Forum Discussion
Is it safe to delete this file from my desktop? (Microsoft.Services.Store.winmd)
A .winmd file contains Windows Runtime metadata; it describes APIs and types but is not a document. Its appearance on the desktop after Okular suggests a copied installer or packaging artifact, but the filename alone cannot prove whether that copy is needed. Open Properties and verify its location, size, creation time, and digital signature, then scan it with Microsoft Defender. Do not remove similarly named files from Windows, Program Files, or an application folder. For the desktop copy, create a test folder outside the desktop and move the file there rather than deleting it. Restart, open Okular, test Microsoft Store, and install one app update. If everything works later, delete only the moved desktop copy. If Okular fails, restore it and repair or reinstall Okular from its source. If Windows blocks the move or reports that the file is in use, do not force deletion; identify the referencing process first.