Windows 10: Deleted WindowsApps, how do I restore?

So Game Pass for PC is broken. I had 200gb of games downloaded, canceled my subscription, and uninstalled all the games, but Game Pass only gave me 123gb of my space back. I found that all the games installation files are stored in the hidden folder 'WindowApps'. I tried several times to delete the folders inside WindowsApps, as the WindowsApps folder took up 77gb of my precious M.2 space. I accidentally found a solution/new problem by deleting the entirety of the 'WindowsApps' folder.

It didn't delete EVERY folder in there, it said some of them were being used at the time, and I only wanted rid of the games that Windows wouldn't let me access, for example my PC still boots up, but apps don't. I can't open any Microsoft apps, or the the Microsoft Store. I tried going back to a restore point, but that didn't work. I looked into the 'Reset this PC' option, but it wanted to delete every video game I have installed, and seeing as I have 5.5tb of video games downloaded, and my max internet speed in 2MB/s, that's is NOT an option.

I want my PC to function properly. I don't use any apps really, but I don't want Windows to be broken, and I don't want to delete 5.5tb of my steam games. Is there a way to restore the apps? Is there somewhere I could download the default WindowsApps folder? I have a CD with a Windows 10 ISO, is there a way to reset windows, without deleting ANY of my files, or my video games?
I worry if there is a Windows Update, and I don't have the contents of WindowsApps folder, that I won't be able to boot.

submitted by /u/KyleRendar
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:)

 

System Restore fails: AppxStaging %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApp 0x80070091

Steps taken.
Part 1/
Install W10. User -Test (No additional updates. No OEM drivers)
Create Restore Point -"Pristine"
Make a system alteration. ie; D/L and Install Google Chrome.
System Restore to RP "Pristine". (Note: Chrome should be gone.)
Successful. Chrome is gone and Edge reset. ??? Chromesetup file removed from \downloads??? Why???
New Restore Point - "Undo Restore" created by system.

Step 2/
D/L and install KB3213986. Reboot.
Make a system alteration. ie; D/L and Install Google Chrome.
Create Restore Point - "Update 1 Chrome"
Make a system alteration. Uninstall Chrome.
System Restore. (Note: Chrome should come back but may not work correctly.)
Fail. 0x80070091

To me that represents a conclusive result.

The next obvious thing to do was to roll back the Update, assuming that this will fix System Restore. However, rolling back the Update DID NOT restore the functionality of System Restore. So now my confident claim, above, is a bit shaky. If performing the update does in fact cause the issue, removing it doesn't put it right.

So now, the next obvious thing is to perform the WindowsApps rename or deletion process, to apply the fix, and run a series of testing to see if System Restore becomes stable.

Results.
Performing the WindowsApps rename fix, instead of deleting it this time, once again resulted in System Restore operating correctly. I have been able to install the remaining updates and flip back and forth between Restore Points without issue.

At this point I am done with it. My testing shows that:

• It is update KB3213986 that causes the problem to occur in the first instance.

• Rolling back the update does not correct the problem.

• Performing the known fix returns System Restore functionality.

• For how long, we don't yet know.

Should you wish to rename the WindowsApps directory rather than delete it, the attrib WindowsApps -h command line can only be performed after the icacls command line.

 

System Restore fails: AppxStaging %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApp 0x80070091

I disagree.
I first deleted it and, with System Restore "fixed", the directory was returned during the first successful use of it.
I have now, also renamed it, during testing, and after using the attrib -h command first. Similarly, it was returned after successfully using System Restore the first time.

I have now affected this procedure several times, on my actual system, and on a test setup.

• To actually get System Restore working again.

• To test simplified variation to the code.

• During the testing that showed me the update caused the problem.

Each time I've done it the WindowsApps directory is replaced when you run System Restore successfully after the fix. I do agree that it won't miraculously regenerate upon reboot.

I have not investigated the Get Office Hub you are saying causes this. You may well be 100% correct and the rename or deletion of the entire WindowsApps directory is overkill. For mine though, it worked.

@kitpzyxmsir If at one time you successfully renamed it, then it should still be there. Just rename it back again.

 

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.