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Wrentdr's avatar
Wrentdr
Iron Contributor
Aug 30, 2025

How do I delete empty files created by Linux in the Windows 11 operating system?

Hello everyone, after downloading an infected emulator onto my computer, a blank file named “Linux” suddenly appeared in File Explorer (it has no content and isn't a program). I can't perform any normal operations on it or delete it. I feel this poses a security risk and want a method to completely remove it.

 

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1 Reply

  • ShahabM's avatar
    ShahabM
    MCT
    Aug 30, 2025

    To remove the Linux icon from Windows Explorer in Windows 11, which typically appears due to WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) or a Linux emulator, follow these steps:

    Step-by-Step Cleanup Guide
    1. Unregister WSL Distributions
    Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
    wsl --list

    This shows all installed Linux distributions. Then, for each one you want to remove:
    wsl --unregister <DistroName>

    Replace <DistroName> with the actual name (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, etc.).

    2. Uninstall WSL Feature (Optional)
    If you no longer need WSL at all:

    Open Settings > Apps > Optional Features.
    Scroll to Windows Subsystem for Linux.
    Click Uninstall.

    3. Remove Linux Emulators
    Go to:
    Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
    Uninstall any third-party Linux emulators (e.g., Cygwin, Git Bash for linux, etc.).

    4. Clean Up Residual Files
    Check and delete leftover folders:
    C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Packages
    Look for folders starting with CanonicalGroupLimited... or similar.
    and Remove those

    5. Restart Your PC
    This ensures the Linux icon disappears from File Explorer.

    Warning:
    You will lose all your data stored in your Linux installation of WSL or installed Emulator App.
    So please be sure of what you are removing.

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