What is System32 (and what happens if you delete it)
By Jabin | 12/10/2022
What is it?
System32 is a system folder included in most versions of Windows. It contains crucial files and data the operating system needs to run properly. There are also application files in the System32 folder, such as regedt32.exe which is the system Registry Editor, and taskmgr.exe which is the task manager.
What happens if you delete it?
Windows has several measures in place to keep you from deleting system files which will essentially break the operating system if deleted, however if you take ownership of any folder that Windows needs, you can try and delete it without Windows telling you that you don’t have permission, even if you’re an administrator on the device. Even if you take ownership of the folder and try to delete it, Windows will let you know that it can’t because files inside are open.
It's still possible
DO NOT DELETE SYSTEM32 OR ANY OTHER ESSENTIAL FOLDER ON WINDOWS UNLESS YOU’RE RUNNING IT IN A VIRTUAL MACHINE OR A MACHINE YOU’RE OKAY DESTROYING.
DO NOT DO THIS TO PRANK YOUR FRIENDS EITHER, IT’S NOT FUNNY TO DELETE PEOPLE’S OPERATING SYSTEM.
Even though some files will be open at all times it is still possible to delete System32. You can try to delete individual files that may not currently be in use, or you can open the Command Prompt and use commands to delete as many files as Windows can. If you try to open apps like Control Panel or Task Manager you’ll get errors.
The end
This is basically the end of your system. If you restart your computer Windows will most likely try to do an automatic repair, but won’t be successful. You’ll need to reinstall Windows.
Please don’t delete System32 on your own device or on anyone else’s. Hopefully you learned a thing or two about the Windows system and files/folders it uses from this article. Comment below with any questions or suggestions you have!