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Fix: ERROR_FILE_EXISTS Code 80 (0x50)

Restarting File Explorer is the easiest fix

4 min. read

Published onSeptember 10, 2024

published onSeptember 10, 2024

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For fixing Windows errors, we recommend Fortect:

Fortect will identify and deploy the correct fix for your Windows errors. Follow the 3 easy steps to get rid of Windows errors:

TheERROR_FILE_EXISTSissue, with error code0x80070050, indicates a misconfiguration at the user’s end. It is usually encountered when deleting a file or loading applications. The message reads,Error 0x80070050: The file existsorOperating system error code 80.

Common causes forError File Existsinclude slow File Explorer, misconfigured settings, cloud storage apps, hitting the Windows character limit for path, and corrupted system files.

Before you start troubleshooting, install pending Windows updates, terminate non-critical apps, disable any third-party antivirus, and scan the PC for malware!

How can I fix ERROR_FILE_EXISTS in Windows?

1. Restart File Explorer

If you are getting theERROR_FILE_EXISTS 0x80070050issue while deleting files, it’s likely that the said file was already deleted, but the changes were not registered, triggeringThe file existsmessage. Restarting theFile Explorertask should fix this in no time!

2. Disable Hyper-V (fixes 0x80070050 in Windows Sandbox)

3. Turn off syncing to OneDrive

For many users, syncing files to OneDrive triggered theERROR_FILE_EXISTSWin32 error, and simplydisabling OneDrivequickly fixed things. Also, if you have other active cloud storage services likeGoogle Drive,uninstall the app(s)and check for improvements!

4. Disable the Windows character limit for path

If you are gettingError 0x80070050: The file existswhile performing file-based operations manually or via a script, it could be the character limit imposed by Windows to blame. So, all you have to do is disable the character limit for path via Registry Editor!

5. Repair the corrupt system files

Your PC may throw file-related errors when there arecorrupted system files. To fix this, run the SFC(System File Checker)andDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)scans, which will replace the affected system files with their cached copy stored in Windows.

6. Run the Check Disk utility

The built-in disk repair utility,Check Disk, can fix issues like bad sectors and other disk-related issues, which are often the reason for(0x50) ERROR_FILE_EXISTS.

7. Perform an in-place upgrade

When nothing else works, the last option is to perform an in-place upgrade. It is likereinstalling Windows, but you don’t lose personal files or apps!

One of these solutions should have helped with theERROR_FILE_EXISTSWindows error. If the error appears while deleting files, restartingFile Exploreror the PC should suffice. For other scenarios, in-depth troubleshooting is necessary.

Before you leave, discover expert tips tomake File Explorer faster in Windows!

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.

Fix: ERROR_FILE_EXISTS Code 80 (0x50)#

How can I fix ERROR_FILE_EXISTS in Windows?#

1. Restart File Explorer#

2. Disable Hyper-V (fixes 0x80070050 in Windows Sandbox)#

3. Turn off syncing to OneDrive#

4. Disable the Windows character limit for path#

5. Repair the corrupt system files#

6. Run the Check Disk utility#

7. Perform an in-place upgrade#