Overview
When activating AIAquaScr screensaver installed via the Microsoft Store, you may receive an Access Denied error even when logged into Windows with an administrator account while trying to copy AIAquaScr.exe from the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps folder.
This issue is not caused by software defects. The WindowsApps directory is protected by the Windows built-in TrustedInstaller permission mechanism. It prevents accidental modification of Microsoft Store applications, so administrators are restricted from directly accessing, browsing or copying files inside this folder by default.
This guide provides two official solutions to gain folder access and extract the executable file for activation. If both methods fail, you can download the standalone screensaver file from our official website to bypass permission restrictions.
Important Precaution
Only obtain read and copy permissions for activation purposes. Do not modify, delete, rename or move any other files or folders inside the WindowsApps directory. Improper operations will cause all Microsoft Store applications on your computer to malfunction or crash.
Solution 1: Command Line Permission Modification (Recommended)
This is the fastest way to take ownership of the WindowsApps folder and grant full administrator access.
Press the Windows key, search for Command Prompt (CMD).
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator, then allow the User Account Control (UAC) popup.
Run the following two commands sequentially, press the Enter key after each line:
plaintext
takeown /f "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /r /d y icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant Administrators:F /t
After both commands run successfully, open the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps folder, navigate to the AIAquaScr installation directory, then copy AIAquaScr.exe to complete product activation.
Solution 2: Manual Graphical Permission Configuration
If you are not familiar with command tools, follow these graphical steps to change the folder owner and permissions:
Open C:\Program Files; enable the Hidden items option under the View tab to display the hidden WindowsApps folder.
Right-click the WindowsApps folder > select Properties > navigate to the Security tab > click the Advanced button.
Next to Owner: TrustedInstaller, click the Change link to modify the folder owner.
Enter Administrators in the input box, click Check Names, then confirm with the OK button.
Check the option Replace owner on subcontainers and objects at the bottom of the window, click Apply and confirm all pop-up prompts.
Return to the Security tab, edit permissions for the Administrators group, enable Full control permission, and save all configurations.
You now have full access to the WindowsApps folder to copy AIAquaScr.exe.
Further Technical Support
If you encounter persistent activation failures, please provide your Windows system version and registered purchase email address. Our technical team will send you a portable standalone installation package for one-click activation without requiring any folder permission modification