Xbox games installed X2 (Xbox apps and within File explorer Xbox games)

Hello Samuel Gemmill,

Thank you for getting back with the thread.

Haven't you tried different description from your concern? Or have you tried also changing your regional settings?

With regards to your concern that installing games through Xbox app install both on Xbox game folder and Windows app. The Xbox folder is the same as Windows Apps folder that belongs under the drive path selected. It does not mean it occupied two folders and consuming your storage twice. Xbox folder is the allocated folder for your games in the drive path and it belongs under Windows app. It is only not one folder because games consists of game files and game save data.

I hope this make clear and if you have further questions, let us know.

Sincerely,

Hello Samuel Gemmill,



Greetings!



Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.



It appears that your query is related to the space taken by the games when installed in apps and also taking up space in File Explorer. Let us check and see on what we can do to help resolve your concern in a timely manner.

The reason why the game is taking space in both the Xbox app and the File Explorer is because the game files are stored in a hidden folder called WindowsApps, which is located in the Program Files folder on your C: drive. This folder is protected by Windows and is not accessible by default, so you may not see it in the File Explorer. However, the Xbox app can access this folder and install the games there. Therefore, the game is taking up space on your C: drive, even if you don’t see it in the File Explorer. If the game was installed from the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app, and the game files are stored in the WindowsApps folder, then uninstalling the game from the app should remove all the files of the game from both the app and the WindowsApps folder. This is the normal and expected behavior. However, sometimes there may be a bug or a glitch that prevents the game files from being deleted properly from the WindowsApps folder, even after uninstalling the game from the app. This can cause the game to take up space on your C: drive, even if you don’t see it in the File Explorer. This is a known issue that many users have reported.

For your OneDrive issue that occupies space and showed in folder even if you have uncheck sync and save locally, this will be another topic and should be posted in different category because there is a dedicated support for this.



We look forward to your response. Kindly let us know, if there is any misunderstanding or clarifications of our description by sending us a reply.



Sincerely,

Ok so I followed your instructions and no chat with support Officer was available, only,

Community help and

Change regional settings

Just to go over what we discussed,

Having issue were game install is within Xbox game folder and windows Apps.

I am not too concerned about deleting game data, profiles , progress saves etc. I am concerned however on the double data per game install.

As previously discussed installing through the Xbox app is placing game install on both,

- Xbox games folder (within C Drive)

And

- Windows apps

I have the most up-to-date Windows 11 23h3 on a Lenovo idea pad gaming laptop 4 GB VRam and 16 GB ram, 500 GB SSD.

Sam

Hello Samuel Gemmill,

Thank you for getting back with the thread and truly apologized for some delay in my end.

I find it more challenging to confirm if it is okay to delete the game folder because it might be caused data lost or corruption with your game. When downloading games, it comprises the game data and gamed save files and deleting it might caused further damage with your games and it is more critical if the game save data is deleted because it is where your achievement and status of the game were save. For more efficient way to achieve your concern we suggest to contact our live support channel for further assistance. Here is how:

• Please use this link: Contact - Microsoft Support
  
• Under tell us our problem, describe briefly your concern. Click Get Help.
  
• You will be provided with self-help articles. Skip and click Contact Support button at the bottom.
  
• Select product under Product and services. Please select Windows for your product type.
  
• Select your support category then click Confirm.
  
• You will be provided with support option. You can select Chat with support option or schedule a callback. Take note that other option may not be available in some region.
  
• You will need to confirm your email account and you may attach file if needed then click Confirm.
  

We are positive that you’ll get more relevant information and best resolution to your concern.

Sincerely,

Thanks for reply.

Ok so I am trying to (obviously) have my SSD with PC to only store 1 copy of each game right?

As previously discussed there are X2 of each file size of each game on my PC currently.

I understand there is a lot going on with copyright and installation protocols to protect these laws and are just frustrated at the situation of double data per game.

Xbox App does state when installing games (if checked), where would you like to install the game (i.e Xbox games folder within File Explorer ?).
Can I delete the game from this folder and therefore still have Windows App install of game only (and therefore not lose the game totally upon deleting) ?

You sort of mention this in 1st reply although I found the information a little confusing.

Kind regards,

Sam