2 Windows Folders in C Drive: How to Deal with Them?

Having two "Windows" folders on your C: drive can be concerning. This guide offers several solutions to resolve this issue, potentially caused by malware or system inconsistencies.

Solution 1: Malware Scan

A virus or malware infection is a common culprit. Begin by performing a thorough system scan:

1. Open Settings (Windows key I).
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.
3. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
4. Run a Quick scan.

Solution 2: Folder Verification

This step helps determine if both folders are legitimate.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for "cmd," right-click, and select "Run as administrator").
2. Execute the command: dir c:\w\* /w
3. Examine the output. Two directories ("2 Dir(s)") suggests both are valid. Discrepancies may indicate a malicious file.

Solution 3: Factory Reset (Data Loss Possible!)

A factory reset is a more drastic measure, removing all data. Back up important files beforehand! Consider using backup software like MiniTool ShadowMaker for this.

1. Open Settings (Windows key I).
2. Go to System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
3. Choose either Keep my files (preserves personal data, but not necessarily all system files) or Remove everything (complete wipe).
4. Select Cloud download or Local reinstall.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Solution 4: Clean Install (Advanced Users)

This involves a clean installation of Windows, preserving personal files and applications. This is a more advanced procedure.

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from the official Microsoft website.
2. Mount the ISO and run the setup.
3. Choose to keep your files during the installation process.
4. Complete the installation.

Conclusion

These steps offer various approaches to address the issue of duplicate "Windows" folders. Start with the less destructive methods (malware scan and folder verification) before resorting to a factory reset or clean install. Remember to back up your data before attempting major system changes.

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