How to Change the Default Installation Folder for Windows Apps
Install Store apps to another drive and move existing apps to free up space on your system drive.
Overview
If your system drive is filling up, you can change where new Windows Store apps install and move existing ones to another drive. This guide covers the Settings method, the Registry, and moving installed apps.
Changing the default install folder for Windows apps.
Note: This mainly applies to Microsoft Store apps. Traditional desktop installers usually let you pick a folder during setup.
Key Takeaways
- Settings lets you set where new Store apps and files save.
- You can move installed Store apps to another drive.
- A Registry tweak can change some default install paths.
- Desktop apps let you choose the folder at install time.
Method 1: Windows Settings
1. Open Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > "Where new content is saved".
2. Set "New apps will save to" to another drive.
3. New Store apps now install to that drive.
Move an Installed Store App
1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select an app > Move.
3. Choose the target drive and confirm.
4. The app relocates without reinstalling (if it supports Move).
Moving a Windows app to another drive.
Method 2: Registry (Advanced)
Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause problems. Back up the Registry first.
1. Some default program paths are under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion (ProgramFilesDir).
2. Changing these can have wide effects — proceed cautiously and only if needed.
3. Prefer the Settings method for Store apps.
Desktop App Installs
1. During a desktop app’s setup, choose "Custom" or "Browse".
2. Pick a folder on your preferred drive.
3. This is the simplest way to control where traditional apps land.
Troubleshooting
Problem: "Move" is greyed out.
Solution: Not all apps support relocation, and system apps can’t be moved.
Problem: New apps still install to C:.
Solution: Set "New apps will save to" in Storage settings; some apps ignore it and must be moved after install.
Problem: Desktop app ignores the drive.
Solution: Choose a custom install path during that app’s own setup wizard.
Problem: Moved app misbehaves.
Solution: Move it back to the system drive, or reinstall it on the target drive.
Conclusion
To save space on your system drive, set new Store apps to install elsewhere in Storage settings and use Apps > Move for existing ones. For desktop programs, simply choose a custom folder during installation — and treat Registry path changes as an advanced last resort.
