Where Microsoft Store Apps and Games Are Installed on Windows 10/8

For users of Windows 10 and 8, the installation process of Microsoft Store apps and games can be a little mysterious. This guide will walk you through the locations where these programs are typically stored on your system, and provide some tips on how to access these folders if they are hidden.

Installing Microsoft Store Apps

When you install apps and games from the Microsoft Store, they are usually stored in the C:Program FilesWindowsApps folder. This folder is a hidden folder by default, which can make it tricky to find. However, you can easily access it with these steps:

Open File Explorer. Click on the "View" tab in the top menu. Select "Options" and then choose "Change folder and search options" from the dropdown. In the Folder Options dialog, click on the "View" tab. Scroll down to the "Advanced settings" section and find the option to "Show hidden files, folders, and drives." Check this option and click "Apply" followed by "OK." Navigate to C:Program FilesWindowsApps to explore the installed apps.

By default, when you install apps and games directly from the Microsoft Store, they will be placed inside this folder. Apps installed using the Microsoft Store are also organized by their publisher and version.

Viewing Installed App List from Start Menu

Alternatively, you can view all the installed apps and games directly from the Start menu. Click on the Start button, then type "Apps" or "Games" into the search bar. Press Enter or click on "Apps" to see a list of all installed apps, including those installed via the Microsoft Store.

Game and App Installation Location

If you have downloaded games or apps from the internet and installed them manually, the default installation folder typically remains the same:

C:Program FilesWindowsApps

Note that this path is hidden by default. To view it, follow the instructions in the "Installing Microsoft Store Apps" section above.

Conclusion

While the default location for installed Microsoft Store apps and games is C:Program FilesWindowsApps, users with hidden folder settings enabled can easily access it. Additionally, the Start menu provides an all-in-one location to view all installed apps and games, making it easy to manage and update your software.

Keywords

Keyword1: Microsoft Store
Keyword2: Windows Apps and Games
Keyword3: Installation Locations