Q. Before the 1511 update I wasn’t able to set the default app location anywhere apart from my small SSD C: drive. After the update, I was able to change the installation location. I managed to delete the C: windows apps folder using by giving my self-system access in a file manager, admin level PowerShell commands, and other third party programs.

However, I was unable to do the same in my other drives using the same method after I decided to change the location again and I now had redundant windows apps folders I couldn’t delete because I didn’t have permission. So I tried setting all the default locations to my F: drive to see if having a default location of music, pictures, etc in the same drive allow me to delete the windows app folder and it didn’t work.

I would like to delete windowsapp folders that my computer isn’t using and if that is not possible find a way to hide them (which I have already tried.)

Answer.

Apologize for the difficulties that you’re experiencing regarding this issue and also for the delay in getting

back to you.

I suggest you take ownership of the folder and then try to delete it. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the folder that you want to take ownership of and select Properties.

2. Click the Security tab, under Group or user names menu, select your user name and click on Edit.

3. Click on Full control check box under Permissions for authenticated users and click on Apply and OK.

4. Select Advanced under the Security tab and click on Change. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

5. Type the name of the person that you want to give ownership to, and then click Check Names.

Note: The account name for the person that you are assigning ownership to is displayed.

6. Click OK.

7. If you want this person to be the owner of the files and subfolders that are contained in this folder, select

    the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects check box and click OK.

Click here for more information on assigning the Ownership to folder.

Note: References to Windows 8 also apply to Windows 10.