Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80070091: How to Fix It
Easy 10-20 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 0x80070091
- Brand
- Microsoft Windows
- Product Type
- hresult
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 10-20 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Command Prompt (Windows built-in)
How to Fix Error Code 0x80070091
-
Check if the folder is open in another program
-
Run the Command Prompt as Administrator
Only run commands you understand. Incorrect use could cause system issues. -
Use the 'rmdir' command to force delete the folder
This permanently deletes the folder and its contents. Ensure you have backups if needed. -
Take ownership of the folder
-
Run a disk check for file system errors
Running chkdsk can cause data loss in rare cases. Back up important data first.
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When to Call a Professional
If none of these steps work, the issue may be caused by deeper system corruption or a failing hard drive. Contact a professional technician or use Windows Recovery tools to restore your system.Frequently Asked Questions
What causes error 0x80070091 in Windows?
This error occurs when Windows tries to delete or modify a folder that contains files or subfolders but cannot access them due to permission issues, the folder being in use, or file system corruption.
Can I fix error 0x80070091 without losing files?
Yes, if the folder contains important files, try taking ownership (Step 4) or simply move the files out of the folder before deleting it.
Is error 0x80070091 dangerous?
No, it's a common permission-related error. It doesn't indicate a virus or hardware failure, but if you see it on system folders, proceed carefully.
Does this error appear on Windows 10 or 11?
Yes, error 0x80070091 appears on all modern Windows versions including Windows 10 and 11.
What if the 'rmdir' command says 'access denied'?
Make sure you're running Command Prompt as Administrator (Step 2). If it still fails, take ownership of the folder (Step 4) before using the command.