This error might seem confusing at first, but the fix is usually simple. Below are several proven solutions that should help you get Steam working properly again.

Scenario 1: Installing Steam into a Non-Empty Directory

Unlike some applications, Steam requires a completely empty folder for installation. If you try installing it into a folder that already contains files, you’ll likely encounter the “Destination folder must be empty” error. To avoid this, simply navigate to any drive, create a new folder (for example, name it “Steam”), and select this as the installation destination when prompted by the Steam installer. Once installed, Steam should run without displaying the error.

Scenario 2: Adding a New Steam Library

The “Steam library folder is not empty” error can appear when you’re trying to add a new Steam library and select a folder that already contains existing files. To resolve this, you’ll need to create a brand-new folder specifically for the Steam library—inside a new directory that doesn’t already have Steam-related files. If you’ve already added all your library directories, you can still choose one of them, create a new subfolder, and then select that folder as your Steam library destination.

Scenario 3: Moving Steam Installation or Game Files

While moving a game from one hard drive to another, you might encounter a similar error that says: “Moving content for the following app has failed: Folder already exists.” This usually happens when the destination folder already contains leftover files from a previous installation or move attempt. To fix this, you’ll need to delete the existing game folder at the destination drive and then try moving the game again. Don’t worry—this won’t delete your game itself. Steam will move the game files properly, and you’ll still be able to play it from your preferred drive once the process is complete.

Scenario 4: Reinstalling Steam Without Removing Previous Files

If you did not remove all the Steam files and are trying to reinstall it, you will face the “folder is not empty” error. To fix this issue, you must ensure that every Steam file is deleted before you reinstall the app.  If issues persist, contact Steam Support for further assistance.

Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 5Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 72Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 21Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 72Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 99Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 38Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 27Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 66Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 20Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 76Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 82Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 57Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 77Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 7Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 97Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 39Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 85Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 6Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 90Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 84Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 17Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 78Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 98Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 35Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 97Fix Steam Error Destination Folder Must Be Empty - 58