[Fixed] Windows 10 Error This Folder is Empty

Eleanor Reed

Aug 04, 2023 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions

You have likely landed on this web page because you have come across an unlikely error on your computer. This folder is empty on Windows 10 is a real head-scratcher, especially when you know, for a fact, that the folder isn't empty and contains some files. For the uninitiated, this can be frustrating. The feeling of sheer agony becomes even more excruciating when the files were important business or personal documents, or where you have a deadline to meet and need the files fast. Well, don't go off the rails just yet. In this article, we will take you through 7 methods to resolve the error "this folder is empty Windows 10."

Part 1. Why the Issue Occurs on Windows?

So, let's consider some of the reasons that lead to the "this folder is empty Windows 10" error. Below are the most common causes of this problem:

• Hidden files: Most operating systems have a feature to hide files in a folder. Software developers built-in this feature as a security measure to prevent users from accidentally modifying system files. The feature is also useful on shared computers where you don't want other users to modify some files, so you hide them from view.
• Virus or malware infection: A virus or malware infection can lead to this error in two ways. The first way is by corrupting the files leading to deletion. The second way is through ransomware, where the folder is locked or files hidden until the owner pays the ransom, usually in Bitcoin, to the criminal who infected the computer.
• Damaged device drivers: Damaged drivers such as USB drivers can lead to problems when connecting the device to the computer. One of the issues is a USB that shows empty folders.
• Hardware problems: Finally, a problem with the hardware can lead to the error "this folder is empty Windows 10." A faulty USB or external hard disk may be defective and fail to save data.

As you can see, many reasons can lead to this error. Luckily, there are several methods to fix this problem, and we explain them in the next section.

Part 2. 7 Methods to Fix the Error That This Folder is Empty in Windows 10

Below are some workarounds and solutions for the error that this folder is empty in Windows 10.

Method 1. Try another USB port & restart the computer

USB ports often malfunction or become disabled after you eject a USB device. There may also be a system-wide issue that is affecting the computer.

Whenever you have a situation where the USB is empty, yet you know there are files in it, try using another USB port. If that doesn't fix the problem, reboot the computer, reconnect the USB and check if the files are visible.

If that doesn't work, proceed to the next method below.

Method 2. Reinstall USB drivers

If you can't see the files in a USB stick and have tried all ports and rebooted the computer without success, try to reinstall the USB drivers. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download the latest drivers from the USB manufacturer's website.

Step 2: Type "Device Manager" in the Windows search and click Open to launch the Windows Device Manager.

Step 3: Uninstall all the USB adapters one by one. If you know the damaged one, uninstall that one only.

Step 4: Install the new driver from the Internet. Just double-click on the downloaded file, and the installation wizard will take care of the rest.

Method 3. Scan with Antivirus Tool

If you use your USB drive on several computers or you use your computer to visit bad neighborhoods on the Internet, then it is likely that you have caught a computer virus that is causing the error "this folder is empty" in Windows 10.

Use a good antivirus tool to run a scan of your computer or external storage device to eliminate a virus as a problem. ,/

However, if your problem is ransomware, it is unlikely that an ordinary antivirus tool will be able to get your files back. You may have to consult a computer specialist or invest in costly ransomware removal tools.

Method 4. Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has powerful troubleshooting and help tools to find and fix problems automatically. To run a hardware and device troubleshooter to fix the error "this folder is empty" in Windows 10, follow the steps below:

Step 1: In the Windows search bar, type "troubleshoot settings," then click Open to launch the Windows troubleshooting settings.

Step 2: Scroll down to view hardware and devices and see if there are any recommended fixes. If there are, click to apply the fix and restart your computer.

Method 5. Select the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option

If the problem is on the local folders, it could be that you inadvertently hid the files using the Windows Hidden Files feature. To toggle this setting, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Navigate to the folder containing the error "this folder is empty" in Windows 10.

Step 2: Click the Hidden Items checkbox in the folder's ribbon at the top to show the hidden files.

Step 3: To permanently fix this problem from recurring, you need to remove the hidden attribute from each file in the folder to ensure they do not "disappear" again. To do so, right-click on a file, scroll down and click on Properties. In the General tab, ensure the Hidden checkbox is unchecked.

Method 6. Run attrib Command

The attrib command is an advanced way of removing the hidden attribute explained in method five above. This command sets or displays the archive, hidden attributes, read-only, and system of a Windows file or directory. It is accessed using the Windows Command Prompt. This command-line utility is useful when certain aspects of Windows are broken or malicious computer code prevents you from viewing Windows folders.

The syntax for the attrib command is ATTRIB [+ R|-R] [+A|-A] [+ H|-H] [+ S|-S] [d:][path]filename [/S] where d: represents the drive letter. The letters in parentheses that appear before the drive letter represent the various options available as follows:

• +R - make a file or folder read-only.
• -R - Change the read-only protection attribute back to normal.
• +A - Archive the file or folder.
• -A - Turn off the file or folder archive attribute.
• +H - Set the hidden attribute of a file to not appear in a directory listing.
• -H - Turn off the hidden attribute.
• +S - Set the system attribute of a folder or file.
• -S - Turn off the system attribute of a folder or file.
• /S - Set attributes on Windows subdirectories found within the specified path.

Based on the above, the attrib command to remove the hidden attribute is "attrib –h –r –s /s /d d:\*.*"

To set the command, follow the steps below:

Step 1: In the Windows search bar, type CMD and click Run as Administrator to launch the Command Prompt.

Step 2: Type the attrib command press Enter.

Go back and try to access the files once more. If that doesn't work, move on to the final fix below.

Method 7. Scan the USB with a Professional Data Recovery Tool

If after the methods you still encounter the error "this folder is empty" in Windows 10, it's time for the big guns. It is very likely that your storage device is corrupted or was formatted, and your files are lost. Now, at this juncture, you are probably thinking that this is the end of the world for you, but don't give up just yet. With the help of world-class data recovery software, you can get your files back.

The answer to your problems lies in Wondershare Recoverit data recovery software. This is a powerful tool with over 5 million customers and in existence for more than 15 years. It has an enviable track record and is guaranteed to get your files back even the odds look daunting.

Wondershare Recoverit recovers data from corrupted and formatted storage devices within a few minutes. It can recover all types of files, including videos, photos, audio, and emails. Below are some of the features at a glance:

• Can recover any file format and from any file system.
• Can recover data from any storage media.
• The tool boasts the highest recovery rate in the industry.
• Wondershare Recoverit comes with a seven-day money back guarantee.
• The tool comes with 24-hour support seven days a week.

What's more, the tool has an intuitive dashboard, and data recovery is a mere 3-step process as follows:

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Recoverit from the developer's website. Launch it by clicking the desktop icon and then add select the storage media location you want to scan.

Step 2: Click Start to scan the storage location. You will be able to review the results before recovering any file.

Step 3: Select the files you want to Recover and choose a location to save them.

The Bottom Line

The error "this folder is empty" in Windows 10 can be a real pain. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to find files on your computer or storage device. Your job could be on the line, or some other serious consequences can result from such a scenario. As with most computer issues, always start with the most obvious reason and work your way through various possibilities. At some point along the way, you will identify the problem and correct it. And, if your computer or storage media is corrupted, accidentally formatted, or destroyed by a virus, you can always rely on Wondershare Recoverit to get your files back.