SOLVED! Where Are Game Pass Games Installed?

Through the Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription service, gamers get access to a collection of video game titles to play. Many players who have signed up for this service wonder where are Game PGame Passass games installed. Majority of them search through their Personal Computers (PCs) in search of Game Pass titles with no success. They search for the games’ exe files with various objectives in mind such as to link their favorite titles to the system auto launch setup. We will explain where the games are stored and how to gain access into their location.

Why People Want To Know Where Are Game Pass Games Installed

Activision Blizzard Games Are Coming to Game Pass for Xbox and PC

Some gamers desire to know where their Game Pass games are installed so as to execute extensive control over the game titles. They want to know where are Game Pass games installed so that they can manipulate the game .exe files. Usually, a popular objective is to set up the games such that they launch automatically after starting up the computer. However, this is not possible without knowing exactly where the game files are located. As a result, many players are forced to use the Xbox app for Windows PC to run the games.

Why An Error Message Emerges After Searching Where Are Game Pass Games Installed

Some players try to use the Windows Run facility to search for Game Pass title exe files in a manual way. In this strategy, they insert the name of the game followed by a .exe file extension. Upon conducting the search, they receive a message indicating “Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.” As such, they cannot identify where the Game Pass games are installed.

How To Find Where Game Pass Performs File Installation

After using your Xbox Game Pass for PC to install a title, the game files are stored in a specific hidden file folder. Interestingly, this folder also contains the files for standard Windows 10 applications. As such, it is possible for gamers to find out where are Game Pass games installed by activating administrator privileges using the following steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the main Windows 10 file repository which is most often drive C and open it. Note that this drive is easy to identify because it has a Windows logo.
  • Step 2: Search for a Program Files folder and open it.
  • Step 3: Locate the WindowsApps folder. In case it is not visible, simply navigate to the View tab and select the Hidden items check box so as to see the WindowsApps folder. 
  • Step 4: Right click upon the WindowsApps folder and select Properties to activate the WindowsApps Properties dialog box.
  • Step 5: Navigate to the Security tab and select it. Within this menu option, click on the Advanced button which will consequently activate the Advanced Security Settings for WindowsApps folder.
  • Step 6: Right next to the Owner option, click the Change link. Upon viewing the User Account Control dialog, click the Yes button. In case the system asks for your password, insert the administrator account password so as to proceed.
  • Step 7: At this point, the WindowsApps folder’s permissions are revealed. Seeing as the objective is to gain access into the WindowsApps folder, it is necessary to adjust the current permissions by clicking on the Change link.
  • Step 8: A Select User or Group dialog box will emerge. There will be a field labeled Enter the object name to select. Here, type the word “administrators” and then click upon Check Names. Finally, click on the OK button. In case you are using a Microsoft account to sign into Windows 10, type your Microsoft email address in the field labeled “Enter the object name to select”. Finally, click upon the Check Names button. After doing so, Windows 10 will immediately analyze if the account exists on your Personal Computer (PC) and reveal the accurate user name utilized in this Microsoft Account within the same field. After that’s revealed, click on OK.
  • Step 9: A window titled Advanced Security Settings for WindowsApps will get opened. After it is activated, search for an option labeled “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects”. Under the Access column and within the Permissions option, Full Control will be revealed.
  • Step 10: Click on Apply and Windows 10 will immediately activate the process of changing the permissions of the WindowsApps folder.
  • Step 11: Once Windows 10 has completed the procedure, double-click on the WindowsApps folder.
  • Step 12: A confirmation dialog box asking if you want to open the WindowsApps folder will emerge. Click on Continue.
  • Step 13: Search for the Xbox Game Pass game file that you desire and discover where are Game Pass games installed.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1/ Where exactly are the Game Pass games stored in my Personal Computer?

The Game Pass games are installed within a hidden repository known as the WindowsApps folder.

2/ Is it possible to search for a Game Pass title’s .exe file using Windows Run?

No. The Windows Run search will proceed smoothly but it will not yield any results.

3/ Can I find the video game’s installation files without administrator rights?

No. You must activate the administrator rights before conducting a deep search for the Game Pass title’s installation files.

4/ Is my Microsoft email address required when searching for the Game Pass video game files?

Yes. It can be utilized as your object name when verifying your administrator User Name.

5/ Does the procedure described above work to reveal the location of your Game Pass files?

Yes. In addition to revealing their location, it also sets permanent, consistent administrator rights.

PSA: Upgrade 3 years of Xbox Live to Game Pass Ultimate for just $1 | Ars Technica

Tips And Tricks

  • It is possible to find out where are Game Pass games installed by accessing the hidden WindowsApps folder.
  • A quick Windows Run search will not reveal the Game Pass files.
  • Activating the administrator rights into the WindowsApps folder delivers direct access permanently.
  • Do not modify the Game Pass title files after discovering them in the hidden WindowsApps folder.
  • Any modification of the installation files will negatively affect the game experience.

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