Access to the WindowsApps directory is blocked.
Access to the WindowsApps directory is blocked.
I'm facing an issue where Windows blocks access to anything inside the WindowsApps folder. I previously encountered this problem and had to reinstall the OS completely. So far, these attempts didn't resolve it:
- Changed permissions via Properties/Security (added everyone to full control)
- Ran a take-ownership script
- Installed pending Windows updates
- Reinstalled from an install image
- Ran DDU for the VGA driver (tried other fixes too)
At first I suspected RAM XMP instability and a crash during system startup, so I adjusted it. After a month, it seemed stable enough to wipe the disk and install a fresh Windows. But about three months later, it reappeared. After turning the PC off and back on, I saw a warning message right after logging in.
I searched online but found only generic permission issues. On the Microsoft forum, they suggested changing permissions or a clean install. Since I don’t want to reinstall everything, here are some details:
- Administrator account used
- No other accounts present
- Windows denies access even with UAC prompt
- Occurred after a restart, no updates or driver changes
- Affects WindowsApps folder specifically
- Previously impacted Vanguard (anti-cheat)
- PC specs: Ryzen 9 3900X, 32GB G.Skill Trident Z Neo 3600MHz, 4x8GB RAM (overclocked), ASRock Taichi X570, MSI Gaming GTX 1080 Ti, Samsung 980 TB SSD (older SATA SSD too)
Let me know if you need more help or want to discuss further troubleshooting steps.
This feature isn't meant for user interaction. It's unclear why you'd attempt to access it directly. It shouldn't be necessary.
The NVIDIA control panel is set up initially, making it impossible to use fully. I can't modify any settings that aren't available, similar to MSI afterburner. Every restart forces me to reconnect my displays, as Windows treats the secondary one as primary. Changing the order of connections is necessary to avoid issues with ShadowPlay, but it requires restarting every time. The control panel needs access to the Windows app folder, which I don’t have. Windows can’t install anything from there, and even changing its installation location doesn’t help. This situation is frustrating and limits my ability to use the panel effectively.
You might attempt this: visit the official site for resetting the Windows Store cache. Open the Microsoft Store apps through your settings menu.
I installed an outdated driver from 2019, and the control panel functions properly. However, the problem isn’t fully resolved—I still can’t run the Windows Store version of Spotify. Basically, I’m stuck because newer drivers require updates that haven’t been applied yet. At least I can use a driver from two and a half years ago, but anything newer is blocked. Unfortunately, this also affected ShadowPlay, leaving me back to basics. YEY
Funny how the first reply to this topic is a complete non-understanding of the problem, and from a moderator no less. I've been running into this too after finally updating Windows to a version that supports DCH drivers (been on v1703 since 2017, long story) . Ripping my hair out looking for a fix. A fresh install of Win10 20H1 has everything working fine, but my old upgraded Win10 1909 from 1703 which was then from Win 7 is running into this permissions issue. Taking ownership of the directory lets me launch it manually and everything seems to work mostly fine.. but any shortcuts to the 'app' (ie; desktop context menu) still spit out the same error. Manually opening the control panel every time is horrid. UWP is a plague on Windows. NVIDIA never should've stopped releasing non-DCH drivers. Edit: Could try this: https://github.com/AgentRev/WindowsAppsUnfukker Didn't work for me for the NVCP, but re-fixed the other 'apps' I broke trying to fix it. Still no solution to the issue as of August 9 2022. Still forced to use the last non-DCH driver for the NVCP to work correctly, which includes having G-sync functional (mandatory). Edited August 9, 2022 by DAOWAce
If you haven't already reinstalled Windows, I discovered a solution for this problem. The NVCP issue stemmed mainly from UWP, of course. Everything functioned properly with a new user account, which guided the investigation further. Eventually, I used a utility that restored several settings. The Xbox app operated correctly (signing in) and didn’t complain. Gamebar functioned normally without abruptly closing GameBarFTServer.exe. After reinstalling the DCH drivers, NVCP also worked without problems. I never encountered this before because I didn’t use Gamebar (disabled at the system level) and only recently engaged with Gamepass features, which didn’t work on version 1709. The tool I relied on was: https://www.tweaking.com/content/page/wi...n_one.html. I ran several operations—Reset Registry Permissions, Reset File Permissions, Reset Service Permissions, Register System Files, and Repair WMI. If I had been patient, I’d have identified which step actually resolved the issue. One of these actions cleared default programs, which was problematic since I had many customizations. I thought the Windows Store apps might be corrupted after (missing links, appearing as ms-app or w/e), so I tried the Repair Windows App Store function, but it didn’t fix anything. The full reset option worked, though it also removed all installed applications. Alternatively, I ran the fix from https://github.com/AgentRev/WindowsAppsUnfukker. After that, it felt like I created a new user account while retaining all my previous data. Everything ran perfectly except for UWP applications. I hope this helps the tiny group searching online for a solution.