RED
Remove Empty Directories searches for and deletes empty folders, according to its software page.
About RED
RED searches recursively below a selected start folder for empty directories and deletes them after review. It displays the folders it finds before deletion, supports multiple delete modes including delete to recycle bin, filter lists for including or excluding directories, and detection of folders that contain only empty files.
It runs on Windows XP, Vista or 7 with Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 or later, and might work on Windows 8 and Linux via Mono. The stable 2.2 normal edition cannot clean some system directories, and the 2.3-beta.0 release may contain bugs.
Key features
- Recursively scans for empty folders below a chosen start folder
- Shows found empty directories for review before deletion
- Supports multiple delete modes including delete to recycle bin
- Allows white and black listing of directories with filter lists
- Treats directories containing only empty files as empty
- Offers installer and portable ZIP versions for Windows
Best for: Windows users who need to remove many empty folders under a selected folder after reviewing them.
Good for
- Shows results for checking before anything is deleted.
- Includes a recycle-bin delete option and directory filter lists.
- Available as installer and portable ZIP in 32-bit and 64-bit builds.
Watch out for
- Stable 2.2 normal edition cannot clean some system directories.
- Beta 2.3-beta.0 may contain bugs and needs extra testing.
- Requires Windows and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 or later.
RED at a glance
- Website
- jonasjohn.de/red.htm
- Category
- Software & Utilities › File Utilities
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for File Utilities
RED alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Alternate File Shredder permanently deletes files and folders and can overwrite data, according to its software page.
Delapp deletes files and folders on Windows, with Windows 7 or later listed as a requirement.
Open source
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RED FAQ
Does RED delete empty folders automatically?
No, it shows the empty directories it found so they can be checked before deleting.
What does RED need to run?
Windows XP, Vista or 7 and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 or later; it might also work with Windows 8 and Linux by using Mono.
Is the 2.3-beta.0 version ready for regular use?
The page says it may contain bugs and recommends testing first on smaller directories with spot checks.
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