How to Delete WindowsApp Folder When Access is Denied

This post will show you 4 possible ways on how to delete WindowsApps folder when access is denied and get permission. We will provide MyRecover to help you recover any data lost in the process.

Penny

By Penny / Updated on June 28, 2024

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Have you ever tried to delete the WindowsApps folder on your computer, only to receive a frustrating "Access Denied" message? You're not alone. The WindowsApps folder is difficult to delete due to its protected status. But don't worry, I've got you covered.

How to delete WindowsApp folder when access is denied? In this article, we'll cover why you might be experiencing this problem and provide 4 solutions to deleteWindowsApps folder successfully.

In addition, we'll introduce you to MyRecover, a handy tool that can be used to recover any lost data in the process.

My Documents Folder

Why WindowsApps Folder Access Denied

The WindowsApps folder is a hidden directory that Microsoft uses to store applications and games installed from the Microsoft Store. It is designed to be secure against unauthorized changes.

Access to the WindowsApps folder is denied primarily because of its protected status. This protection ensures that essential system files and applications are not accidentally altered or deleted, causing system instability or security issues.

How to Delete WindowsApps Folder & Get Permission (4 Solutions)

Before diving into the methods of deleting the WindowsApps folder and c, it is vital to back up your data. Deleting system files can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, so a backup ensures that you can restore your system if needed. 

MyRecover

If I accidentally deleted the WindowsApps folder, how can I recover it? MyRecover provides a free and effective data recovery method for recovering accidentally deleted WindowsApps folders.

Method 1: ChangeFolder Permissions

One way to gain access to the WindowsApps folder is by changing its permissions. Here’s how:

Locate the Folder: Open File Explorer and navigate to the WindowsApps folder (typically found in C:\Program Files).

Change Owner: Right-click the folder, select ‘Properties’, go to the ‘Security’ tab, and click ‘Advanced’. In the ‘Owner’ field, click ‘Change’. Enter your username and click ‘Check Names’, then ‘OK’.

Grant Full Control: After changing the owner, go back to the ‘Security’ tab and click ‘Edit’. Select your username and check the ‘Full control’ box. Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt

How to delete WindowsApp folder in Windows 11/10?  The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that can help you delete protected folders. Here’s the process:

Open Command Prompt as Admin: Type ‘cmd’ in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select ‘Run as administrator’.

Take Ownership: Type the following command and press Enter: takeown /f "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /r /d y

Grant Permissions: Next, type this command to grant full control: icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant administrators:F /t

Delete the Folder: Finally, type this command to delete the folder: rmdir /s /q "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps"

Method 3: UsePowerShell

PowerShell is another robust tool for managing files and folders. Here’s how to use it:

Open PowerShell as Admin: Type ‘PowerShell’ in the Windows search bar, right-click on Windows PowerShell, and select ‘Run as administrator’.

Take Ownership and Delete: Use the following commands:

  • takeown /f "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /r /d y
  • icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant administrators:F /t
  • Remove-Item "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" -Recurse -Force

Method 4: Modify Registry Settings

Open the Registry Editor.

Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion."

Modify the "ProgramFilesDir" and "ProgramFilesDir (x86)" values.

Reboot your system and try deleting the folder again.

How to Recover Deleted/Lost WindowsApp Folders or Data

Accidentally deleting important files during the process can be a hassle. That's where MyRecover comes in. MyRecover is a powerful data recovery tool that helps you retrieve lost or deleted files easily. Its powerful algorithms ensure a high success rate in recovering deleted WindowsApp folders and related files. 

Key features of MyRecover:
All-inclusive: MyRecover caters to various scenarios, including deleted file recovery, formatted drive recovery, computer crashed recovery, etc.
High-efficiency:Recover 200+ types of files such as folders, Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, and WPS files, compressed files, photos, audio, videos, and more.
Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to search all the recoverable files. Specify the filename, saved path, date, or size to filter your needed files.
Excellent compatibility: Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Server PC.

MyRecover can retain the original filename, path, and format for the deleted files. Try download MyRecover on your Windows PC. You can recover deleted data, up to 500MB for free!

Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
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Step 1. Launch MyRecover >Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

select-location-to-scan

Step 2. MyRecover will automatically scan your drive and detect all the recoverable folders and files.

🌟Tip: Filter your needed files according to File Type, Name, Date, or Path.
  • Name: Type the relevant filenames in the search bar to locate your desired deleted/lost files quickly.
  • Date modified: Set a customized date (today, yesterday, last 7 or 30 days, etc.)
  • Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~512MB, etc.)

scanning-drive

Step 3. Select the WindowsApps folder and any associated files you wish to recover. Then click “Recover X Files” to start Windows data recovery. Please remember to store your retrieved file or folder in another drive instead of the original hard drive.

select-deleted-folder-from-recycle-bin-click-recover

🌟Tip: 

If you desire to recover a large number of deleted & missing files from local hard drives, upgrading MyRecover to the Professional or Technician edition is a more cost-effective choice.

Apart local hard drives, MyRecover supports recover deleted files from SD card, USB flash drives, external hard drives, and other storage devices.

In Conclusion

How to delete WindowsApp folder when access is denied? In the intricate dance of deleting the WindowsApp folder with access denied challenges, users can try 4 feasible ways to delete WindowsApp folder.

With MyRecover, you can easily retrieve any lost data, ensuring the process is smooth and safe. Always proceed with caution and make sure you have backups to protect your data.

Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

FAQs: WindowsApps Folder Access Denied

1. Why can't delete WindowsApps folder?

The WindowsApps folder is protected by the system to prevent unauthorized changes, which is why you encounter access denied messages.

2. What happens if I delete the WindowsApps folder?

Deleting the WindowsApps folder can remove installed applications and potentially cause system instability if not done correctly.

3. How do I get permission to delete WindowsApps folder?

You need permission to delete file, to the get permission:

  • Right-click on the WindowsApps folder and select "Properties."
  • Go to the "Security" tab and click on "Advanced."
  • In the pop-up window, click on "Change" next to the Owner field.
  • Enter your account name or the full email associated with your account, then click "Check Names" and "OK."

4. How do I fix folder access denied permission?

  • Right-click the file or folder and select "Properties."
  • Click the "Security" tab.
  • Under "Group or user names," select your name to see the current permissions.
  • Click "Edit," select your name again, and check the boxes for the permissions you need.
  • Click "Apply" and then "OK."

5. Can I recover the WindowsApp folder if I delete it accidentally?

Yes, MyRecover provides a robust solution for recovering accidentally deleted WindowsApp folders. Follow the steps outlined in the guide for a seamless recovery process.

Penny
Penny · Editor
Penny works as an editor at AOMEI Technology, while she's a tester and editor for AOMEI Data Recovery Tools. She enjoys helping users with data recovery issues on Windows and iPhones using simple and practical solutions. Outside of work, she has a strong affection for pets, particularly giant pandas.