Set Default App Install Location in Windows 10

This guide shows you how to change the default installation folder for apps on Windows 10, so new software (including Microsoft Store apps) installs to a drive of your choice, such as a larger or faster secondary drive. You’ll need a Windows 10 PC with at least two drives (or partitions) if you want to move apps off the system drive.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 PC (version 1703 or later for the per-app move feature).
• An additional drive or partition with enough free space for your apps.
• Administrator account access (you’ll need to confirm a UAC prompt).

Step-by-Step

Change the Default Install Location for All New Apps

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Click System.
3. In the left sidebar, select Storage.
4. Under “More storage settings,” click Change where new content is saved.
5. Look for the “New apps will save to” drop-down menu. Click it and select your preferred drive (e.g., D:).
6. Click Apply. From now on, most new apps will install to that drive.

Note: This setting only affects apps installed after the change. Existing apps remain where they are.

Move an Already Installed App to Another Drive

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Scroll through the list or search for the app you want to move.
3. Click the app name, then click Move (if available). If the button is grayed out, the app cannot be moved this way.
4. In the dialog that appears, select the destination drive from the drop-down.
5. Click Move and wait for the process to complete. The app will now run from the new drive.

Change the Default Location for New Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos

While not strictly “apps,” you can also redirect your personal folders to another drive, which frees up space on the system drive for apps.

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
2. Right-click a folder like Documents in the left sidebar.
3. Select Properties, then go to the Location tab.
4. Click Move, choose a folder on the target drive (or create a new one), and click Select Folder.
5. Click Apply and confirm when asked if you want to move all files to the new location.

Common Mistakes

• Changing the setting but not applying it – Always click Apply after selecting the new drive, or the change won’t stick.
• Expecting existing apps to move automatically – The default location only affects new installs. You must manually move existing apps.
• Choosing a drive with insufficient space – Some apps are large, and the system doesn’t warn you. Check free space beforehand.
• Moving system components or drivers – The Move option is only for apps; don’t try to move Windows system files or drivers, as this can break your system.
• Assuming all apps support moving – Some apps (especially older desktop programs) may not offer a Move option or may not run correctly from another drive. Always test after moving.

Tips

• Use a separate drive for apps and games to keep your system drive (usually C:) from filling up, which can slow down Windows.
• If you have an SSD as your system drive and a larger HDD, consider moving large games and media apps to the HDD, while keeping frequently used productivity apps on the SSD for faster loading.
• After changing the default location, you can still choose a different drive per app during installation if the installer offers a custom install option.
• Periodically check the “Apps & features” list to see which apps are using the most space and move the biggest ones to your secondary drive.
• For Microsoft Store apps, the Move feature is usually available. For traditional desktop apps, you may need to uninstall and reinstall to a new location.

Troubleshooting

“Move” button is grayed out – This usually means the app doesn’t support being moved, or it’s a system component. You can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app to the new default location, or use a third-party tool (not covered here).

Apps still install to C: after changing the setting – Some installers ignore the Windows default location and force their own path. Check the installer’s options for a custom install path. Also, verify that you clicked Apply and that the setting shows the correct drive.

The new drive is not listed in the drop-down – The drive must be formatted with NTFS and have a drive letter assigned. If it’s a removable drive, it may not appear. Connect the drive and try again.

After moving an app, it won’t launch – Try restarting your PC. If it still fails, the app may not handle being moved; you may need to uninstall and reinstall it to the new location manually.

System drive still low on space – Moving apps helps, but you may also need to move your user folders (Documents, Downloads, etc.) and change the default save locations for files (Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a different default location for each app?

No, the “new apps will save to” setting is a global default. However, you can move individual apps after installation, and many installers let you choose a custom location during setup.

Will moving an app to another drive delete my data?

No, moving an app preserves its data and settings. The app’s files are moved as a whole. However, some apps store user data in your user folder, which is not moved with the app.

Can I move apps to an external USB drive?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended because the drive may not be connected at all times, and performance may be poor. Windows may also refuse to move certain apps to removable drives.

Why can’t I move some apps?

Apps that are part of the Windows system or that have dependencies on the system drive cannot be moved. Also, some older desktop apps don’t support relocation.

Will changing the default location affect Windows updates?

No, Windows updates will still install to the system drive. Only new apps will go to the new location.

How do I revert to the original default location?

Go back to Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved, and select the system drive (C:) from the drop-down, then click Apply.

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