Where are .exe files located for the new W10 apps?

[Windows Central Question]

Ok

I'm trying to map the shortcut keys on my MS wireless keyboard to the new mail and music apps in W10.

However, they aren't showing up as an option in the MS Mouse and Keyboard Centre, even though they're set as the default apps.

I can browse for .exe files but can't find them ANYWHERE! The best I could do was un-hide and gain access to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps but can't find them in there

I even spoke to a MS answer desk representative who said "we don't have that sort of information" - useful.

Help me Windows Central, you're my only hope.

 

[aflynn86]

OP here, and I'm on w10 pro 64 bit if that makes a difference

 

[gpobernardo]

The app files are in the hidden WindowsApps folder in the C:\Program Files folder. Seeing the hidden folder is easy, by simply changing the settings in the File Explorer Options, but actually being able to view the contents of the folder is a bit more complicated - it has been locked for security.

Welcome to Windows Central, by the way! Should you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask us.

 

[Bysn]

Hi first time here.

I finally got into the WindowsApps folder but I can't seem to find the executable file for the standard Mail app that comes with Win 10.
I'd like to shortcut my mouse to it.

Could you please help me find the location?

Thanks a bunch

 

[ttsoldier]

Hi first time here.

I finally got into the WindowsApps folder but I can't seem to find the executable file for the standard Mail app that comes with Win 10.
I'd like to shortcut my mouse to it.

Could you please help me find the location?

Thanks a bunch

Its in the same folder under microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_17.6310.42251.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

 

[arellaca]

Thanks to the folks who provided the above info. I have one question though. I'm looking for the Setting App .exe file. I understand it's inside ProgramFiles/WindowsApps. However, I'm not able to figure out which is the right subdirectory and the right .exe file.

The Setting App is the one that opens the configuration screen/menu where the different icons appear: System, Devices, Accounts, Privacy, Windows Update, etc.

Thanks

Carlos

 

[gsotkilava]

got a solution for you, even tho it's probably too late

1. Open File Explorer and paste the following in the address bar(search):
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1}

2. Press Enter. You should be greeted with a secret folder containing a bunch of random apps and actions.

3. Find the Modern app you want to create a shortcut to. Right-click on it and choose ?Create shortcut?. It?ll show up on your desktop.

 

[Coxy100]

The app files are in the hidden WindowsApps folder in the C:\Program Files folder. Seeing the hidden folder is easy, by simply changing the settings in the File Explorer Options, but actually being able to view the contents of the folder is a bit more complicated - it has been locked for security.

Welcome to Windows Central, by the way! Should you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask us.

Sorry to drag this thread up... but how do you use the security options to be able to view that folder? I'm trying to map my keyboard buttons to open up 'Groove' and also the photos app on Windows 10 - but I can't find the executable files anywhere?

 

[KGI Tech]

By looking here:

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1}

I was able to get the mapping needed to assign the snipping tool to one of my Surface Pen buttons, thank you.

 

[cohjesplux]

I have the exact same problem, and so far no good usable answer...

 

[Plasmus Ang]

hey how do you make it show hidden files

 

[merslinger]

to show hidden files when in file explorer click view at the top and click the box that says show hidden files.

I was able to link the mail app and others i wanted by using what gsotkilava said above. Once you create the shortcut on the desktop (i want my desktop clean so i created a separate folder for the shortcuts inside the c: drive.) you can find that shortcut through the keyboard properties configure menu and link to whatever button or shortcut you want. finding the app exe through the hidden files in programfiles/windowsapp did not work.

 

[Plasmus Ang]

Hey, I want to add the xbox app into this app streamer I have called remotr but it gets this error when I click on desktop or anything other than one of the drives, so can you tell me where the full adress of the app is? or something?
here is the error:

 

[Jethrobuyide]

i also find it difficult to locate the setup file for my installed asphalt from windows store. pls help i mean the setup file so that i can share it with other people and it can also be installed on their pc too

 

[solomani]

got a solution for you, even tho it's probably too late

1. Open File Explorer and paste the following in the address bar(search):
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1}

2. Press Enter. You should be greeted with a secret folder containing a bunch of random apps and actions.

3. Find the Modern app you want to create a shortcut to. Right-click on it and choose “Create shortcut”. It’ll show up on your desktop.

I made an account purely to say thank you for this tip... so Thank You

 

[Hans Hermans]

Thanks. This shows the App and allows me to create a shortcut. However, i need to run the photos app for one or more jpg's The shortcut does not allow me to determine a path to which i supply the jpg file name. Any help?

 

[Avu Sankaralingam]

To access the hidden files in the WindowsApp Folder, you need to make yourself the 'owner'
In the properties for the folder, if you look at security it should say something like "can't show owner"
You should change the owner to yourself.
Once you do that, you can give yourself permission to view the contents of the WindowsApp folder

 

[Sim Reaper]

got a solution for you, even tho it's probably too late

1. Open File Explorer and paste the following in the address bar(search):
%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1}

2. Press Enter. You should be greeted with a secret folder containing a bunch of random apps and actions.

3. Find the Modern app you want to create a shortcut to. Right-click on it and choose �Create shortcut�. It�ll show up on your desktop.

 

[lawalove]

Powershell Get-AppxPackage and hit Enter. Look for InstallLocation

 

[lawalove]

InstallLocation