The reasons you should never delete it

System32 is the name of a folder used by the Windowsoperating system.

The directory holds importantfilesthat are crucial for the normal functioning of Windows, so it should never be deleted.

This is true for both32-bit and 64-bitversions of Windows.

Windows 11 system32 folder

Hal.dll Error in Windows XP.

Whats in System32?

However, you might be surprised to know some of the things it holds.

For example, when you openCommand Prompt, youre really runningcmd.exefrom the system32 folder.

Folder Access Denied message on the System32 folder in Windows 10

Most computers have their system drive assigned with the letterC, but yours might be different.

What Runs in System32?

Important services and processes are kept in system32, too, likeconhost.exe,svchost.exe,lsass.exe, anddashost.exe.

Windows 10 automatic repair screen

Eventhird-party programscan put files in system32, like theDropboxservice DbxSvc.exe.

What Happens If You Delete System32?

Dont delete itshould be the only answer you need!

Hal DLL error in Windows XP

Hal.dll Error in Windows XP.

This means many of the files arelockedand cant be deleted normally.

What follows would be a long line of system errors as your machine slowly falls apart.

Many of these would benot found or missing DLL errors.

For example, missing drivers would make it impossible for Windows to communicate withcomputer hardware.

This might include your keyboard and mouse, monitor, hard drive, etc.

Since various important system processes would be deleted along with system32, normal operations would cease to function.

All of the above is assuming that Windows would be able to load at all.

By the way, ntoskrnl.exe wouldalsobe removed if system32 got deleted.

It should be clear by now: deleting system32 is absolutely not recommended and should not be performed.