Change Install Folder Location Windows 10 Apps

To change where Windows 10 installs apps by default, open Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved and pick a new drive for “New apps will save to.” This setting applies to apps from the Microsoft Store and most desktop apps that respect the system default, though some older installers still ask for a location during setup.

Why Windows 10 Lets You Move App Installs

Windows 10 introduced the ability to choose a default installation drive to help users with small SSDs or limited C: drive space. Before this, almost every app forced itself onto the system drive, which could fill up quickly with large games, design software, or even everyday programs. The setting is part of the Storage section, which also lets you change where new documents, music, pictures, and videos are saved. It is a system-wide default, not a per-app control, so it affects every new installation unless the installer overrides it.

How the Default Install Location Works

When you change the default location, Windows writes the new path to the registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion (values like ProgramFilesDir and ProgramFilesDir (x86)). The Microsoft Store and many modern installers read this value and use it as the suggested destination. However, not all programs obey it. Some installers, especially older ones, always default to C:\Program Files and let you manually change the folder during setup. Others, like certain games on Steam or Epic, have their own library settings that you must configure separately.

How to Change the Default Install Location

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click Change where new content is saved (under “More storage settings”).
4. Under “New apps will save to,” select the drive you want (e.g., D: or E:).
5. Repeat for “New documents,” “New music,” “New pictures,” and “New videos” if you want to move those too.

The change takes effect immediately for future installs. It does not move already-installed apps. To move an existing app, you need to use the per-app move feature (see below).

Moving Already-Installed Apps to Another Drive

For apps from the Microsoft Store, you can move them without reinstalling:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find the app in the list.
3. Click it, then click Move.
4. Choose the target drive and click Move again.

For traditional desktop apps, there is no built-in “move” button. You have two options: uninstall and reinstall to the new location, or use a third-party tool that relocates program files and creates a symbolic link. The latter is riskier and can break updates or uninstallers, so the safer route is to reinstall.

Choosing Which Drive to Use

Consider the type of drive and its speed. For most apps, an SSD is preferable because it reduces load times. If you have a large HDD for storage, use it for apps that don’t need fast access, like reference libraries or older games. Keep your OS and frequently used apps on the fastest drive. Also check that the target drive has enough free space; Windows will not prevent you from selecting a nearly full drive, but the install may fail.

Common Problems and Fixes

• New apps still install to C: Some installers ignore the default. During installation, look for a “Custom” or “Advanced” option to change the destination folder manually.
• Can’t move a Store app: The Move button is greyed out for system apps or apps that don’t support moving. You can only move apps that are listed as “Can be moved.”
• Drive not showing in the dropdown: The drive must be formatted with NTFS and have enough free space. If it’s an external drive, it may not appear if it’s not connected.
• After moving, app won’t launch: This can happen if the app was moved incorrectly or if the target drive was removed. Reinstall the app to fix it.

Comparison: Default Location vs. Per-App Move

The default location setting is a one-time change that affects all future installs. It’s convenient but not flexible if you want different drives for different apps. The per-app move feature (for Store apps) gives you control after installation, but it’s limited to UWP apps. For desktop apps, you must manually choose the folder during installation or reinstall. There is no built-in way to set a different default per app.

Safety and Limitations

Changing the default install location is safe and reversible. You can change it back anytime by returning to the same settings page. However, do not manually move program folders with File Explorer—this breaks the registry references and shortcuts. Always use the official move feature or reinstall. Also, some apps store user data in the AppData folder (on C:) regardless of where the program is installed, so you may still see C: drive usage grow. The setting only controls the program files location, not all data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the install location for all apps, including desktop apps?

Yes, the “New apps will save to” setting applies to most apps, but some installers ignore it. For those, you must manually choose a different folder during installation. There is no way to force every app to use a custom path.

Will moving an app break its shortcuts or updates?

If you use the built-in Move feature for Store apps, shortcuts and updates continue to work. If you manually cut and paste a program folder, you will break shortcuts and the uninstaller. Always use the official method or reinstall.

Does changing the default location affect apps already installed?

No, it only affects new installations. To move an existing app, use the per-app Move option or reinstall it to the new location.

Can I set different default locations for different users?

The setting is per-user, meaning each user account can have its own default install location. However, if the drive is not accessible to that user, they may not see it in the list.

What if my target drive is full after moving an app?

The move will fail if there isn’t enough space. Free up space on the target drive first, then try again. You can also move the app back to the original drive.

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