The Microsoft Windows operating system includes some restricted and hidden folders that typically contain files that aid in the smooth operation of Windows 11 or 10. Disturbing these files may cause system errors or complete Windows OS failure.
Program Data, System32, AppData, WindowsApps, and so on are examples of these folders. Among these folders, WindowsApps is of particular interest because this drive consumes a significant amount of disk storage when app installations from the Windows Store are not restricted.
When it comes to accessing your Windows App folder in Windows 10, we’re going to break the code.
How to Access the WindowsApps Folder?
Most of the time, installing an app from the Microsoft Store does not necessitate searching for its directory. However, you may encounter some problems that require troubleshooting. All apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store are placed in the WindowsApps folder by default.
When you start looking for this folder, the problem begins. The first thing you should know is that it is by default hidden. And there’s a good reason for it. Some of the core Windows 10 components can be found in the WindowsApps folder.
Windows attempts to prevent users from making unwanted changes by hiding it. Aside from Microsoft Store apps, you’ll find some other core Windows Universal apps in this folder. To summarize, restricting the WindowsApps folder makes sense from a security standpoint.
As a result, getting to it takes some time and effort. But don’t be concerned. We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you get to this folder as quickly as possible.
The entire procedure will be divided into two parts: making the folder visible and claiming ownership of it.
Using Windows File Explorer to Access the WindowsApps Folder
- Click “View” > “Hidden Items” in the File Explorer. This enables us to proceed and locate the folder.
- Navigate to the “Program Files” directory and look for the WindowsApps folder in the directory list.
- Select “Properties” from the options menu by right-clicking on it.
- In the newly opened “Properties” window, navigate to the “Security” tab.
- In the newly opened “Properties” window, navigate to the “Security” tab.
- When you reach the “Advanced Security Settings for WindowsApps,” select “Change” next to the “Owner” information.
- A new box with the title “Select User or Group” will appear. Fill in your Windows username in the white text box and press the “Check Names” button. Instead, if you have a Microsoft account, enter your email address.
- Click “OK.”
- Under the ownership section, you should now see your username. Under the owner’s name, check the box next to “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.”
- To save the changes, click “OK.”
You can now open and edit the WindowsApps folder, as well as all of its subfolders and files. To open the folder, simply double-click on it.
Now that you have a thorough understanding of the WindowsApps folder, you can make changes to your Windows 10 operating system with confidence. Before deleting any files from this folder, you must be familiar with it thoroughly so that you do not make a fatal error that could damage the entire operating system.
