Windows 10: WindowsApps folder filled with CandyCrush and HiddenCity

I am in a business using Windows 10 Pro v. 21H2 and 22H2. We've had over 100 PCs with a WindowsApps folder that is 40GB or greater. This puts the hard drives in the red and nothing works right. The machines are automatically downloading CandyCrush and HiddenCity files. I found a registry edit that lets me take ownership of the folder so Ï can delete the files within it. However, it takes HOURS to gain permission of the folder and everything in it. I mean HOURS!#1 - How do I stop these friggin things from downloading?#2 - Is there a faster way to delete files?THANK YOU!

:)

 

WindowsApp Folder

It is already installed. In accordance with your suggestion, I have created a folder for it under Program Files and moved it there. Thanks. I would still be interested in understanding why I cannot get access to the WindowsApps folder, even after following all the steps I can follow online. Any insights please?

 

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 issues

A few ways to access that folder without causing damage are listed here:

Taking ownership of windowsapps folder - failed to process?