WindowsApps Folder: How to Find & Access It

Ensure to unhide all files when looking for the WindowsApp folder

by Henderson Jayden Harper
Henderson Jayden Harper
Henderson Jayden Harper
Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. He also enjoys... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
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  • The WindowsApps folder is a repository that contains files of programs installed from the Microsoft store.
  • Users can access the WindowsApps folder using File Explorer and a PowerShell command.
  • WindowsApps folder can be moved to other desired locations using File Explorer.
access windowsapps folder

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The WindowsApps folder is a hidden folder found in the C:\Program Files directory on Windows OS. It contains the installation files for apps installed from the Microsoft Store.

However, users encounter issues finding the WindowsApp folder. This article will show you how to find and access the WindowsApp folder.

How do I find and access the WindowsApp folder?

In this article

1. Access the WindowsApp folder via File Explorer

  1. Press the Windows + E key to open File Explorer.
  2. Go to the C:\Program Files directory and click on the View tab on the File Explorer Ribbon.
  3. Navigate to the Show/hide section and click on the box in front of the Hidden item to show hidden folders.
  4. Navigate to the WindowsApp folder, right-click on the folder, and select Properties from the drop-down.
  5. Click on the Security tab at the top of the newly opened window. Tap on the Advance button in the bottom right corner of the window.
  6. Select the Change option on the Advanced Security Setting for WindowsApps.
  7. Click on the Enter Name to select bar, type in your Windows Username, select the Check Name button, and then click OK.
  8. Your username will appear next to the Owner. Check the box next to Replace owner sub-containers and object, then click OK  to apply changes.
  9. Now you will have permission to open and edit the WindowsApp folder.

Using the above-stated steps will require the use of a Microsoft account to be able to change the folder ownership.

You can check our guide on why Windows File Explorer keeps crashing and how to fix it if it occurs on your PC.

2. Access the WindowsApp folder via a Powershell Command

  1. Left-click the Start button, type PowerShell, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
  3. Copy and paste the following lines and press Enter: takeown /f “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps” /r

The PowerShell command to find and access the WindowsApp folder is direct, advanced, and useful when other methods fail.

However, if you experience issues using Powershell, read on how to fix Powershell not opening on your PC.

3. Access the WindowsApp folder via Registry Hack

  1. Download a Take ownership registry file.
  2. Unzip the File and open the Add Take Ownership to Context menu registry file.
  3. On the following page, select Yes to add it to the registry.
  4. Click OK to close the popup and go to the C:\Program Files directory.
  5. Right-click on the WindowsApp folder and click on Take Ownership from the drop-down menu.
  6. You need to give Account Control Administrator permission for Registry Hack to work.

After trying the above steps, utilizing the Registry Hack may be the last resort. You can also learn how to use the Registry Hack to customize your Windows OS.

Can I move the WindowsApp folder to another drive?

Yes, users can move the WindowsApp folder to another drive. To do this, you can use the built-in Windows File Explorer. You can navigate to the location of the WindowsApp folder and then cut and paste it to the desired drive on the other drive. Make sure you have permission to move the folder and that you are not moving it to a read-only location.

Keep in mind that if the folder contains any applications or programs, those applications or programs may no longer function once moved to a new drive.

Alternatively, you can read about how to perform a Windows app cleanup to create more space on your device.

Also, our readers can check our guide on ways to get back the missing WindowsApp folder on Windows 11.

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