How To Access The WindowsApps Folder In Windows Without Hassle

The WindowsApps folder in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is a protected directory where all Microsoft Store apps and other system applications are stored. Accessing this folder can be challenging due to its restricted permissions, but it is possible with the right steps.

Locating the WindowsApps Folder

To begin, you need to locate the WindowsApps folder. Here’s how:

1. Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to Program Files: Go to the C:\Program Files directory.
3. Show Hidden Files and Folders: Click on the View tab in the File Explorer toolbar, then check the box next to Hidden items to make the WindowsApps folder visible.

Changing Ownership to Access the Folder

The WindowsApps folder is owned by the TrustedInstaller account, which restricts access even for administrators. To gain access, you need to change the ownership of the folder.

Manual Method

1. Right-click the WindowsApps Folder: Right-click on the WindowsApps folder and select Properties from the context menu.
2. Go to the Security Tab: In the Properties window, navigate to the Security tab.
3. Click Advanced: Click on the Advanced button at the bottom of the Security tab.
4. Change Ownership: In the Advanced Security Settings window, click on the Change link next to Owner. Enter your administrator username (e.g., administrator) and click Check Names to validate the username.
5. Replace Owner on Subcontainers and Objects: Check the box next to Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and click Apply to apply the changes to all subfolders and files.
6. Apply and Close: Click OK to close all the windows and apply the changes.

Alternative Method Using PowerShell

If the manual method seems too complicated, you can use PowerShell to change the ownership.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Press Windows + S to open the search bar, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
2. Execute the Command: Run the following command to take ownership of the WindowsApps folder:

   takeown /f "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /r /d y
   icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant administrators:F /t
   

   This command will grant the administrators group full control over the WindowsApps folder and its contents.

Using a Registry Hack

For a quicker solution, you can use a registry hack to add a Take Ownership option to the context menu.

1. Download the Registry Hack: Download the registry hack file from a trusted source.
2. Add to Registry: Extract the file and double-click on the Add_Take_Ownership_to_context_menu.reg file. Click Yes to add it to the registry.
3. Right-click and Take Ownership: Right-click on the WindowsApps folder and select Take Ownership from the context menu. This will automatically change the ownership to your administrator account.

Important Considerations

• Security Risks: Changing the ownership of the WindowsApps folder can potentially cause issues with the integrity of the installed apps. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
• Reverting Changes: If you need to revert the changes, you will need to change the ownership back to TrustedInstaller. However, this can be challenging if you do not recall the original owner settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Can't I Access the WindowsApps Folder?
  The WindowsApps folder is protected by default to ensure the integrity and security of the system apps. Changing the ownership is necessary to access it.
• What Happens If I Modify Files in the WindowsApps Folder?
  Modifying files in the WindowsApps folder can break the integrity of the apps, causing them not to launch successfully. It is generally advised not to make any changes to the files within this folder.

By following these steps, you can gain access to the WindowsApps folder, but it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks involved and to proceed with caution.