How To Change The Default App Install Location In Windows

You can change the default location for app installation in a few different ways. The process for doing so can seem tricky, but we have easy-to-understand steps for you. So, follow the methods mentioned in this article to learn it in just a few minutes.

When Should I Change My Default Installation Location?

All the programs that you install stay on the local drive (C drive by default). Your computer can get laggy, and opening programs can get slow with a full local drive. If your computer experiences these things, change the install location elsewhere as soon as you can. To avoid overusing your local drive, create separate drives and folders for your files. You can create a partition for your drive to do so. Then, keep your system files on the local drive and other programs on a separate drive. Also, you may want to change the location so that it is easier to access. If so, you can move it to a familiar folder on the same drive. Or, as mentioned previously, you can change it to a different drive with more space.

How to Change the Default App Install Location in Windows?

There are a few ways to change Windows’s default app installation location. Using the registry editor enables you to dictate the exact location of your installed apps. Similarly, you can change the drive for your future installations through system settings. We have compiled a list of methods to change the default app install location.

From the Registry Editor

Initially, determine the folder to which you want to change the default install location. Copy the target folder path to your clipboard as you will need it later. If you do not have a preferred destination folder for the apps, you’ll need to create one. But, it’s better not to create multiple subfolders to avoid confusion. Preferably, you can create the folders on a new drive with enough storage. Then, follow the steps mentioned below: Afterward, you should be able to view if the location has changed from the Data section. Then, all the applications you install will be stored in the new folder.

From Storage Settings

You can decide the exact location for your default installation using the Registry editor. However, You can just change the default drive for app installation from the storage settings. On top of application installation, you can also change the default location for music, videos, and documents using the process mentioned below. You can check if the location has changed. After changing the location, the target drive should have three new folders for new apps. They are Admin, Program Files, and Windows Apps.

How Do I Move Installed Apps to Another Drive?

Transferring applications to a new drive helps if your local drive gets full. You can transfer the apps that you installed from the Microsoft store from one drive to another. For this, follow the steps mentioned below: You cannot move apps that you install from browsers or other external sources. You need to reinstall such apps. However, this process only works for installed apps. This is not the process for installing desktop programs.