[Update: Oct. 30] AltStore 'The directory is not empty' error makes installation impossible on Windows, devs aware & working on fix

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on October 29, 2021) follows:

AltStore, as its name suggests, is an alternative app store for iOS devices. Many users install this store to obtain apps that allow them to get more out of their phones and tablets.

However, according to multiple reports, the latest AltStore update is not allowing users to install the store on their iOS devices through Windows OS (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12).

To install AltStore on your iOS device, you must download AltServer, a program that runs from your computer (macOS or Windows). It is through AltServer that you can sideload AltStore directly to your iPhone or iPad.

Having said all the above, the most recent AltStore update does not allow this process to be completed. Many users are reporting that they just get an annoying ‘remove: The directory is not empty’ error.

Don’t install the latest AltStore update if you like your jailbreak. You’ll get this message: remove: The directory is not empty error “C:\Users….” and you won’t be able to install Altstore or Jb your phone. If anyone knows a fix for this, please share. There are alot of us w/ borked phones now that we can’t jailbreak and it really, really sucks.
Source

I’ve tried everything I can think of, and google/reddit search hasn’t been helpful at all. I’ve restarted my computer and iPhone, deleted all apps installed by AltStore, and uninstalled then reinstalled AltServer, and I still cant get it to work. It tells me that a directory isn’t empty, yet that directory literally doesn’t exist.
Source

User reports agree that the problem started since they tried to update AltStore to its latest version.

The multiple reports with user complaints about AltStore installation failed came straight to its developers. Through a statement, they confirm that it is a bug and that they are working on it.

We’re currently investigating the “Directory is not empty” error some Windows users are experiencing when installing AltStore. We hope to have a fix available soon.
Source

It should be noted that, in the statement, they only mention Windows as the OS affected by the bug.

At this time, users affected by this issue can only wait for the fix to be ready as quickly as possible. We will update this article to keep you informed with all related news that may arise on the matter, so stay tuned.

12:25 pm (IST): A user replied to the AltStore installation issue on Windows and suggested a workaround that may possibly help the affected users.

Unplug your phone, run altstore, plug in phone, choose view folder and files in the explorer when it pops up, now you should be able to sign in. (Source)

04:40 pm (IST): Support team has confirmed that the ‘Directory is not empty’ issue has been fixed and users can now install AltStore from Windows as usual.

Featured image: AltStore Twitter account

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