If you are running out of space in your C drive, you can move some apps to other drives without having to delete them and then reinstall them at a new location. Program Files is one of the most important folders in C drive which takes ample space as more software is installed on the system. One way of freeing up space in the C drive is to change the default installation location of the Microsoft Store apps as well as Win32 apps. This will not move the currently installed programs but all future programs will be installed in the new location without manually changing the default installation path each time while installing an app. Let us show you how you can move existing applications to another drive, and how to change the default location for the Windows apps so all new ones are installed in another drive. The methods discussed in this post can also be applied to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
Changing The Default Installation Folder for Windows Apps
Through Windows Settings
Note: The following method is focused on Windows 11. However, the same can be applied to Windows 10 with a few minor navigational changes. Follow the steps given below to change the default installation location for Windows apps: All new applications will now be saved to the selected drive. The installations will automatically make the new folders and directories along the way if and when required within the selected drive.
Using Windows Registry
The same can be achieved through Windows Registry. This method is the same for all Windows versions. Perform the following steps to change the default location of the installation folder for new installing programs: Misconfiguration of critical values in the system’s registry could be fatal for your operating system. Therefore, we insist that you create a system restore point before proceeding forward with the process. You can then begin installing the new Store or Win32 applications on your PC, and they will be installed in the new drive. That said, you can also free up space by moving existing apps to another drive other than C.
How to Move Windows Apps to Another Drive
You can only move the Store apps from one drive to another. Win32 applications cannot be moved. Follow the steps below to move Windows applications: Note: The following method is focused on Windows 11. However, the same can be applied to Windows 10 with a few minor navigational changes. The application will now move from the main drive to the other drive. If you do see that the Move button is greyed out, then the application cannot be moved. If you see that it has been replaced by the Modify button, then it is a Win32 application, which can also not be moved.Modify Win32 app Unfortunately, there is no convenient way to move a Win32 application. The only method to do so is to uninstall it and then select a new location through the installation wizard while reinstalling the app.
Closing Words
Apply these manageable and painless steps to change your default folder for application installation. This may help you in making your system drive’s space manageable and in control. Now move any of your large files, games, or software between storage drives in a few easy steps. Also see:
3 Ways To Repair Apps In Windows 11/105 Ways To Change Drive Letter In Windows 11/10How To Change Default Display Font In Windows 11How to Manage App Execution Aliases in Windows5 Ways to Enable/Disable Automatic Updates for Microsoft Store Apps in Windows
