Windows 10: How do I move a WindowsApps folder app?

Here's the scenario. Running latest Windows 10 version 1903

Yours truly got a new SSD. Initialized, runs fine, shows up in My PC. Great.

I want to move The Outer Worlds, installed through GamePass on one of my HDDs, to my new SSD. Should be a trivial click on "Move" from within the Installed Applications page in the [absolutely trash] Windows 10 System Settings app.


Windows Developer Dooky #1: It doesn't appear as a drive I can move it to. If I go to "Change where Windows stores files", it doesn't appear as a drive there too.

This is where Google stops being helpful. Nothing exists. You can't find help for "my SSD doesn't appear in system settings while being fine in every other way".


Windows Developer Dooky #2: It's painful to even OPEN the WindowsApps folder, where the Microsoft Store installs apps. I go through these outrageous loopsand manage to get permissions. I have viewing privileges as the Administrator of the computer. Absolutely riveting development, too bad I CAN'T COPY THE FILES OR SYMLINK USING STEAMMOVER.

Basically, I'm ____ out of luck for even a simple copy-paste attempt at running the game elsewhere.


Windows Developer Dooky #3: I NEVER INSTALLED CANDYCRUSH. I can't uninstall it. It takes up hundreds of megabytes in the WindowsApps folder. I never installed, I can't delete it because no permissions to modify it, even though I'm the Administrator and owner of the whole folder, full permissions.

Someone help me brute force move The Outer Worlds to the SSD and call it a day. That's all I want. Bonus points for absolutely annihilating CandyCrush off my computer.


tl;dr: I can't move The Outer Worlds because WindowsApps folder is under lockdown, and my SSD doesn't appear as a location I can install or move Microsoft Store apps to. Help, please. Thank you.


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For reference, things I have already done:

Note that none have worked.

1. Wipe drive, reinitialize as GPT instead of MBR as I did initially.

2. Change drive letter

3. Made sure "write caching on the device" is enabled, there is no "optimize for quick removal" enabled

4. Made sure "update drivers" wasn't the thing. It never is. Windows "driver update" never works lol. It's a myth.

5. Made sure Windows can index the drive

6. Tried to brute force take permissions.

:)

 

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.

 

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 FILE

Hi,

For us to provide you an accurate resolution regarding your WindowsApps folder issue, we would like to know the following:

• Were there any updates made on your computer prior to this concern?
• Send us a screenshot of your WindowsApps and WindowsAppsOld folders so that we can double check the issue.
• When did the issue first begin?
• What troubleshooting steps have you taken so far to resolve this?

We look forward to your response.