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How to find the installation folder and configuration files of Microsoft Store apps.

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If you're looking to locate where Microsoft Store apps are installed and where they store their configuration files, this guide will walk you through the process. Understanding these locations can be crucial for troubleshooting, customization, or backup purposes.

As you may already know, traditional desktop applications are typically installed in the C:Program Files directory for 64-bit programs, or in the C:Program Files (x86) directory for 32-bit programs. However, this standard does not apply to Modern UI apps downloaded via the Microsoft Store. These apps are installed in the C:Program FilesWindowsApps directory, with their configuration settings stored in the %UserProfile%AppDataLocalPackages directory.

How to Locate the Microsoft Store Apps Installation and Configuration Files on Windows 10/11

By default, all Windows Store apps are installed in a hidden folder named WindowsApps under C:Program Files. Their configuration settings are stored in the Packages folder located in %UserProfile%AppDataLocal. To access these hidden folders, follow these steps:

  1. Open Windows Explorer and click the View menu.
  2. Check the Hidden items box to reveal hidden files and folders.

enable hidden files

Once hidden items are visible, proceed according to your needs:

How to View the Configuration Files of Any Modern UI App Installed on Your System

To access the configuration files of any Microsoft Store app installed on your PC:

  1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the following location on your disk:
    • C:UsersUsernameAppDataLocalPackages
  2. Within the "Packages" folder, you'll find folders corresponding to each installed Modern UI app, containing user configuration settings for apps such as Photos, Skype, Movies, etc.

If you need to reset a Microsoft Store app to its default settings, you can delete the specific folder for that app. Upon reopening the app, a new folder with default settings will be created automatically.

How to Access Microsoft Store Apps location on Windows

How to View the Installation Files of Any Modern UI App Installed on Your System

To access the installation folder of any Windows Store app:

  1. Open Explorer and navigate to the following location:
    • C:Program FilesWindowsApps
  2. Click Continue when prompted with the "You don't currently have permissions to access this folder" message.

How to view where Microsoft Store apps are installed.

  1. Click the security tab link.

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  1. In the WindowsApps Properties window, click Advanced.

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  1. Next to Owner, click Change.

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  1. Type your username (e.g., "John") in the box and click OK.

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  1. In the subsequent window, check the option "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects" and click OK.

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  1. Allow Windows Security to change the ownership of the selected folder (WindowsApps).

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  1. Once completed, click OK & Close.

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  1. Attempt to open the WindowsApps folder again and click Continue on the security message.
  2. You should now be able to view the contents of the C:/Program Files/WindowsApps folder.

"C:/Program Files/WindowsApps

Additional Information: The "WindowsApps" folder contains the installation files for each Modern App installed from the Microsoft Store on a Windows 10/11 computer.

  • To properly remove a Modern App, navigate to Start > Settings > Apps, find and select the desired app, and click Uninstall. This will remove both the app and its installation files from the C:/Program Files/WindowsApps folder.

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Using PowerShell to List Installed Apps

PowerShell can be used to list all installed Microsoft Store apps and their package names, which can help identify the correct folder in the Packages directory:

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

This command will provide a detailed list of all installed apps and their full package names, allowing you to easily locate their configuration files.

Summary

In summary, accessing the installation and configuration files of Microsoft Store apps involves revealing hidden folders and potentially changing folder permissions. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to locating these files, whether for troubleshooting or customization purposes. Always ensure to follow proper procedures when uninstalling apps to maintain system integrity.

We hope this guide was helpful. Feel free to leave a comment below or share this post to help others discover these solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Microsoft Store apps installed on my computer?

Microsoft Store apps are installed in the "C:[[BSLASH]]Program Files[[BSLASH]]WindowsApps" folder. Configuration settings are stored in "%UserProfile%[[BSLASH]]AppData[[BSLASH]]Local[[BSLASH]]Packages[[BSLASH]]".
How can I view hidden folders like 'WindowsApps' on Windows 10/11?

To view hidden folders, open Windows Explorer, click the View menu, and check the Hidden items box.
How do I access the configuration files of a Microsoft Store app?

Open Windows Explorer and navigate to "C:[[BSLASH]]Users[[BSLASH]]Username[[BSLASH]]AppData[[BSLASH]]Local[[BSLASH]]Packages". Find the folder corresponding to the app to view its configuration files.
What should I do if I don't have permission to access the 'WindowsApps' folder?

If you see a 'You don't currently have permissions' message, follow steps to change folder ownership in the 'WindowsApps Properties' by adjusting security settings to grant access.


Konstantinos Tsoukalas
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