Delete System 32 and make your computer run faster.” These days many newbies are falling victim to this bad joke. You will find many memes on the internet provoking you to delete the system 32 folder and see what happens. If you think it’s just an online prank then you are wrong. Here in this article, you will know;
- What is the system 32 folder on Windows?
- How To delete it?
- What happens if you delete system 32?
- Is it a virus?
After reading this article you should be able to know the consequences of removing the system 32 folder from Windows 10/8/7/Vista.
Where is the system32 folder in Windows 10 and what it does?
You will find the System32 folder in all modern Windows versions. You can locate this folder at C:\Windows\System32. It contains essential files and programs which help OS to work properly.
The System32 folder contains different types of files in it 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.
When PC starts it automatically runs many built-in programs and then came third-party programs, all of which require executable commands. The system’s 32 directories contain all these commands. If you delete the system 32 folders, then you will face a series of errors while running basic programs.
What happens if you delete system32?
Someone on the internet enquired that “Is it true that system32 file in Windows is a virus and that deleting it can restore high-speed internet?” For them 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 stick 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 is to reinstall OS. But if you delete system 32 on XP or Vista, then there is a folder to restore all previous tweaks.
How to delete system 32 folder on Windows 10?
If you want to know how to delete the system 32 folders on Windows 10 or Windows 7. Then follow these steps.
Note: Try these steps on your own Risk.
At the same time bear in mind deleting the system 32 folders isn’t an easy task. It needs determination and insight knowledge about how the system works. So, if anyone told you that he accidentally delete system 32 from Windows, well he’s joking.
Now coming to the main point which is how to delete this folder? 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).
Is aystem32 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 any PC. Its first target is to infect the system 32 folders. That is why on these computers you will see a message asking you to delete system 32.
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 anti-malware software. We recommend Malwarebytes anti-malware, Iobit malware fighter, or Kaspersky. These are the best malware remover, available in free and paid versions.