Where Is Microsoft Store App Located? – Easy Steps to Find It

Finding the location of Microsoft Store apps on your PC can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where to look. Microsoft Store apps are usually stored in a folder named ‘WindowsApps.’ This folder is tucked away in the ‘Program Files’ directory on your main Windows installation drive. It’s important to note that the folder is hidden by default to prevent users from tampering with the system files.

Navigating to this folder requires a few steps. Open File Explorer and go to the ‘C: drive’. You’ll need to unhide the folders to see ‘WindowsApps’. Click on ‘View’, then check ‘Hidden items’. Now you should be able to see the ‘WindowsApps’ folder in the ‘Program Files’ directory.

Sometimes, you may install your apps on a different drive. If that’s the case, you’ll need to check your Storage settings. Go to ‘Settings’, click on ‘System’, then ‘Storage’. Under ‘Advanced Storage Settings’, click on ‘Where new content is saved’ and select the correct drive. This information can save time and frustration when locating where each app is stored.

Where Is Microsoft Store App Located

Microsoft Store apps are not stored where you’d expect regular apps to be. They are saved in a special folder called WindowsApps inside the Program Files directory of the system drive, typically C:/. This folder is hidden by default, making it tricky to access.

To view the WindowsApps folder, we need to unhide it first. We can use File Explorer:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to C:/Program Files.
3. Click on the View tab.
4. Check the Hidden Items box.

We should now see the WindowsApps folder.

Besides, we can locate the executable files for these apps via Task Manager:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Go to the Processes tab.
3. Right-click any column header and enable Command Line.
4. Open a Microsoft Store app.
5. Find the app in Task Manager and check the Command Line column for the path.

It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, but these tricks should help us locate our precious apps. Happy hunting! 🔎

Common Locations On Different Operating Systems

Knowing where Microsoft Store apps are stored can help us manage our devices better. Let’s look at the common locations on different operating systems, focusing on what’s most important.

On Windows

On Windows, Microsoft Store apps are stored in a special folder. By default, they are placed in the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps directory. This folder is hidden, and you need special permissions to access it.

To see the folder, we need to enable viewing hidden files and folders in File Explorer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Go to the View tab
3. Check Hidden items

After doing that, we can navigate to C:\Program Files and find the WindowsApps folder.

Apps installed on another drive are placed in a similar directory structure. The system drive is where we usually find them, but it’s possible to move apps through Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

On MacOS

Microsoft Store apps are not available on MacOS. Instead, apps from the Mac App Store are used. These apps are typically stored in the Applications folder.

For example, if we download an app like Keynote, it will be found in:

• Macintosh HD > Applications

Like Windows, MacOS also hides some files by default. To see all files, we can press Command + Shift + Period in Finder.

There are also other folders like ~/Library/Application Support where app data might be stored. It’s good practice to back up these locations regularly.

On Mobile Devices

On mobile devices like phones and tablets, Microsoft Store apps are managed differently. For instance, on Windows Phone (now discontinued), apps were stored in the system’s AppData.

For Android and iOS devices, the apps are stored within the device’s own storage system. Each operating system handles app storage uniquely:

• Android: /data/data/[app_package_name]
• iOS: Uses a sandbox to keep app data secure and isolated, typically stored under the app’s own directory within /var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application

We need access permissions to view these folders on Android, often requiring a file manager app or connecting the device to a computer. On iOS, app management and storage are controlled more tightly.

Each platform has its own way of managing app storage, and understanding this helps us make better use of our devices.

Troubleshooting The Microsoft Store App Location

Identifying where Microsoft Store apps are located can be tricky due to hidden folders and security restrictions. We’ll walk through checking the installation directory and verifying system requirements to help locate these elusive apps.

Checking Installation Directory

First, let’s locate the installation directory. Microsoft’s Store apps are typically stored in the WindowsApps folder, found in the C:\Program Files directory. This folder is hidden by default and protected for security reasons.

Here’s how to access it:

1. Unhide Folders:
   Open File Explorer and go to the ‘View’ tab. Select ‘Hidden items’ to reveal hidden folders.

2. Navigate to Folder:
   Head to C:\Program Files and look for the WindowsApps folder.

3. Change Permissions:
   You’ll need to adjust the folder’s security settings:

   • Right-click WindowsApps and select ‘Properties.’
   • Go to the ‘Security’ tab and click ‘Advanced.’
   • Change the owner to your username. Click ‘Change,’ type your username, and click ‘Check Names.’
   • Grant necessary permissions, ensuring you don’t alter settings for the TrustedInstaller user.

Unfortunately, improper changes can disrupt apps, so tread carefully.

Verifying System Requirements

Sometimes, finding the install location hinges on verifying that your system meets necessary requirements. We need to ensure that our system has the right permissions and security settings.

1. Check for Admin Rights:
   Ensure you’re logged in as an administrator. Without admin access, you can’t adjust folder permissions.

2. Security Settings:
   Verify the system’s security settings. Go to the ‘Security’ tab:

   • Ensure that TrustedInstaller maintains highest permission level.
   • Confirm that the current user has read and execute permissions.

3. System Updates:
   Sometimes, outdated systems can hide functional configurations. Ensure Windows is up-to-date by navigating to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ’Windows Update.’

If permissions and security settings are correct, and you’re operating with the latest updates, it should be easier to see and manage the Microsoft Store apps.

By following these steps, we should be able to troubleshoot the location of the Microsoft Store apps effectively.

Additional Tips

In this section, we focus on ensuring your Microsoft Store apps stay updated and configuring your preferences for a smoother experience. These steps will help you get the most out of your apps.

Keeping The App Updated

Keeping your apps up-to-date is crucial for security and functionality. Outdated apps might have bugs or security flaws that can cause issues.

To make sure your apps are always updated:

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Turn on App updates.

Manually updating apps can be necessary sometimes.

1. Click on Library at the bottom left of the Microsoft Store.
2. Select Get Updates to update all your apps.

We should also pay attention to update notifications and follow through promptly. Regular maintenance ensures apps run smoothly and securely.

Setting Up Your Preferences

Customizing our device settings to suit personal preferences can enhance our experience. Let’s start with where new apps are installed.

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click on Change where new content is saved.
4. Select your preferred storage drive from the drop-down menu.

To view hidden files, which is necessary for accessing folders like WindowsApps, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click View in the top menu.
3. Check the box for Hidden items.

Additionally, manage your storage through apps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Sort and remove apps that you don’t use regularly.

Taking control of these settings helps in making your experience smoother and more organized.