Windows 10: Cannot delete Microsoft-bloatware windowsapps

Hello,


I have a SSD, running Windows 10 latest updates and my disk space is limited. I have been trying to delete files from the program files\windowsapps for at least 3 hours but it simply does not work. There are about a dozen threads of users who had the same problem and most recommend to change the user rights, e.g. this one:

https://www.maketecheasier.com/access-windowsapps-folder-windows-10/ [this is not on official microsoft site... be warned... etc...]


However, I cannot reproduce any of their solutions. Using the explorer in administrator mode, I was still able to start executing the change, but it always fails on some container and tells me that the whole process has failed. So, apparently, Microsoft has changed something about this. This leaves my issue, sadly, unsolved.


On a side note: I know this is a public forum so I will abstain from any negative thoughts about the developers who blessed the community with their decision to grant every windows user 6 GB of unremovable bloatware. Please accept my sincere thanks if you should read this message, I have never been happier.


reference pic of the glorious bloatware:





edit: Solved it due to hints from another site.


Solution:

1 Open Powershell


2 SEARCH for the full package names of the bloatware with wildcards, e.g.: Get-AppxPackage -allusers king.com*


3 Use this full package name and DESTROY it using the remove command:

Remove-AppxPackage -package "king.com.CandyCrushFriends_1.32.4.0_x86__kgqvnymyfvs32"


4 Profit from a bloatware-free environment

:)

 

WindowsApps folder says permissions are corrupted and need to be deleted, is this normal or critical?

According to your description, I suggest you try the following steps:

1. Navigate to the location C:\Program Files.
   
2. Right-click on the WindowsApps folder, and select Properties.
   
3. Turn to Security tab and click on Advanced.
   
4. Click on Change and then type Users in Enter the object name to select area.
   
5. Click on OK, then click Apply > OK. You can also add the TrustedInstaller to the users list and check if it takes effect.
   

However, you might be still not able to access the files. The workaround is to go inside the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\, and repeat the same way with the Microsoft.WindowsStore* folders.

 

List of Microsoft Apps Which Can Be Removed As Bloatware?

Just setting up a new Dell PC with Win10 1909. As I have been doing for past 15 years, immediately got rid the Dell bloatware, but I am stuck on what to kill off regarding Microsoft's bloatware. Cant seem to find any comprehensive list of apps OK to delete... anyone know of such a list? Thanks!

 

Deleting the WindowsApps folder on secondary drive?

Hmm, which is faster. I attempted a Live Linux Drive already but it was very slow and would not boot, not to mention I don't know a thing about using linux.

Would option 2 be easier? I looked at Macrium, but the install steps themselves are confusing me, and I fear not knowing how to navigate it once I boot to it.

EDIT: I installed Macrium Reflect Free, went through these steps to create the media.
Don't forget to check the UEFI/MBR box if you are attempting this yourself.
I then booted to it, "browsed my files for an image", but for real, navigate to the WindowsApps folder on your secondary drive, and delete it. It doesn't disappear instantly, but when you exit the drive, and log back into windows, the folder will be gone.

Thanks for the suggestion cereberus!