What is WindowsApps hidden folder and why can't I access it?

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There are a lot of folders in Windows which are hidden on purpose. They store important files that should not exist modified by a user who doesn't know about its usage. It can be a folder where system files are stored, or the programs are stored. In this post, we are talking about one such folder— WindowsApps, and if yous are not able to admission it, then how tin can yous resolve it.

WindowsApps folder in Windows x

The option to show the hidden folder is straight upfront under the Views section of File Explorer. And so if you chose to enable it, and see those subconscious folders in Windows partition, and so lets outset understand what WindowsApps folder is. If you lot attempt to open up it, it volition non be attainable even for the administrator account.

What is the WindowsApps Folder used for?

This folder is located in C:\ProgramFiles folder, and contains all the files and apps you download from the Microsoft Store. Equally a matter of fact, if yous ever chose to movement programs to some other division, it will create another WindowsApps folder in that drive.

The problem with this folder is that if you lot motility dorsum apps to primary drive, Windows will choose to go on the binder, and volition not permit you to delete them. And so if you are stuck with such a problem, then this mail service will help yous to resolve it.

Before that, the reason why you are not able to access it because it is owned by Trustedinstaller user and restricted to System users, and nobody else has permission for information technology. If you lot become to Properties of the folder and navigate to Security > Avant-garde and click on the Continue button, information technology will reveal the users and permissions.

Since your account is non in the list, you cannot access information technology.

Read: What are Peflogs and System.SAV folders?

How to access WindowsApps Folder, and Delete it

Information technology is advised not to change the folder permission, and alter buying of the folder if in that location are apps installed in information technology. Information technology is not possible to delete the binder in the Windows partition, as y'all volition run into an mistake. If you want to remove the folder which is non empty, and which is on a different drive, and then you tin can choose to delete information technology using the method below:

Assuming you have moved your apps back, y'all volition have to have buying of the folder to delete it.

Right-click on the folder, and select properties
Navigate to Security tab, and click on Advanced Button and so on Continue button
In the advanced security window, click on Change Link in the Possessor section, and add together your username to it with total permission.
Bank check the box which says, "Replace possessor on subcontainers and objects."
Apply the changes, and wait for the process to complete.
Shut open up the security settings again and select the user you just added.
Information technology will now enable the Add push, which will allow you to add together permission.
Click on it and then click on Select a Principal link in the next window.
Observe and add together the same user account, and under basic permission, let full control.

Having done that, yous should be able to delete the folder, and the content within information technology.

Pro Tip: If in that location is aught inside the segmentation except for these folders, so you lot can format it and become rid of everything inside it. It is the easiest method, and Windows will not restrict you by whatsoever ways.

I promise this was able to clarify the WindowsApps hidden binder and why you are not immune to admission it. Although nosotros advise that yous do not delete it, we have also explained how to delete it from other partitions where you have moved the apps.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a ten-year Microsoft MVP (2006-xvi) & a Windows Insider MVP. Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Indicate before making any changes to your system & be careful about any tertiary-party offers while installing freeware.