Share via

Can't delete WindowsApps folder on External drive after moving all apps from external to primary drive

Anonymous
2024-07-17T05:58:40+00:00

I recently encountered an issue with my external drive setup on my laptop. Initially, when my primary drive (C: drive) was running low on space, I used the Windows built-in feature to move some applications to my external drive (D: drive). However, I later decided to keep all applications on my primary drive for better performance.

Currently, I have no applications on my external drive, but there is a folder named "WindowsApp" that I am unable to remove. When attempting to delete the folder, I receive a permission prompt. Upon confirming, I get an error stating, "You need permission to perform this action." Additionally, when I try to change the permissions of the folder, I receive another error: "Can't open access control editor. Unable to perform a security operation on an object that has no associated security."

Although the folder size is 0 bytes, I prefer not to have it on my external drive. Could you please assist me in resolving this issue?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. DaveM121 818K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-07-17T06:32:50+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    That WindowsApps folder is highly protected by the system to ensure all apps/games from the Store are malware free and very hard to delete, usually the only working method to remove that is to move any other data on the drive to another drive temporarily and format the drive.

    Try this method.

    From the link below, follow the steps to add 'Take Ownership' to the right click menu, then use that to take ownership of the WIndowsApps folder, then boot into Safe Mode to see if you can delete that folder

    https://www.elevenforum.com/t/add-take-ownershi...

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    .

    0 comments