The WindowsApps folder is one of the most protected folders in Windows 11 and Windows 10. It stores Microsoft Store apps, system app files, and important data that Windows needs to keep those apps running properly. Since this folder is protected by the TrustedInstaller account, changing its permissions without understanding what you’re doing can lead to app errors, installation failures, or Microsoft Store issues.
If you’ve accidentally modified the permissions or taken ownership of the WindowsApps folder, don’t worry. You can restore the correct permissions and ownership to help Windows function normally again.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to reset permissions on the WindowsApps folder using safe and beginner-friendly methods.
Reset Permissions on WindowsApps Folder [Easy Guide]
To reset permissions on the WindowsApps folder in Windows 11 or Windows 10, restore the folder’s ownership to TrustedInstaller, enable inherited permissions if needed, and use the built-in ICACLS command to reset folder permissions.
After restoring the correct ownership and permissions, restart your PC to let Windows apply the changes properly.
1: Create a System Restore Point Before Making Changes
Before changing any system folder permissions, it’s a good idea to create a System Restore Point. This gives you a way to roll back your system if something doesn’t work as expected.
Go to Start > Search > Create a Restore Point > Open. Under the System Protection tab, select your system drive, usually C:, and click Create. Enter a name such as Before Resetting WindowsApps Permissions, then select Create again.
Wait until Windows confirms that the restore point has been created successfully. This only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time if you need to undo changes later.
2: Open the WindowsApps Folder
The WindowsApps folder is hidden by default, so you’ll need to make hidden folders visible first.
Go to File Explorer > View > Show > Hidden Items. Then go to Local Disk (C:) > Program Files.
You’ll now see the WindowsApps folder. If Windows displays an Access Denied message, that’s completely normal because the folder is protected by TrustedInstaller.
Do not delete, rename, or move anything inside this folder. Your goal is only to restore its permissions.
3: Restore the Folder Owner to TrustedInstaller
One of the most common causes of permission issues is that someone changed the folder owner from TrustedInstaller to another account.
Go to File Explorer > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files > WindowsApps. Right click the folder and choose Properties. Open the Security tab and select Advanced.
Next to Owner, click Change.
In the object name box, type:
NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller
Select Check Names. Windows should automatically recognize the account. Click OK, then choose Apply and OK.
If available, enable the option to replace the owner on subcontainers and objects. This helps ensure that ownership is restored throughout the folder.
Once you’ve completed this step, the folder owner should once again be TrustedInstaller, which is the default owner used by Windows.
4: Reset the WindowsApps Folder Permissions Using Command Prompt
The easiest way to reset folder permissions is by using the built-in ICACLS utility.
Go to Start > Search > Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
In the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following command:
icacls “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps” /reset /T /C
Press Enter.
Here’s what each option does:
/reset restores the default permissions.
/T processes all files and folders inside the directory.
/C continues even if Windows encounters files that cannot be processed.
Depending on how many files are inside the folder, this process may take several minutes. During this time, you’ll see Windows display progress messages as it updates permissions.
Do not close the Command Prompt until the process has finished.
5: Verify the Security Permissions
After resetting the permissions, it’s a good idea to confirm that the security settings look correct.
Go to File Explorer > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files > WindowsApps > Properties > Security > Advanced.
You should see entries for system accounts such as TrustedInstaller, SYSTEM, and Administrators.
If these accounts are present and ownership has been restored to TrustedInstaller, your permissions are likely back to their proper configuration.
Remember that Windows manages this folder automatically. Avoid manually adding or removing permission entries unless you’re following official Microsoft troubleshooting instructions.
6: Restart Your Computer
After changing ownership and resetting permissions, restart your PC.
Go to Start > Power > Restart.
Restarting allows Windows to reload system services and verify that the corrected permissions are working properly.
After the restart, open several Microsoft Store apps to make sure they launch normally. You can also open the Microsoft Store itself and check for available app updates.
If everything works as expected, the permission reset was successful.
7: Repair Microsoft Store Apps if Problems Continue
Sometimes the folder permissions are fixed, but the apps themselves still have damaged files.
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
Locate the application that’s giving you trouble.
Select the three dots > Advanced options > Repair.
If repairing doesn’t solve the issue, select Reset instead.
You can also open Microsoft Store, check for updates, and install the latest versions of your apps.
Repairing or resetting apps often resolves remaining issues after the WindowsApps folder permissions have been restored.
Additional Tips for Managing the WindowsApps Folder
The WindowsApps folder is designed to be managed by Windows itself. In most situations, you should avoid taking ownership unless you’re troubleshooting a specific issue.
Avoid deleting files from this folder manually because doing so may prevent Microsoft Store apps from launching correctly.
If you need to access application files, consider making a backup before changing any permissions.
Using trusted Windows tools instead of third-party permission utilities reduces the risk of accidentally breaking system security.
Whenever possible, allow TrustedInstaller to remain the owner of the folder since that’s how Windows is designed to protect important application files.
FAQs
Is it safe to reset permissions on the WindowsApps folder?
Yes. Restoring the correct WindowsApps folder permissions is generally safe as long as you’re returning ownership to TrustedInstaller and using Windows’ built-in tools.
Why can’t I open the WindowsApps folder?
The folder is intentionally protected by Windows. Only TrustedInstaller has full control by default, which helps protect Microsoft Store apps from accidental changes.
Will resetting permissions delete my apps?
No. Resetting permissions does not remove installed apps. It only restores the folder’s security settings.
Can I permanently own the WindowsApps folder?
Technically, yes, but it is not recommended. Leaving TrustedInstaller as the owner provides the best compatibility and security for Windows.
What happens if I delete the WindowsApps folder?
Deleting the folder can break Microsoft Store apps and other Windows components. It should never be removed manually.
Does this guide work for Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. The overall process is nearly identical in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, although some Settings menus may look slightly different.
Summary
Resetting WindowsApps folder permissions is one of the safest ways to recover from accidental permission changes that can interfere with Microsoft Store apps and built-in Windows features. The key is to restore ownership to TrustedInstaller, reset the folder permissions using the ICACLS command, verify the security settings, and restart your computer so Windows can apply the changes correctly.
As a best practice, avoid modifying the WindowsApps folder unless it’s necessary for troubleshooting. Since this folder contains important system-managed files, allowing Windows to control its permissions helps keep your PC secure, stable, and running the way Microsoft intended.