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Folder - Delete from Command Prompt

How to Delete a Folder in Windows from the Command Prompt
Published 16 Jan 2010
Published by
Brink's Avatar

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How to Delete a Folder in Windows from the Command Prompt


information   Information
This will show you how to permanently delete a Folder in Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 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   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   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.


EXAMPLE: RD and RMDIR Command
NOTE: You can use either the RD or RMDIR command in the command prompt. They are the same command.
Folder - Delete from Command Prompt-about_rd_rmdir.jpg



Here's How:
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for where you would like to use a command prompt at.


2. To Use a Elevated Command Prompt in Windows
A) Open an Elevated command prompt in Vista/Windows 7 or Windows 8, and go to step 4 below.
3. To Use a Command Prompt at Boot
A) Open a command prompt at boot in Vista/Windows 7 or Windows 8, and go to step 4 below.

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)
Folder - Delete from Command Prompt-command-1.jpg
4. 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"
Folder - Delete from Command Prompt-elevated_command_prompt.jpg
5. The folder should now be deleted.

6. 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.
That's it,
Shawn
Need more help? Try searching our extensive help and support site.
Loading
16 Jan 2010  
IggyAZ

 
Bringing back memories from 30 years ago.
I thought everyone know that.

DOS RULEZ!
My System SpecsSystem Spec

16 Jan 2010  
Brink

 
Hello Iggy (John ),

Yeah, we've been having a few folks not being able to delete folders normally, so I thought this could help with that. DOS does rule.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
27 Feb 2010  
Razzputin

 
Thank you worked like a charm
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


27 Feb 2010  
karlsnooks

 
Guess it's too much to suggest to them:
rd /s /q %userprofile%\desktop\foldername
My System SpecsSystem Spec
27 Feb 2010  
Brink

 
Hello Karl,

For only the C:\User\(user-name) location, that would be fine.

I just used the normal full path version since it would be a better example for all situations. Plus, the %path% may not work so well if a command prompt at boot is used. That's all.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
27 Feb 2010  
karlsnooks

 
Hello Shawn,
I agree.
Karl
My System SpecsSystem Spec
11 May 2010  
faridfaiz

 
great
thanks dude.it work 100%
My System SpecsSystem Spec
11 May 2010  
Brink

 
You're most welcome Faridfaiz, and welcome to Seven Forums.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
12 May 2010  
baarod

 
Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by Brink View Post
Hello Iggy (John ),

Yeah, we've been having a few folks not being able to delete folders normally, so I thought this could help with that. DOS does rule.
Arrgh! It's not DOS!!! If I try anything with Int 21h Windows 7 will not only reprimand me but ship me off to Jersey as well...
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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