentioned solution in order to fix the issue and access the files and folders from your external USB drive.

However, there may be a case where even after trying every solution, the issue still persist. In that case, you must implement professional data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows that can help you access the data from a USB drive which is inaccessible or throwing an error ‘This folder is empty’ while it contains crucial data.

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