Two desktop computers running Windows 10 Pro 20H2, with the exact same apps listed in Apps and Features. On computer A, C\Program Files\Windows Apps is 5.58GB; on computer B, the same folder is only 1.5GB. How do I pare down the computer A tree? ( Sub-question: Does the size of the Windows Apps folder have anything directly to do with the Apps and Features list?)
Hi, Wiztree (free) and similar can give you a good view of what's there- you could take screenshots and compare...
Well, that includes not just 'apps' as in UWP apps from the Store, but also 'desktop' programs (exe/dlls) - a mixed list.Does the size of the Windows Apps folder have anything directly to do with the Apps and Features list?
Here's Maps for example:
There are a bunch of programs listed in the Windows Apps folder that I don't have installed, have never used, and don't show up in the Apps and Features list. For instance, in WApps I see GetStarted, GetHelp, and a slew of MicrosoftOffice stuff and XBox stuff.
The following doesn't answer your query but introduces a new angle on it: -
On my PC the "C\Program Files\Windows Apps" folder is empty. Could it be that the folder content is random which would explain the size differences?
No, I think the fact that it shows up as empty is explained by the fact that you don't have access to its contents. If you "take ownership" of that folder, and then right click the folder name and choose Properties, you'll see the numbers. Shawn Brink has posted instructions here for adding Take Ownership to your Explorer context menus.
@Wisewiz - Thank you. I "Took ownership" and folder now shows as 3.30 GB so that answers my query but raises two questions: -
1. Will taking ownership away from Windows affect the way Windows operates and stop apps working?
2. If I decide to change back and use the "Remove Take Ownership" reg file does this put things back the way they were before and give ownership back to Windows?
for 1: No, not at all. You just can't take ownership of C: or Windows or a couple of others that Shawn Brink lists on his tutorial page for "Add Take Ownership ..."
for 2: No, that will only remove the Take Ownership item from your context menus. I think you have to manually give ownership back to "Trusted Installer" in order to reverse the effects of the Take Ownership command. Shawn probably has a tutorial on how to manually change ownership somewhere here.
If you're worried about anything else on this topic, shoot the questions to us.
OK. I'll leave things as they are then. Thanks for your help.
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