WindowsApps Folder - Cannot change files despite being the owner and being logged in as Admin

Question

Hi there,

I'm trying to gain write access to the WindowsApps folder. What I did:

1. Property -> Security -> Advanced.
2. Changed owner to my account that is currently logged on as admin.
3. Checked the box below "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects".
4. Set all permissions to "Full control" and confirmed.

When trying to rename a file I get prompted for admin rights, I confirm and then I get a second prompt that I need to get permissions from my own account that I'm currently logged on with.

How can I solve this?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi F4nkee

My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

That folder is significantly protected and Microsoft doesn't really want users writing anything to it, since thats where all Store apps are kept.

Can you describe the modifications you want to make there?

Answer 2

Hi Andre,

none of these options worked for me.

Option 1: PC is up to date

Option 2: It detects there is a problem, but doesn't solve it.

Option 3:

Get-AppXPackage : Zugriff verweigert

Zugriff verweigert

In Zeile:1 Zeichen:1

• Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage - ...

    + CategoryInfo          : NotSpecified: (:) [Get-AppxPackage], UnauthorizedAccessException

    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : System.UnauthorizedAccessException,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.GetApp

   xPackageCommand

Option 4: Folder is already empty.

Any other input?

Answer 3

Hi

My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

Sorry for the inconvenience:

Option 1:

Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Check for updates

Download and install any pending updates

Restart your computer

Option 2:

Download and run the problem solver for applications and the Windows Store: http://aka.ms/diag_apps10

Option 3:

Press Windows key + X

Click Windows PowerShell (Admin)

At the command prompt, type the following then hit Enter:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

• Open the store, click on the elipses (3 dots) in the upper right corner
• Click on "settings"
• Scroll down and under account, click on "Manage your devices" (this will open the browser)
• Remove un-used devices from this list that shows up if you have 10 in there already.

Option 4:

Delete all files in

C:\Users\User_name\AppData\Local\Packages \Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache

Restart your computer

Answer 4

Hi,

thanks for your timely reply. I recently purchased Gears of War Ultimate Edition from the Windows Store and wanted to change the language setting, editing files in the WindowsApps folder, since the game doesn't allow the language to be changed and switches language based on the language setting of Windows 10.

Besides not being able to change those files, I also found that in the meantime my Windows Store won't open any more, probably due to the permission settings I changed for that folder.

So in addition to not being able to play the game in the language I desire I currently can't play it at all.

Your help is appreciated.