WindowsApps folder access denied

[jc24]

I have volume shadow copy on. I was getting some "long filename errors" related to my archive so I added the syntax \\?\ to my archive location.

But I get these errors for this profile:

Can not open "\\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1\Users\jc\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\AppleInc.Defaults.exe". The file cannot be accessed by the system.] [ERROR].

What is causing these errors?
thank you

[TGRMN Software]

The **WindowsApp** folder is a special system folder in Windows that contains important files for Windows Store apps (also called UWP or Universal Windows Platform apps). Access to it is highly restricted for several reasons, most of which relate to system security and integrity.

Why can't the WindowsApp folder be accessed?

1. **Permission Restrictions**:
- **Restricted by design**: Windows protects the `WindowsApp` folder from accidental or intentional modification by users. It's part of Windows' security model to protect system files and ensure that only trusted apps and processes can interact with it.
- **User permissions**: By default, the folder has restricted permissions, which means that even users with administrator rights cannot access it without taking additional steps.

2. **File Integrity Protection**:
- **System Integrity**: Windows ensures that critical system files, including those for the Windows Store apps, remain intact and unmodified. This is particularly important for preventing malware or unauthorized modifications from altering the system's core functionality.

3. **App Container Model**:
- **Isolation**: Modern Windows apps, especially UWP apps, run in isolated containers to prevent them from affecting other parts of the system. The WindowsApps folder is part of that isolation, ensuring that apps don’t have more access than they need.

How to Access the WindowsApp Folder (If You Need to)

Although it's not recommended to modify or access the `WindowsApp` folder, if you need to view or make changes (for example, for troubleshooting purposes), there are ways to temporarily gain access. Here's how to do it:

1. **Using File Explorer (with Administrator Rights)**

You can change the permissions to gain access to the folder. However, keep in mind this can pose a security risk, so it should only be done if absolutely necessary.

**Steps:**
1. **Take Ownership of the Folder**:
- Navigate to `C:\Program Files\WindowsApps` in File Explorer.
- Right-click on the folder and choose **Properties**.
- Go to the **Security** tab and click on **Advanced**.
- In the Advanced Security Settings window, click **Change** next to the Owner field.
- Type your username or **Administrators** (depending on who should have access), and press **OK**.

2. **Grant Full Control**:
- After taking ownership, go back to the **Security** tab.
- Select your username or Administrators group.
- Click **Edit** and check **Full Control** to give the necessary permissions.

3. **Access the Folder**:
- Now you should be able to access the contents of the WindowsApp folder.

2. **Using Command Prompt**

You can also use the `icacls` command to change the permissions of the folder through the Command Prompt:

1. Open **Command Prompt** as Administrator:
- Press `Windows + X`, and select **Command Prompt (Admin)** or **Windows PowerShell (Admin)**.

2. Enter the following command to take ownership of the folder:
```bash
icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /setowner "Administrators" /t
```

3. To grant full access, enter the following command:
```bash
icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant Administrators:F /t
```

4. Once the command executes, you should be able to access the folder.

#### 3. **Using PowerShell** (Alternative to Command Prompt)
You can also use PowerShell to modify folder permissions:

1. Open **PowerShell** as Administrator.

2. Run the following command to take ownership of the folder:
```bash
Takeown /f "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /r /d y
```

3. Afterward, you can give your user account full control by running:
```bash
icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant "YourUsername":F /t
```

> **Warning**: It's important to note that modifying or deleting files in the `WindowsApps` folder can affect the functioning of UWP apps or the system as a whole. Always be cautious when making these changes.

Important Considerations
1. **System Integrity**: Avoid changing or deleting any files in this folder unless you're sure you know what you're doing. Modifying the contents can break apps or cause system instability.

2. **Windows Updates**: The next time Windows updates or resets the system, the permissions you set may be reset, and you may lose access again.

3. **Reverting Changes**: If you ever need to revert your changes and remove access:
- Open **Command Prompt** as an Administrator and run:
```bash
icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /reset /t
```

Conclusion

The `WindowsApp` folder is restricted for security reasons to prevent malicious activity and protect system stability. While it's possible to access it by changing permissions, you should do so cautiously and only if absolutely necessary. If you're troubleshooting an app or need to perform a specific task that requires access to this folder, following the proper steps to gain access can help—but be aware of the risks involved in modifying system files.
_________________
--
TGRMN Software Support
http://www.tgrmn.com
http://www.compareandmerge.com