New Windows install, can't reload installed games

Shaundf · Aug 12, 2019

Hi,

I updgraded my motherboard and did a new install of Win 10 and wiped my primary hard drive only. My Xbox Games store games were installed on a secondary SSD, and the files are still there as far as I can tell. This has caused multiple issues:

- I can not access the files on the app

- They are not listed as installed games on my new PC install, so I can't uninstall them

- I can't do a manual uninstall as Windows explorer won't let me access the folders

- When trying to redirect the default install directory to the secondary SSD, I get an error 0x80070003

I'm happy just to wipe the folder and start again, but I'm concerned if I try to do this I might leave old dependent files etc knocking around on other areas. I did the same for Steam and all files were available on the fresh Win10 install.

Any help on how to get the installed games re-recognised, or how to best wipe this folder would be much appreciated.

Thanks

:)

Njal the Blue

Are you using the Game Pass PC Beta app? If so is the Windows 10 install the 1903 version?

Shaundf

Thanks for the link, and quick responses. I followed the instructions and got admin access back to my folder. Ended up with some issues getting permissions to access the files in the subfolders to delete them, I'll take your advice and just format the drive
after backing up my other files.

Currently using Win 10 Home edition 1903 64-bit for anyone else having similar issues.

Thanks!

Obsessive Power

Hi,

Unfortunately unlike other PC game digital software applications such as Steam, Origin, Uplay, GoG etc, Microsoft have never provided an official way to back up PC games downloaded from the Windows Store or the new PC Game Pass app.

This is a really bad decision on Microsoft's part, it really kind of sucks. Like you said, Steam allows you to import your previous installed games and apps, as do many other providers - I know this myself as I did this the end of last year when I built
myself a new gaming PC.

All Windows 10 games from the Windows Store install to a hidden folder called 'WindowsApps'. On the OS drive, the WindowsApps folder will be a hidden folder inside C:\Program Files. On other drives it will be located in the Root directory
of the drive.

To look at the files and folders in the WindowsApps folder you'll need to gain ownership of said folder.

This guide explains how to do this.

Note: talking ownership of these folders should have no ill effects - games will still install and update as normal - however, doing so is still at your own risk.

Personally, I would back up any games from other distribution systems you have on the SSD to another drive and format it. When you've done this, reboot your PC. You should then be able to install Windows apps and games to this drive again.

Hope that helps.

BirgirGudjonsson

My install got corrupt, when my SSD broke down.

I have new SSD, but cannot reload Starfield from Windows Store.

Only option I have is PLAY

How can I install ?

ty

Birgir

ngocphi

You can't install addons or plugins

Is it saying can't play this stream if so then it's the codec or reload the page

New Windows install, can't reload installed games