Windows 10: Can't Delete Windowsapp folder

I install my windowsapp games on a separate hard drive. After reinstalling windows, I am no longer able to access or delete this folder. Most of the drive is being used by files and folders I CANNOT format or delete. So formatting the drive is not an option. I have tried changing the permission by doing the following...


Right click on folder / Properties

Security / Advanced

Selecting "change" owner

In "Enter names" I type out the name of the new device and select "check names"

Then I select "replace owner on all subcontainers and objects"

I hit apply, and it tells me to close all the windows and reopen them for access


As soon as I attempt to delete the folder I get the same error. I have a windowsapp folder on drive and I can't delete it.


I want to be able to delete this folder so it's not consuming space on the drive.

:)

 

Trouble deleting a folder

Thanks for the suggestion but it says "delete folder failed for E:\....." for each folder I try.

*Confused

Will I be forever stuck with these unnecessary folders? *Oh Well hwell:

 

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!

 

How to delete WindowsApps?

Good day! I apologize that you are having this issue and I am hoping we can work through it and fix it.

1. Click windows key + X > open a command prompt (admin) > type or copy these commands:

takeown /f "%ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps" /a /r /d y

icacls "%ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps" /inheritance:r /grant:r AdministratorsOI)(CI)F /t /c

After this step, try to delete it again. It should be known that the windowsapps folder has insane security on it. It is extremely difficult to get rid of because it is vital to a lot of apps/services on Windows. It may not be possible. In the future, A lot
of good Windows Apps will not work because the folder is missing and you may be out of luck if you ever need it again.