ProgramData folder in Windows 11/10
The ProgramData folder in Windows 11/10 contains all the data, settings, and user files that are required by the installed software and UWP apps. This directory contains application data for all users. This folder is used for application data that is not user-specific. This information will not roam and is available to anyone using the computer. If the data in this file goes missing, the app may not run properly. This folder is located at: To see it, you have to make Windows show hidden files. The path for this folder is: Now if some malware renames ProgramData folder, it is usually impossible for the end-user to rename it back to its original state. This is caused due to lack of permissions to the user.
Cannot rename the ProgramData folder
A user is not allowed to rename any pre-created folders in the operating system partition whatsoever. This means that this change cannot be done with any trick or guide. This is due to the lack of permissions for the user to tamper with the said folder. The only methods left for us to reverse this change are:
1] Use System Restore
Type sysdm.cpl in the Start search box and hit Enter. Navigate to the System Protection tab and then choose the System Restore. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer to a prior good restore point.
2] Repair Install, Reset or Refresh Windows 11/10
One can make use of the Media Creation Tool to Repair-Install Windows or Reset Windows or Refresh Windows Tool. This will help you in restoring all the default settings and configurations for Windows 11/10. These are the best ways to get the default installation back. I hope this article helped you in learning more about the ProgramData folder. Related reads: Sysnative folder | WinSxS folder | System32 and SysWOW64 folders.
