In case you change your mind and want to live on the Edge

Oct 8, 2015 15:29 GMT  ·  By

Windows 10 comes with a set of apps that are installed by default, and it’s not quite ethical to remove them, nor possible through conventional means, as a matter of fact. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t be completely removed.

Seeing how Windows 10 still looks like it’s in development stages, not everyone is happy with the way things work. As we learned some time ago, there’s the possibility to remove pre-installed apps, and even Microsoft Edge, with an application that can help you quickly and effortlessly take care of this.

On the other hand, Microsoft is still working hard to fix as many issues as possible, and even refine its web browser to compete with already popular ones. As such, there might come a time when you want to bring back those apps, as well as Microsoft Edge, without having to reinstall the whole operating system again. Here are your options:

Reinstalling removed pre-installed apps

Step 1: Navigate to this location on your hard disk drive  

C:\Program Files
Step 2: Locate the WindowsApps folder and take ownership of it.

Note: The WindowsApps folder is hidden by default, so press the View menu, and check to view Hidden Items.

Step 3: Once you’ve taken ownership, permission needs to be granted. Close the Properties panel so changes take effect, and open it again for the same WindowsApps folder.

Step 4: Switch to the Security tab, and click Edit to change permissions.

Step 5: Hit the Add button, and write down ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES in the bottom empty text field. Press Check Names, and OK to confirm.

Step 6: Now, select the object you just added and make sure you Allow all options in the bottom list of permissions.

Step 7: Close all running programs, all of them.

Step 8: Press Win + S and search for Windows PowerShell. Right-click it and Run as Administrator.

Step 9: Write down this whole code, or paste it directly.  

Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
Step 10: Wait for the process to finish, and restart your PC. The Store, Microsoft Edge, and all other pre-installed apps should now be available again.

Note: This method is not guaranteed to recover apps, but it can be used to fix various related errors. If there’s too much damage to these components, such as missing folders in the WindowsApps directory, changes are you end up with an error message displayed in PowerShell. This can also be the case trying to recover apps that were deleted before some recent system updates were installed.

Alternative 1

One method of quickly regaining access to lost apps is to create a new user account. It can be with or without a Microsoft Account. Accessing it for the first time forces Windows to prepare everything for first-time use. Again, this might not fully work, depending on the amount of damage.

Alternative 2

Resetting your computer is yet another method you can try. This is done by accessing the Settings panel. There, go to Update & Security, switch to the Recovery tab, and hit the Get Started under Reset This PC.

Alternative 3

If you’re desperately trying to use an app that’s been previously removed and nothing works, the last resort is to install Windows again. It might be a painful process, but you can cut some seconds off the installation time by creating an unattended Windows setup package.

In conclusion

Needless to say that Windows is supposed to be an operating system that doesn’t take any management to its core components. However, since it still requires some improvements here and there, you’re tempted to remove those components you do not want or need, but if you suddenly happen to change your mind, you now know how it can be done.

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