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Can't fully uninstall games.

Anonymous
2021-01-24T01:45:43+00:00

I have 3 or 4 games totaling over 200GB on my SSD that I have uninstalled through the control panel.

They no longer show up under the xbox app, no longer under my apps/programs, no longer in the windows store, does not show up while using PowerShell as an administrator but no space was cleared.

When I used TreeSize to see what the heck was going on I found out that Forza Horizon 4, Forza 7, Halo Wars 2, and Gears 5 all are refusing to fully be erased. I found this out through their weird names (forza 7 is apollobasegame and halo wars 2 is microsofthoganthreshold). They're all still under windowsapps but not showing up under windowsapps in file explorer or powershell.

I'd really really like to not have to restore all of my programs and data as I have a 2TB completely full and now seemingly can't make room.

Please someone help me.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-01-24T03:24:57+00:00

    If I show hidden folders in file explorer I can then see my WindowsApps folders but the supposedly deleted games aren't there. Only visible in treeesize.

    SOLVED

    I just had to take ownership of the file in Treesize, then make sure that I opened Treesize as an administrator, and delete it through that as it's the only place I can click on it. And I was FINALLY able to delete them and clear up about 235GB of space.

    I've seen a half dozen of these threads elsewhere on this site over the past few years that went unsolved. Every time someone has had to do a restore, and nobody ever suggested taking ownership then deleting it in TreeSize which is the only place I can actually see it.

    Thank you so much for the help!

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-01-24T04:16:07+00:00

    All other methods to delete files from Windows or Safe Mode are here:

    https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/ho...

    https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-delete-un...

    If nothing else works you can go in from Command Prompt at Boot to delete the file when WIndows is not running and therefore has no defense. Use one of these methods:

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    https://www.wikihow.com/Delete-a-File-Using-Com...

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-01-24T02:19:35+00:00

    Hi JG. I'm Greg, awarded MVP for eleven years, Volunteer Moderator, and Independent Advisor here to help you until this is resolved.

    WindowsApps folder is at C:\Program Files.

    If you have already uninstalled them in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features and they remain then you can Take Ownership of their folder first using this handy tool that will install to your right click mouse button: https://www.askvg.com/add-take-ownership-option... then Delete their folder off the drive.

    If that doesn't work use Unlocker:

    http://www.emptyloop.com/unlocker/

    I hope this helps. Based on what you report back I can answer any questions and may have other steps to perform.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-01-24T03:20:28+00:00

    Waiting here for a response so I can help you further. You said you detected the games in Windows Apps folder, but only via TreeSize, correct?

    What happens if you Show Hidden Files in Explorer View tab?

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