Ghost Storage Not Deletable or Modifiable

[Karac1]

I have several apps that windows claims exist on my system, but my file explorer and command prompt says otherwise.

This is my current storage:


Now this looks like a regular storage summary, and that is what is in the image.
I click on installed apps because they contain the most consumed storage. And in the tab, it contains several apps. But there is something off. Some apps have a weird icon for them. I have circled them in the images below:

Now when I click the three dots to delete or modify them, I get an error message that tells me windows couldn't find the file to delete.

So I asked ChatGPT about my situation. It said to use
-the disk cleaner, I used it and freed ~3 GB
-Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. It took almost 2 hours to run and it said "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."
-Look in: 
C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files (x86)
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming and delete the files. I cleared 49 GB

But here's the problem: the files do not go away in the storage. 
These apps were downloaded from their websites and not from the Microsoft store. 
So these apps can hoard my storage and I cannot do anything to do about it.  If you can find another solution, this would be a massive help.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Karac1,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for reaching out and providing such detailed information — it’s clear you’ve already made excellent progress in troubleshooting this issue.
 

Since the applications were downloaded outside the Microsoft Store, and they're still showing up in storage but are untraceable through File Explorer and Command Prompt, there may be remnants, orphaned registry entries, or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) involved. While it could be malware,

Please run a complete scan on the PC, using the antivirus software on the Pc and let me know the result.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[Karac1]

Hi @VikramTheGreat,

I did a scan with windows defender and it did not show any threats or allowed threats.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Karac1,

Thank you for letting me know about the issue you're experiencing. Since this involves third-party apps, our support options are a bit limited. That said, I want to make sure you feel guided and supported through this.
 

To resolve the issue, we have two possible paths:

1. We can perform a clean installation of Windows from the cloud. Please be aware — this process will completely erase all data on your PC, giving it a fresh start, like clearing a foggy window to let the light back in.
    
2. Alternatively, we have a dedicated team at HP called SmartFriend Support. They can gently take remote access of your PC and work hands-on with you to try and fix the issue without erasing your files. It’s like having a helpful guide step in and carefully navigate through the problem with you.

Let me know which option feels right for you, or if you have any concerns — I’m here to help.

Keep me posted

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support