Windows 10: Creation Date of folder under WindowsApps changed to today?

I have a workstation in use by a client, who is reporting what he believes to be "suspicious" activity on his computer. As evidence of the suspicious activity, he provided the attached screenshot, which shows that the Creation Date of "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_16005.14326.20544.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe" is January 7, 2022. He believes this indicates that something malicious has replaced the email program on his computer in an attempt to gain access to his personal information.I have no evidence to support any malicious activity. Network firewalls and audit l

:)

 

Microsoft OneDrive Changing The 'Original Creation Date' On Folders?

Please see this

Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in OneDrive
on this link
Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in OneDrive - Office Support
and the general link
Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive - Office Support

I appreciate it is One Drive on Microsoft Office but the principle applies to One Drive itself

If OneDrive backup is on the each time a folder is backed up to OneDrive, the creation date is the date of the backup to the Cloud

This happens of course, even if you have not changed edited or deleted or modified anything

Numerous requests have been made to Microsoft for this to be changed, but as far as I know it has not been and Microsoft have I think said it is unlikely it will

I could provide you with numerous examples but I doubt it would help you
Here are a few
Keeping Original Folder Creation Date – Feature Suggestions for Microsoft OneDrive

Keeping original creation/modification dates when uploadig – Feature Suggestions for Microsoft OneDrive

The link below may help you.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...c-7a7ea2bde4d0
understand what I mean, but you would NOT I presume wish to follow that - as MOVE of course is not what you want.

Cheers I hope it helps a little
Please stay safe yourself in the crisis
Thanks for your best wishes and as it does really matter to you PLEASE do not hesitate to ask for further details if you need them.

 

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.

 

WindowsApps folder is empty

Hi,

WindowsApps folder is where files of all default and Store apps are stored. For us to effectively assist you with your concern, we would like to know the following:

• Are you having issues with the Windows apps on your PC?
• When was the last time you saw the contents of the the WindowsApps folder?
  
• Were there any changes made prior to your concern?

Regards.