Windows 10: WindowsApps\Deleted and other subfolders

Hello,
listing the content of %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps, I see a bunch of folders which appear to have a special function. Namely:
- Deleted
- DeletedAllUserPackages
- MovedPackages
- Mutable
- MutableBackup
Does anybody have an idea of their purpose? Sure, I'm not going to mess around with them, just curious.
Also, %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps\Deleted does contain one subdir:
- Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection_...
Funny, I never uninstalled the app. How could it end up there?
Cheers,
Mark

:)

 

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.

 

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!

 

Deleting the WindowsApps folder on secondary drive?

There are two tools essential tools that everyone one should always have - Macrium Reflect Free and a dishwasher. *Smile.