Microsoft’s Windows operating system comes with a lot of pre-installed applications. Some are useful, some are not. While apps like the built-in video editor are a boon, some others may not be so helpful depending on what you’re using your computer for. And unfortunately, there’s also no way to uninstall these apps.
However, what we do know is that all of these apps and services are part of the WindowsApps folder on Windows 11. So if you can access that folder, you can delete some. applications that you may not need.
However, not everyone can access the WindowsApps folder like any other folder. There are specific techniques that you will have to use to achieve it. Here are the top 3 ways to access the WindowsApps folder on Windows. But before that, let’s clear the basics.
Note: The steps apply to both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
What is the WindowsApps folder?
As mentioned earlier, the WindowsApps folder has several files that include some pre-installed Microsoft apps. Along with applications, it also contains application data and some system files that may be necessary for your PC to function properly.
So whether you want to remove the default app or remove the new version of an app that came out after an update, you’ll want to go to the WindowsApps folder.
If you haven’t used Package Manager to uninstall apps on your Windows PC, you can also use the WindowsApps folder to get rid of leftover files. Now let’s move on to methods without further advertising.
How to get access to the WindowsApps folder
We have listed 3 different ways to get access to WindowsApps folder. You can use the method that is most convenient for you. Let’s start with the easiest way.
I. Gain access to WindowsApps Folder via File Explorer
The best way to open the WindowsApps folder is through File Explorer. Accessing WindowsApps through this method involves enabling hidden folders. Then you will have to take ownership of the WindowsApps folder. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open File Explorer on your Windows PC. Then go to ‘C:\Program Files’ folder.
Step 2: Click the View option located on the top of your screen.
Step 3: Hover your mouse on the Show button. Then select the Hidden Items option.
You should now see the WindowsApps folder in the C:\Program Files folder. However, if you try to open the folder, you will get a pop-up saying: “You have been denied access to this folder” or the folder will close immediately after opening.
So to access it, you will have to own the WindowsApps folder. Follow the steps below to take ownership of your WindowsApps folder.
Change ownership of WindowsApps folder
Step 1: Right-click on the WindowsApps folder. Select Properties from the context menu.
Step 2: Go to the Security tab. Then click Advanced.
Step 3: Click the Change button next to Owner Settings.
Step 4: On the pop-up window, click Advanced.
Step 5: Then, click Find Now.
Step 6: Select the Administrator option in the control panel at the bottom. Save the changes by clicking OK.
Step 7: Click OK again in the dialog box.
Step 8: Tick the checkbox next to ‘Replace owner on subcontainers and objects’.
Step 9: Select Apply. Therefore, click the OK button to transfer ownership.
Step 10: Click OK again to close the Properties window.
The above steps will allow to transfer ownership of the WindowsApps folder. This will allow you to have access to the folder without any errors.
II. Open WindowsApps folder with PowerShell
If you are not comfortable with the File Explorer method, try gaining access to WindowsApps with a PowerShell command. Here’s how to go about it.
Step 1: Launch Windows search by clicking the Search button on the taskbar.
Step 2: Type PowerShell in the search bar.
Step 3: Now, select ‘Run as Administrator’ in the right pane. You may be asked to grant folder access as an administrator. Allow it.
Step 4: Execute the command below in the PowerShell window.
uninstall /f “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps” /r
PowerShell will give you ownership of the WindowsApps folder now. This happens when the command line stops with a SUCCESS message displayed.
Use the file explorer to navigate to the file and explore the files.
III. Use Registry Hack to Open WindowsApps
If you find it difficult to execute a command by the PowerShell method or you do not want to do it again and again, another simple way to open the WindowsApps folder is through the Registry Hack. For this method, you will need to download a third-party modified file. So only continue if you feel comfortable with that.
Step 1: Download the ‘Take Full Ownership of Files and Folders’ registry hack from Major Geeks. Essentially, this adds the ability to take ownership of files and folders to the context menu.
Step 2: Once downloaded, extract the file to any destination of your choice. Then double click the ‘Add Take Ownership to Context menu’ file.
Step 3: Add it to the registry by clicking Yes.
Step 4: Now, open File Explorer on your Windows PC. Then go to ‘C:\Program Files’ folder.
Step 5: Right-click on the WindowsApps folder. You will now find a new option here, Take Ownership. Click it.
Step 6: Grant administrative rights in the command prompt window and wait for it to display a success message.
Once done, you can double-click the WindowsApps folder to open it just like any other file or folder on your Windows PC.
What to do if you can’t access the WindowsApps folder
If you cannot open the WindowsApps folder even after following the three methods, here are some quick solutions.
- Restart your Windows PC and then try again.
- Make sure you are signed in to Windows with an administrator account.
- Try logging in to a different user account.
- Make sure you are using the correct PowerShell command.
- Install any pending updates and then try again.
Frequently asked questions about accessing the WindowsApps folder
1. Is it safe to delete the WindowsApps folder?
No, do not completely delete the WindowsApps folder from your computer as it may contain some important files that are necessary for the operation of Windows. Only delete files that you are sure to delete, such as applications that are not useful to you.
2. What’s in the AppData folder?
The AppData folder contains files related to the applications you use on your PC. It can contain files, images, and any other type of cached data that the application requires to run properly.
Say goodbye to Bloatware
After accessing the WindowsApps folder, you can delete or remove all unnecessary applications and files that are consuming resources and memory on your computer. This way you can create more space for more files and even speed up your PC.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
