“Delete System 32 folder and make your computer run faster.”
Many newbies are falling victim to this bad joke. You will also find memes on the internet provoking you to delete the system 32 folder and see what happens.
If you think it’s just a prank then you are wrong. Here in this article, we have explained what is system32 folder? Is it a virus and what will happen if you delete the system 32 folders?
What is System 32 Folder?
You can find the System32 folder in all Windows OS versions. You can locate this folder at C:\Windows\System32. It contains essential files and programs which help OS to work smoothly and efficiently.
The System32 folder contains different types of files format i.e. DLL, EXE, Registry, and SYS.
Out of these DLL (Dynamic Link Library) and EXE (Executable) are more common. If you search more about DLL and EXE you will know that these files play a vital role in performing various functions.
If you remove the system 32 folders then you will also see an error telling you that the DLL file is missing from your computer.
You will have to install the DLL file on your PC in a particular way.
What Will Happen When You Delete System 32?
If you have accidentally or intentionally deleted the system 32 folders then every time you boot up your PC an error will appear.
The system 32 file is corrupt error also appears if its files are missing, corrupt, or infected by Virus. Your PC performance will also decrease after deleting the system 32 folders.
Deleting the system 32 folders is not a good decision. If you did remove it you will see multiple system errors.
If you tried to restart your Windows 10 PC it will fail to boot properly. Even the most basic program called Windows task Manager when run will show you an error.
The only solution to fix the System 32 error is to reinstall Windows OS. This way you will lose all your personal data but you will surely fix the delete system 32 problem.
How to Delete System 32 Folders on Windows 10/11?
If you are keen to know the method to delete the system 32 folders from Windows 10 or Windows 7.
Then try the below steps at your own risk.
If you select System 32 folder and try to delete it, you will see a folder access denied message. That means it is not an easy task, so try this method instead.
- Press Windows key+ R and type cmd and press enter.
- Right-click on the command prompt and run it as admin, then enter a del command.
- Press y to start deleting system32. It will delete most of this folder’s files but to completely remove system 32 files create a batch file.
- To create a batch file open notepad type: echo off and next line type del C:\Windows\System32
- Save this file as .bat now click the file and run.
- To delete in library type C:\Windows\System32, then go to advanced security settings > owner, rename “TrustedInstaller” to your user account/admin account
- Now close all windows highlight your own user account and tick full control.
- Click OK.
- Now click on delete to get rid of system 32 (without seeing the error).
What Happens Afterwards?
Deleting the System32 folder is like removing medulla-oblongata from one’s skull. System 32 files contain a set of instructions, now you have removed system 32 you will see,
- More Blue Screen of Death
- Your system will slow down
- Upon reboot, you will see a black screen with an error that one system file is missing.
- When reboot Windows will automatically restore it as safety default but your PC will be stuck in a restart loop.
To conclude System 32 files as critical system files to run GUI (graphical user interface). If you do delete system 32 you will break your Windows.
The only way to fix it is to reinstall Windows OS. But if you delete system 32 on XP or Vista, then there is a folder to restore all previous tweaks.
Is System32 a Virus?
System32 is not a virus but it’s more prone to get infected by malware and viruses.
Most of the time when the virus attacks your PC. Its first target is to infect the system32 folders.
That’s why on these computers you will see a message asking you to delete system 32.
Related: How To Remove Malware From Windows 10/8/7 PC (5 Steps)
But it’s a trap because if you do delete the system 32 folders, the virus will get full control over your PC. So in these situations run Windows built-in utility called Windows Defender and run a full scan.
On the other hand, you can also use third-party tools to remove malware from Windows PC.
We recommend Malwarebytes anti-malware, Iobit malware fighter, or Kaspersky. These are the best malware remover, available in free and paid versions.
