Windows 10: How to remove system folders from Desktop Windows 11

Hi,We had a Windows 11 PC that lost the Drive that Ondrive was using. I tried to unlink and relink using a C: drive folder but could not see my desktop elements.I dragged the desktop folder manually into the navigation area. I think that's what I did.The drive was repaired and again unlinked and relinked Onedrive back to the original "D:" location.I now have the system "Program Files" folder and several other system folders on my desktop. If I try to simply delete them, it looks like it is trying to delete the acual system files and not a copy from some other location.How can I get these sy

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Resolved duplicate system folder issue

Denis,
I apologize for taking so long to respond. I went through each suggested step. 1 - I agree with finding the address being easier your way, and will look into changing that. 2 - I put the system files into the Quick access column as you suggested, but actually after I completed step 3. I removed the "desktop" system folder per the instructions, and found that I had a second desktop sys folder still--the one with the downloads arrow as an icon. I ran the removal program a second time, but it would not remove it. My feelings are that I now have just one functioning desktop sys folder, but only with the wrong icon. I tried to change it, but there was no option in Properties. This takes care of step 5 - I did the same with the downloads sys folder and removed and reinstalled it, just in case the desktop and downloads folders were connected somehow. It restored the correct downloads sys folder in the Users folder and it let me put it in the Quick access bar, but, oddly enough, it wouldn't show up in This PC. Really, not a problem. Yes, in Properties, it has a Locations tab that leads me back to the Users folder. I've never in 30 years of working with netbooks, laptops, and PC's had this problem. Odd. I'm good with this fix thus far and maybe will look into getting that icon fixed. Thank you immensely for helping me get rid of the double desktop folder. That was confusing. Thanks again. Cindi
KeithM,
With all of the things that Denis had me try and what you see that I am left with now, do you have and suggestions for my one remaining issue of the downloads icon on the desktop folder? If not, please accept my sincere gratitude for your suggestions and time. This was one I'd never experienced before. Thank you very much. Cindi

 

Removing errant files in the "System Volume Information" folder under Windows 10.

Hi,

Thank you for posting your response.

I suggest you to first stop Volume Shadow Copy service and try to remove the files and check. Follow the steps provided below:

Step 1: Stop Volume Shadow Copy service

• 
  Press Windows logo Key + R key.
  
• 
  Type services.msc.
  
• 
  Search for Volume Shadow Copy service.
  
• 
  Right click on it and select
  Stop.
  

Now, take ownership of the System volume Information folder and then try to delete its contents.

Step 2: File permissions.

• Right click on System volume Information folder.
• Select Properties.
• Go to Security tab.
• Select the user name.
• Click on Edit button.
• Under permission to Authenticated user, check on full control.
• Click on Apply and OK button.

Hope it helps. Do let us know the status of the issue. If you need further assistance, get back to us. We will be glad to assist you.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.