Share this article
Improve this guide
FIX: This folder is empty error on Windows 10/11
4 min. read
Updated onMay 14, 2024
updated onMay 14, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
This folder is emptyerror occurs occasionally for some users when they plugin USB flash drives.
File Explorer displays this annoying error for a USB drive even though the flash drive’s storage bar highlights that there are certainly files and folders in it.
As such, users can’t open the folders and files in theirUSB drives.
To fix these annoying Windows 10 errors for USB devices, check out some of the resolutions below.
How can I fixThis folder is emptyerror on Windows 10?
1. Use Copernic Desktop Search tool
Copernic Desktop Search is a free tool to search for lost files ofvarious types of extensionson your own PC, and also text, pictures, music and video files.
With this great tool you don’t need your entire hard drive to be searched. You can easily set up the specific USB flash drive which you want to be searched, and the search results you get are accurate and comprehensive.
The search findings are presented in date order, and useful search options are offered. You can install it now and get back your relevant data. This desktop finder recognizes over 150 file types.
You can use it also to locate lost emails, documents and contacts, or to get back pretty much everything that you suddenly lost.
Copernic Desktop Search
2. Scan the USB drive with a file recovery software
Stellar Data Recovery helps you to recover files that seem to be lost or cannot be opened or used.
Need more info on how this recovery tool truly works? Just take your time to check out thisdetailed Stellar Data Recovery review.
Long sort short, after starting the program, the appealing interface shows all drives available on the computer.
It is also possible to read and restore files from deleted partitions, USB sticks, smart cards, or scratched CDs/DVDs.
Once you have selected the media, you need to select a location and then click on theScanbutton at the bottom right to start the search for lost files.
If the file you are looking for is not among the items found, you can still perform a deep scan.
Stellar Data Recovery
3. Insert the flash drive in an alternative USB slot
4. Use the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
5. Select the Show hidden files, folders and drives option
The flash drive’s content might not be visible if theShow hidden files, folders and drivesoption is not selected. Selecting that option will ensure that there are no invisible folders and files.
6. Show invisible files with the attrib command
Having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin? Take a closer look at this guide!
Follow each of these steps, and let us know which one worked best for you by leaving a comment in the section below.
[wl_navigator]
More about the topics:folder,windows 10 fix
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
