We earn commission when you buy through affiliate links.
This does not influence our reviews or recommendations.Learn more.
Disturbing these files could result in system errors or complete Windows OS malfunction.
Some of these folders are Program Data, System32, AppData, WindowsApps, etc.
What Is the WindowsApps Folder?
Since Windows 8 OS, Microsoft introduced a set of apps that function differently than conventional software.
Windows 10 or 11 OS stores Windows Apps and other UWP apps like Your Phone in the WindowsApps folder.
First of all, you will not see the folder unless you unhide it.
Microsoft reserved the necessary rights for the TrustedInstaller user account, which is a system account.
What Is the Purpose of the WindowsApps Folder?
However, the subfolder naming convention is different than the Program Files.
More than one folder exists to differentiate the same app with different CPU architectures.
However, Windows apps can not make huge changes in the operating system.
Microsoft achieved this by keeping these apps sandboxed inside the WindowsApps folder.
These apps cannot themselves access computer hardware or data and need permissions in all the steps.
Most Windows apps do not come with executable files like the traditional software.
Instead, they are a combination of automatic command prompt scripts and Java programs.
Users may find it challenging to run such apps.
How to Access WindowsApps Folder
There are multiple ways to pull up the WindowsApps folder.
The steps are identical for both Windows 10 andWindows 11operating systems.
It also takes less effort.
In this tutorial, it is the WhatsApp app.
you might try this or try others like Netflix, Instagram, Skype, etc.
Alternatively, you’re free to find theTask Managerfolder by searching theSearch Bar.
Step #4:choose the drop-down arrow beside the apps name to expand its processes.
If there is no drop-down arrow, move on to the next step.
Step #5:Right-clickon the apps icon and selectOpen file locationfrom the context menu that follows.
Step #6:Windows Explorer will take you to the sandboxed WindowsApps subfolder for the target app.
In this case, the WhatsApp app.
Accessing the WindowsApps folder through the Task Manager gives you viewing permission.
This step is good if you want to take a backup of the apps files and folders.
The process does not let you delete or move files from the WindowsApps folder.
To gain write and delete access, you gotta follow any of the below-mentioned steps.
This process gives you a full read and write access to this folder.
Thus, you might make any kind of change that you want.
The File Explorer-based method has two phases.
In the first phase, it’s crucial that you unhide the WindowsApps folder.
By default, Microsoft assigned the read and write permission to the TrustedInstaller user account of yourWindows 10/11computer.
Step #2:On the top ribbon, selectView.
Step #3:You will seeOptionsin theViewmenu.
Step #4:Now, select theChange folder and search optionsto open theFolder Optionswindow.
Step #5:You will see three tabs in the Folder Options window.
grab the one in the middle, theViewtab.
Step #6:The View tab has two sections: Folder Views and Advanced parameters.
Step #7:In theAdvanced controls section, select theShow hidden files, folders, and drives option.
Step #8:Now, click theApplybutton to save the changes.
The WindowsApps folder is now visible.
But, you’ve got the option to not access it yet.
you oughta manually take ownership of the folder to get read and write access.
For ownership changing purposes, you need a user account with administrative rights.
Then login again using the administrator account.
#2.While on thePropertiesscreen, hit theSecuritytab to revealAdvancedoptions.
#3.In theAdvanced Security prefs for WindowsAppsscreen, click onChange.
#4.You will see theSelect User or Groupscreen.
#5.In theObject Namefield, enter the name of the user account of your PC that has administrative rights.
#6.you’re able to simply write down the name of the user account in small letters.
The system will automatically recognize it.
However, it’s crucial that you jot down the correct user name.
#7.Now, click onCheck Namesto populate the full user account address.
#8.ClickOkto apply the changes.
#9.You will now see your user account name in theAdvanced Security controls for WindowsAppswindow.
#11.Now click onApplybutton and hitOkto initiate the ownership change process.
#12.Once the process finishes, clickOkon the notification that follows.
#13.Refresh your PC and give a shot to access theWindowsAppsfolder again fromProgram Filesby double-clicking on it.
#14.You will get full access to the folder with read and write permissions.
However, practice caution when making any changes in the subfolders.
Because if you delete vital app files, the respective Windows app may not function anymore.
This step is particularly useful when you should probably clean up disk space.
Using Windows Powershell
The Windows File Explorer-based ownership change process for the WIndowsApps folder is somewhat tricky.
it’s crucial that you follow the steps correctly, or you will waste valuable time.
There is an easy and automated process that you could also try by using Windows Powershell.
It is a robust configuration and task automation program for Windows.
All Windows operating system versions since Windows 7 come with this program.
You also do not need to unhide hidden files, folders, and drives.
Step #2:bang out inPowershelland wait for the app to come up.
Step #3:You will see theWindows Powershellapp on the right side of the search console.
Step #4:Click onRun as administratorto launch the program.
Step #6:Once the program is up and running, execute the following command.
it’s possible for you to copy the below command and paste it as is inPowershelland hitEnter.
Step #7:The Powershell commandtakeownrestores file or folder ownership to the system administrator.
Advanced users utilize this command to facilitate ownership transfer for batch files.
Step #11:A flashing cursor will show up when the process is complete.
The access you gain by executing the above process is similar to that of the Windows File Explorer-based method.
You have just automated the process and eliminated unhiding of system files.
