Resolving the Stubborn “Program Files,” “WindowsApps,” and “XboxGames” Folders on Your Secondary Drive
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 can be an exciting experience, especially with the increase in speed and performance that comes with a new M.2 SSD. However, some users find themselves facing unexpected and stubborn issues post-upgrade, particularly when it comes to leftover system folders like “Program Files,” “WindowsApps,” and “XboxGames” on their secondary drives. If you recently formatted a secondary SATA SSD only to find these folders reappearing, you’re not alone.
When you performed a fresh install of Windows 11, it’s understandable to expect that any remnants of your previous operating system would disappear when formatting your old drive. Unfortunately, these folders can be particularly persistent. They are linked not only to the operating system but also to certain system settings and caches that Windows maintains, which may explain why they keep coming back after formatting.
Why Do These Folders Keep Reappearing?
The reason these folders keep coming back primarily lies in how Windows manages its installations and system recovery features. The “Program Files” folder is a standard directory for installed software, while “WindowsApps” and “XboxGames” are tied to applications managed through the Microsoft Store. Even after formatting, Windows may recreate these directories to ensure that it has a place for future installations or to support existing apps if it recognizes remnants of their previous presence on the drive.
Another important aspect to consider is that if you have any features or settings in Windows that relate to Xbox or the Microsoft Store, they might be actively recreating these folders as part of their functionality.
Steps to Permanently Remove the Folders
If you’ve made sure there are no residual settings or connections and want to eradicate these folders for good, here are some steps you can take:
- Boot from a Live USB:
- Consider booting from a Windows installation USB or a Linux live USB to access your SATA drive. This could help in deleting the folders without interference from your Windows system.
- Change Permissions:
- If you’re familiar with user permissions, you might need to firstly take ownership of the folders and explicitly deny permission to the “SYSTEM” account, which might help in preventing them from being recreated.
- Right-click on the folder, select “Properties,” then navigate to “Security” and adjust user permissions accordingly.
- Disk Cleanup:
- Before formatting, run a disk cleanup to remove any temporary files or system restore points that might be contributing to the reappearance of these folders.
- Use Disk Management Tools:
- Utilize built-in Disk Management tools to ensure you fully wipe the drive in question. Sometimes a simple format may not suffice. You might have to delete the volume altogether and create a new one.
- Check for Hidden Files/Folders:
- Sometimes hidden files could prevent a truly clean format. Make sure you have the option to show hidden files enabled.
Conclusion
While these stubborn folders can be frustrating, understanding their behavior can make it easier to manage them post-upgrade. By following these steps, you should be able to gain control over your secondary drive and finally remove those unwanted folders. Windows 11 continuously evolves, so it’s essential to stay updated with the best practices to maintain your system’s cleanliness and efficiency.
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