4 Ways to Fix the Steam “Destination Folder Must Be Empty” Error on a Windows PC

The “Destination folder must be empty” error is one that many Steam users have reported. This gaming issue typically arises when users try to reinstall Steam or a new version of that gaming client. Consequently, players can’t install Steam when this error occurs. This is how users can fix the “Destination folder must be empty” Steam error on Windows PCs.

Download a Fresh Installer File

There might be an issue with your Steam installation file when the “Destination folder must be empty” error occurs. To address this potential cause, click the Install Steam option on this page to obtain a new setup file. Double-click the new SteamSetup.exe file to open it and select to install from there.

Delete the Steam Folder

Some users confirm erasing the Steam folder can fix the “Destination folder must be empty” error. If you have not already uninstalled Steam for reinstallation, remove that software via the Control Panel as outlined on this Microsoft page. Then, delete leftover Steam folders like this before reinstalling the gaming client:

1. Open File Explorer by clicking the shortcut for it on the taskbar.
2. Go to the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder on the drive where you installed Steam.
3. Right-click the Steam folder and select Delete.
   
4. Restart Windows and try reinstalling Steam again.

To ensure you can see the remaining Steam folders, you might need to select Show hidden files, folders, and drives. To select that setting in Windows 11 File Explorer, click the three-dot menu button on the command bar and Options > View. In Windows 10, click Options and View from the View tab. Then, select Show hidden files > Apply > OK.

Select a Newly Created Installation Folder For Steam

Installing Steam in a newly created folder might fix the “Destination folder must be empty” error for some users. This potential fix involves creating a new folder location for installing Steam. Try installing Steam in a newly created folder like this:

1. Go into File Explorer’s This PC > Documents directory.
   
2. Right-click inside Documents to select New > Folder.
3. Next, input any name of preference for a new folder title.
4. Open the folder that includes the SteamSetup.exe file.
5. Double-click the SteamSetup.exe file.
6. Click Browse in the setup file.
   
7. Select the new folder you created in the Documents directory.
8. Click on Install to proceed with Steam installation.

Try Running the Installer File With Admin Rights

If you still can’t reinstall Steam, try running the setup file with administrative rights. To do so, open the folder containing your downloaded SteamSetup.exe file. Right-click the file to select Run as administrator.

The potential fixes covered above usually fix the “Destination folder must be empty” error when it occurs for Steam reinstallation. Then, you can install the Steam client for playing games. If that issue persists, consider contacting Valve’s help service for more possible fixes by clicking Contact Steam Support on this page.