How to Delete WindowsApps Folder in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever browsed through your C: drive, especially under the Program Files directory, you may have stumbled upon a mysterious folder called WindowsApps. At first glance, it might look like wasted space, filled with files you don’t recognize. Naturally, you might think about deleting it to free up storage.

But wait—before you hit delete, there are some important things you should know. The WindowsApps folder plays a crucial role in Windows 11, and deleting it without care could cause issues. In this guide, I’ll explain what the WindowsApps folder is, whether you should delete it, and step-by-step methods to safely remove it if needed.

Table of Contents

What Is the WindowsApps Folder in Windows 11?

The WindowsApps folder is a hidden system folder located in:

It contains files for:

Microsoft Store apps
Pre-installed Windows apps (like Mail, Calendar, Weather)
Xbox and Game Pass files
Background frameworks needed by UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps

Think of it as a toolbox—your apps need it to run properly.

Why Would You Want to Delete the WindowsApps Folder?

Normally, you shouldn’t touch this folder. However, there are a few valid reasons you might want to delete or clean it up:

Reclaim storage space: Especially if you’ve uninstalled apps but leftover files remain.
Fix corrupted apps: Sometimes apps leave behind broken data that causes errors.
Remove bloatware: Some pre-installed apps you don’t use may still occupy space.
Clear external drives: If WindowsApps exists on another partition or external SSD, it may be safe to remove.

Warning Before Deleting the WindowsApps Folder

⚠️ Deleting this folder on your main system drive (C:) can break apps and Windows functions. Only delete it if you’re absolutely sure:

It’s on an external or secondary drive.
You’ve uninstalled the related apps.
You’ve made a backup of important files.

Step 1: Show Hidden Folders

Since WindowsApps is hidden by default, you’ll need to make it visible.

Open File Explorer.
Click View → Show → Hidden items.
Navigate to C:\Program Files.

Now, you should see the WindowsApps folder.

Step 2: Take Ownership of the Folder

By default, you can’t open or delete the folder—it’s protected. To access it:

Right-click WindowsApps → Select Properties.
Go to the Security tab.
Click Advanced.
Under Owner, click Change.
Type your username → Click Check Names → OK.
Enable Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
Click Apply and close.

You now own the folder, but you still need permissions.

Step 3: Grant Permissions

Reopen Properties → Security tab → Advanced.
Click Add → Select a Principal.
Enter your username → Check Names → OK.
Under permissions, tick Full Control.
Click Apply → OK.

Now you can open and modify the folder.

Step 4: Delete the WindowsApps Folder

Once you have ownership and permissions:

Right-click the folder.
Select Delete.
Confirm when prompted.

If some files are in use, try deleting in Safe Mode.

Step 5: Delete WindowsApps Folder Using Command Prompt

If File Explorer refuses, Command Prompt can do the job.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following command:

takeown /f "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /r /d y icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant administrators:F /t rmdir /s /q "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps"

This forcefully removes the folder and its contents.

Step 6: Delete WindowsApps on External Drives

If the folder is on another partition or external SSD:

Navigate to the drive.
Repeat the ownership and permissions steps.
Delete the folder.

This is generally safer since it won’t affect your system apps.

Alternative: Clean Up WindowsApps Instead of Deleting

If you don’t want to delete the whole folder, you can just clean it:

Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense to remove temporary app data.
Uninstall unused apps from Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
Use PowerShell:

Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage

This keeps essential files intact while freeing space.

Should You Delete WindowsApps?

Yes, if it’s on a secondary or external drive taking up space.
No, if it’s on your main C: drive, unless you know exactly what you’re doing.

Think of it like the engine of a car—you wouldn’t remove it just to save weight.

Tips to Avoid WindowsApps Issues in the Future

Regularly uninstall unused apps.
Use Microsoft Store cleanup tools.
Keep Windows updated.
Avoid manually deleting files inside WindowsApps unless necessary.

Common Problems When Deleting WindowsApps

Access denied error → You didn’t take ownership correctly.
Files still in use → Delete in Safe Mode.
Folder reappears → Some apps reinstall it automatically.

Conclusion

The WindowsApps folder in Windows 11 is an essential part of your system, but in some cases—especially on external drives—it can be safely deleted to reclaim space. Just remember: take ownership, grant permissions, and delete carefully. For most users, cleaning it up or uninstalling apps is a safer route than full deletion.

Think of the WindowsApps folder like a utility closet—it’s messy, but it’s also important. Only clear it out if you know what’s inside and don’t need it anymore.

FAQs

1. Can I safely delete the WindowsApps folder from my C: drive?
Not recommended—it may break apps and Windows functions. Only delete if you know the risks.

2. Why does WindowsApps take up so much space?
It stores all Microsoft Store apps, games, and frameworks. Some games are very large.

3. How do I reduce the size of WindowsApps without deleting it?
Uninstall unused apps, run Disk Cleanup, or move apps to another drive.

4. What happens if I delete WindowsApps on an external drive?
It removes app data stored there. This is generally safe and won’t affect your main system.

5. Can I move the WindowsApps folder to another drive?
Yes, by changing the install location for apps in Settings → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Where new content is saved.