Unable to open Windowsapps folder in Windows 10/11? Try this

January 2023 · 3 minute read
destination folder access denied

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  • The Windowsapps folder in Windows 10 stores the data related to the Microsoft Store apps. However, if you try to, you can’t open the Windowsapps folder in Windows 10.

    This is due to permission issues that prevent the users from making changes to the files.

    Several users have reported similar issues in the Microsoft community. Trying to access the Windowsapps folder or add files to the folder results in “You need permission to perform this action, destination folder access denied” error.

    Hi, Whenever I try to edit or add any file within the WindowsApps folder, I get this error message:

    destination folder access denied fix windows 10

    If you are also troubled by this issue, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to help you fix the problem.

    Steps to fix Destination Folder Access Denied in Windows 10:

    1. Use Take Ownership registry hack

  • Since the error is due to permission issues, you can resolve it using a registry hack. This can also be done manually, but first, we will try the easy ready-made method.
  • First, download the Take Ownership file to your computer.
  • Extract the ZIP file.
    can't access Windowsapp folder
  • Open the extracted folder and double-click on “InstallTakeOwnership” file to execute it.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the registry hack.
  • Once done, navigate to the Windowsapps folder location.
    C:\ProgramFiles
  • If the folder is not visible, click the View tab in the File Explorer and check the “Hidden items” box.
    can't access Windowsapp folder
  • Right-click on the Windowsapps folder.
  • Select “Take Ownership” from the context menu.
  • Click Yes when the User Account Control prompts for administrator access.
  • Wait for the PowerShell commands to be executed.
  • Once done, try accessing the Windowsapps folder and check if the error is resolved.
  • Microsoft apps are blurry? Here’s how to fix them [EASY STEPS]

    2. Change Windowsapps folder permission manually

  • If the issue persists, try changing the permission for the Windowsapps folder manually.
  • Navigate to the location where the Windowsapps folder is stored, which is generally in the following location:
    C:\ProgramFiles
  • Right-click on the Windowsapps folder and select Properties.
  • Click the Security tab.
    destination folder access denied
  • Click on the Advanced button.
  • In the new window, click the Change link beside the Owner: tag.
    can't access Windowsapp folder
  • Type the username you want to assign the permission to and click on Check Names.
  • If found, select the username and click OK.
    destination folder access denied
  • Make sure you check the “Replace owner on sub-container and objects” box.
  • Click “Apply” to save the changes.
  • Click OK. Windows will now start changing the permission for the Windowsapps folder. This process may take some time, so wait till it is complete.
  • Once done, try to access the Windowsapps folder and check for any improvements.
  • 3. Rename the Windowsapps folder

  • After changing the folder permission, if you face the “Bad data”  error, try the following.
  • Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
    C:\ProgramFiles
  • Select the Windowsapps folder and click Rename.
    destination folder access denied
  • You can rename it to whatever you want, but just keep it close. Rename it to Windowsapp123 etc.
  • Click Yes if prompted to confirm the action.
  • Now try to access the Windowsapps folder and check for any improvements.
  • By following the steps in this article, you can fix “can’t open Windowsapps” folder in Windows 10 issue in no time. Do let us know which method worked for you in the comments.

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