Windows 10: WindowsApps Wiped

My WindowsApps folder switched to another drive, and the only three folders inside it are completely empty. My windows start button doesn't work, search doesn't work, windows store is completely gone, I can't search in file explorer, and probably more. The only thing I can think of that would have done this is when I was trying to open up a new directory to another drive for Steam. I had gone into the drive that originally had WindowsApps folder and everything was working, I right clicked and went to advanced secrurity settings, and I had made the new owner my account because it wasn't already. Then I checked the "Replace all child object..." button, and ran that for a while. I stopped it midway, and now these things are no longer working.


There is probably other information that is important for me to say about this issue, but I'm not smart enough to know what. So please, if there's anything else I should add let me know! I'd appreciate any potential solutions.

:)

 

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.

 

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.

 

Copying files into WindowsApps directory

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Please note that it is not advised to make any changes in the WindowsApps folder, as it can cause issues while using the pre-installed apps. However, to be on a safer side you can always create a system restore point to restore the PC to the state
where everything was working fine. Refer the article to
Create a system restore point

Kindly follow the steps mentioned below to take ownership of WindowsApps folder.

1. Click on the Search Bar on the left hand side of the
   Taskbar.
   
2. Now type CMD, right click on it, and select
   Run as Administrator.
   
3. Type in the following command: icacls "%ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps" /grant Administrators:F
   
4. Once the above command is successfully executed run the following command:
   icacls "%ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps" /grant Administrators:F /t
   
5. Type Exit and hit enter.
   
6. Restart the PC.
   

After the restart you should be able to make changes inside the WindowsApps folder.

If the issue persists, please get back to us with the results of troubleshooting steps to assist you better.

Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator