Folder Permissions Question - C:\Program Files\WindowsApps

I looked on line and while my issue doesn't appear to be uncommon, I did not find a true solution that worked...and maybe there isn't one

Issue:

- I got tired of Windows Update periodically downloading and installing a bunch of very outdated drivers, extensions, and software my laptop. I have driver updates disabled so I'm not sure why it periodically continues to do so. It takes me a while to uninstall everything it downloads/installs and restore back to the previous state (removal of drivers, and services). The most notable issues are old Intel graphics drivers, Killer Network Software (outdated and I don't use it), and MaxxAudio (Waves) .
- After backing up, I decided to try 1) Removing all registry traces of Killer Networking and Waves (MaxxAudio). This itself was a pain because most of the keys were locked. I used Registry Deletex to remove the stubborn keys. I haven't noticed any adverse issues.
- I took ownership of the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps folder (but did not do anything to mess with ownership of any of the subfolders (e.g. the app folders). I used Unlocker to delete the MaxxAudio and RivetNetworks (Killer Networking) folders that I figured Windows Update was seeing and using as justification to install...who knows.

Problem:
- When I first tried to access the WindowsApps folder, it was obviously locked and a popup error about ownership came up. I followed the instructions to access permissions and was able to take ownership and access. However, once I removed the two above app folders, I went to restore permissions back to default (e.g. the error message preventing initial access to them). I have tried the command icacls and cacls commands. While I can get the cacls command to work, the icacls command to restore ownership back to trustedinstaller does not work....it says access is denied. I manually went back into the folder and restored the ownership back to nt service\trustedinstaller...but...it still lets me open the folder and see the contents (i.e. no caution or error message like it gives upon initial change in ownership). Apps are working right now, and when I look at the WindowsApps folder it does show TrustedInstaller as the owner. Just in case I followed a recommendation and ran the Github "WindowsAppsUnfukker" script...meant to fix issues when people accidentally take ownership of all subfolders that makes Windows apps stop working. No issues but I can still open and see the folder contents. Is this normal?

Do you still have permissions on the folder? Permissions and ownership are different things.

You're right...Ownership is correct - TrustedInstaller. Permissions may not be...but it may not matter. Permissions do show administrators, including me, as having Full Control. I'm not sure what the default permission was.