Windows 7 - Folder - Delete from Command Prompt

   Information

This will show you how to permanently delete a Folder using the RD or RMDIR command from within a command prompt. This can be handy if you cannot delete the folder using the normal methods.

   Note

While you can run this command in a non-elevated or elevated command prompt, you would get the best results using a elevated command prompt.

   Warning

The folder will be deleted immediately and not placed in the Recycle Bin first. Deleting a folder using this command will also delete all of it's contents as well as the folder. Be sure to backup anything you want to keep in the folder first.

1. To Use a Elevated Command Prompt in Windows

A) Open a Elevated command prompt.

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Use a Command Prompt at Boot

A) Open a command prompt at boot.

B) In the command prompt, type diskpart and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

C) In the command prompt, type list volume and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will let you see what the drive letter is for the drive that you want to delete the folder in since it may not always be the same drive letter that it is in Windows.

D) After making note of the drive letter, type exit and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

3. In the command prompt, type the command below and press enter.
NOTE: Substitute Full Path of Folder within quotes below with your folder's full path within quotes instead.

Code:

RD /S /Q "Full Path of Folder"

NOTE: For example, if I wanted to delete a folder named Folder on my desktop, I would type this command below.

Code:

RD /S /Q "C:\Users\UserName\Desktop\Folder"

4. The folder should now be deleted.

5. Close the command prompt.
NOTE: If you used a command prompt at boot, then also close the System Recovery Options window and restart the computer.