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Where Does Windows 10 Install Apps

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In Windows 10, apps downloaded from the Windows Store are installed in a hidden folder at the root of your system drive. By default, access to this folder is denied, but you can view the content of the app folder with a simple tweak to your settings.

How To Find the Windows Apps Folder

Click on Start > File Explorer > This PC > C: > Program Files. Click on the View menu > Show/Hide and tick the Hidden items checkbox:

Search for a folder named WindowsApps. But don't open the folder or else Windows will display a warning message that reads "You don't currently have permission to access this folder":

Even if you are an administrator, you'll need to take ownership of the folder before you can view its content.

Take Ownership of the Windows Apps Folder

Right-click on the WindowsApps folder > Properties > Security tab and then click on Advanced:

Click on the Change button displayed next to Owner:

Type your Windows ID into the Enter the object name to select field and then click on Check Names:

Once your ID has been verified, click on OK > Apply to take ownership of the folder:

Close the Properties dialog window and try to open the folder again.
Jean-François Pillou

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