How to recursively delete an entire directory with PowerShell 2.0?

If you're committed to powershell, you can use this, as explained in the accepted answer:

rm -r -fo targetDir

But I've found it to be faster to use Windows Command Prompt

rmdir /s/q targetDir

In addition to being faster, another advantage to using the command prompt option is that it starts deleting files immediately (powershell does some enumeration first), so if something breaks while it's running, you've at least made some progress in deleting files.

del <dir> -Recurse -Force # I prefer this, short & sweet

OR

remove-item <dir> -Recurse -Force

If you have a huge directory then what I usually do is

while (dir | where name -match <dir>) {write-host deleting; sleep -s 3}

Run this on another powershell terminal and it will stop when it is done.

There seems to be issues where Remove-Item -Force -Recurse can intermittently fail on Windows because the underlying filesystem is asynchronous. This answer seems to address it. The user has also been actively involved with the Powershell team on GitHub.

Add a custom function in your PowerShell $profile:

function rmrf([string]$Path) {
    try {
        Remove-Item -Recurse -ErrorAction:Stop $Path
    } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] {
        # Ignore
        $Error.Clear()
    }
}

This is the most accurate representation of rm -rf behavior.

while rm -r yields good results, the following method is faster:

$fso = New-Object -ComObject scripting.filesystemobject
$fso.DeleteFolder("D:\folder_to_remove")

To test this you can easily create a folder with X files (I used: Disk Tools to quickly generate the files).

And then run each of the variants using:

Measure-Command {rm D:\FOLDER_TO_DELETE -r}
Measure-Command {Remove-Item -Path D:\FOLDER_TO_DELETE -Recurse -Force}
Measure-Command {rd -r FOLDER_TO_DELETE }
$fso.DeleteFolder("D:\folder_to_remove")
Measure-Command {$fso.DeleteFolder("D:\FOLDER_TO_DELETE")}

the results on my test folder were:

Remove-Item - TotalMilliseconds : 1438.708
rm - TotalMilliseconds : 1268.8473
rd - TotalMilliseconds : 739.5385
FSO - TotalMilliseconds : 676.8091

The results vary but on my system the winner was the fileSystemObject. I recommend testing this on the target file system to see which method is the best for you.

Based on @John Rees's answer with some improvements.

Initial files tree . /f

C:\USERS\MEGAM\ONEDRIVE\ESCRITORIO\PWSHCFX
│   X-Update-PowerShellCoreFxs.ps1
│   z
│   Z-Config.json
│   Z-CoreFxs.ps1
│
├───HappyBirthday Unicorn
│       collection-of-unicorns-and-hearts-with-rainbows.zip
│       hand-drawing-rainbow-design.zip
│       hand-drawn-unicorn-birthday-invitation-template (2).zip
│       hontana.zip
│       Unicorn - Original.pdf
│       Unicorn-free-printable-cake-toppers.png
│       Unicorn.pdf
│       Unicorn.png
│       Unicorn2.pdf
│       Unicorn3.pdf
│       Unicorn4.pdf
│       Unicorn5.pdf
│       UnicornMLP.pdf
│
├───x
└───y

Code

function Get-ItemTree() {
    param (
        [Parameter()]
        [System.String]
        $Path = ".",

        [Parameter()]
        [System.String]
        $Include = "*",

        [Parameter()]
        [switch]
        $IncludePath,

        [Parameter()]
        [switch]
        $Force

    )
    $result = @()
    if (!(Test-Path $Path)) {
        throw "Invalid path. The path `"$Path`" doesn't exist." #Test if path is valid.
    }
    if (Test-Path $Path -PathType Container)
    {
        $result += (Get-ChildItem "$Path" -Include "$Include" -Force:$Force -Recurse) # Add all items inside of a container, if path is a container.
    }
    if($IncludePath.IsPresent)
    {
        $result += @(Get-Item $Path -Force) # Add the $Path in the result.
    }
    $result = ,@($result | Sort-Object -Descending -Unique -Property "PSPath") # Sort elements by PSPath property, order in descending, remove duplicates with unique.
    return  $result
}

function Remove-ItemTree {
    param (
        [Parameter()]
        [System.String]
        $Path, 

        [Parameter()]
        [switch]
        $ForceDebug
    )
    (Get-ItemTree -Path $Path -Force -IncludePath) | ForEach-Object{
        Remove-Item "$($_.PSPath)" -Force
        if($PSBoundParameters.Debug.IsPresent)
        {
            Write-Debug -Message "Deleted: $($_.PSPath)" -Debug:$ForceDebug
        }
    }
}

Write-Host "███ Test 1"
$a = Get-ItemTree "./Z-Config.json" -Force -Include "*" -IncludePath:$true # Tree of a file path. 1 element the file (IncludePath parameter = $true)
$a | Select-Object -ExpandProperty PSPath | ConvertTo-Json
Write-Host

Write-Host "███ Test 2"
$b = Get-ItemTree "./Z-Config.json" -Force -Include "*" -IncludePath:$false # Tree of a file path. No Result (IncludePath parameter = $false)
$b | Select-Object -ExpandProperty PSPath | ConvertTo-Json
Write-Host

Write-Host "███ Test 3"
$c = Get-ItemTree "." -Force -Include "*" -IncludePath:$true # Tree of a container path. All elements of tree and the container included (IncludePath parameter = $true).
$c | Select-Object -ExpandProperty PSPath | ConvertTo-Json
Write-Host

Write-Host "███ Test 4"
$d = Get-ItemTree "." -Force -Include "*" -IncludePath:$false # All elements of tree, except the container (IncludePath parameter = $false).
$d | Select-Object -ExpandProperty PSPath | ConvertTo-Json
Write-Host

Remove-ItemTree -Path "./HappyBirthday Unicorn" -Debug -ForceDebug #Remove the contents of container and remove the container. -Debug Prints debug messages and -ForceDebug forces to prints messages if DebugPreference is SilentlyContinue.
Remove-ItemTree -Path "./x" -Debug -ForceDebug #Remove the contents of container and remove the container. -Debug Prints debug messages and -ForceDebug forces to prints messages if DebugPreference is SilentlyContinue.
Remove-ItemTree -Path "./y" -Debug -ForceDebug #Remove the contents of container and remove the container. -Debug Prints debug messages and -ForceDebug forces to prints messages if DebugPreference is SilentlyContinue.
Remove-ItemTree -Path "./z" -Debug -ForceDebug #Remove file. -Debug Prints debug messages and -ForceDebug forces to prints messages if DebugPreference is SilentlyContinue.

Get-ChildItem -Force

Output

███ Test 1
"Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\Z-Config.json"

███ Test 2

███ Test 3
[
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\Z-CoreFxs.ps1",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\Z-Config.json",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\z",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\y",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\X-Update-PowerShellCoreFxs.ps1",       
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\x",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\UnicornMLP.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn5.pdf",  
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn4.pdf",  
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn3.pdf",  
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn2.pdf",  
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn.png",   
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn.pdf",   
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn-free-printable-cake-toppers.png",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn - Original.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\hontana.zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\hand-drawn-unicorn-birthday-invitation-template (2).zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\hand-drawing-rainbow-design.zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\collection-of-unicorns-and-hearts-with-rainbows.zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx"
]

███ Test 4
[
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\Z-CoreFxs.ps1",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\Z-Config.json",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\z",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\y",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\X-Update-PowerShellCoreFxs.ps1",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\x",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\UnicornMLP.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn5.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn4.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn3.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn2.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn.png",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn-free-printable-cake-toppers.png",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\Unicorn - Original.pdf",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\hontana.zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\hand-drawn-unicorn-birthday-invitation-template (2).zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\hand-drawing-rainbow-design.zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn\\collection-of-unicorns-and-hearts-with-rainbows.zip",
  "Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\\FileSystem::C:\\Users\\Megam\\OneDrive\\Escritorio\\pwshcfx\\HappyBirthday Unicorn"
]

DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\UnicornMLP.pdf
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn5.pdf
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn4.pdf
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn3.pdf
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn2.pdf
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn.png
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn.pdf
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn-free-printable-cake-toppers.png
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\Unicorn - Original.pdf
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\hontana.zip
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\hand-drawn-unicorn-birthday-invitation-template (2).zip
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\hand-drawing-rainbow-design.zip
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn\collection-of-unicorns-and-hearts-with-rainbows.zip
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\HappyBirthday Unicorn
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\x
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\y
DEBUG: Deleted: Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx\z


    Directory: C:\Users\Megam\OneDrive\Escritorio\pwshcfx

Mode                 LastWriteTime         Length Name
----                 -------------         ------ ----
la---           17/5/2021     1:57            272 X-Update-PowerShellCoreFxs.ps1
la---           14/5/2021    18:51            252 Z-Config.json
la---           17/5/2021     4:04          30931 Z-CoreFxs.ps1

tree . /f

C:\USERS\MEGAM\ONEDRIVE\ESCRITORIO\PWSHCFX
    X-Update-PowerShellCoreFxs.ps1
    Z-Config.json
    Z-CoreFxs.ps1

No subfolders exist

rm -r <folder_name>
c:\>rm -r "my photos"