Changing the default installation drive for Microsoft Store apps can help free up space on your primary drive and better organize your system storage. This is especially useful if your C: drive is limited or you want to keep certain apps on a secondary drive for performance or organizational reasons. Before you begin, ensure that you have a secondary drive with enough space and administrative rights on your Windows PC. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to change the default location where Microsoft Store installs its apps.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with administrative privileges
- A secondary drive or partition with sufficient free space
- Basic familiarity with Windows Settings and File Explorer
Step-by-Step
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.
- Navigate to the System section and select Storage.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced storage settings, then choose Where new content is saved.
- Under the New apps will save to dropdown menu, select your preferred drive (e.g., D: or E:).
- Close Settings. Next, open PowerShell as an administrator: right-click the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- In PowerShell, execute the following command to change the default app installation location:
“`powershell
Set-ItemProperty -Path ‘HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders’ -Name ‘AppsFolder’ -Value ‘:\Program Files\WindowsApps’
“`Replace
with your chosen drive letter. If the key doesn’t exist, you may need to create it or modify the registry via the Registry Editor. - Alternatively, you can set the default installation location for Microsoft Store apps via the Registry Editor: press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
- Find the AppsFolder entry and double-click it. Change its value to the path of your preferred drive, such as D:\WindowsApps.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes.
- After rebooting, open the Microsoft Store, download a new app, and verify that it installs on your selected drive.
Common Mistakes
- Not backing up registry settings before making changes—always create a restore point first.
- Choosing a drive with insufficient space or slow performance, which can impact app usability.
- Incorrectly editing the registry or PowerShell commands, leading to system instability or failed changes.
- Forgetting to restart the PC after making registry or system setting changes.
- Assuming all apps will move automatically—some may require manual relocation or reinstallation.
Tips
- Always back up your registry before editing, using System Restore or creating a manual backup.
- Ensure the secondary drive is formatted with NTFS, as exFAT or FAT32 may not support all app data.
- Use the Storage Settings to set the default save location for new content, but remember that some apps might ignore this setting.
- Check for Windows updates after making these changes to ensure compatibility and stability.
- If apps do not install on the new drive, consider uninstalling and reinstalling them directly to the desired location.
Troubleshooting
If the process does not go as planned or the apps continue to install on the default drive, try the following:
- Revisit the Storage settings to ensure the correct drive is selected as the default for new apps.
- Verify the registry entries or PowerShell commands were entered correctly. Use regedit or PowerShell to double-check the paths.
- Clear the Microsoft Store cache by running the command wsreset.exe in the Run dialog (Windows + R).
- Uninstall existing Microsoft Store apps and reinstall them, choosing the new drive during installation if prompted.
- If problems persist, reset the Microsoft Store via Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Reset.
- Check your drive for errors using chkdsk and ensure it has enough free space and proper permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move existing Microsoft Store apps to a new drive?
Yes, some apps can be moved via Settings > Apps > Apps & features, selecting the app, and clicking Move. However, many apps require reinstallation to the new location.
Will changing the default install drive affect Windows system files?
No, this process only affects Microsoft Store apps. Windows system files remain in their default locations.
Is it safe to edit the registry to change app installation locations?
Editing the registry can be safe if done carefully. Always back up before making changes, as incorrect edits can cause system instability.
What should I do if apps still install on the C: drive after changing settings?
Ensure you’ve set the correct default save location, restarted your PC, and verified registry entries. Some apps may ignore system settings and require manual relocation.
Can I revert the default installation drive back to C:?
Yes, simply change the storage settings back to C: and update the registry or PowerShell settings accordingly. Restart afterward to apply changes.
Does this method work for Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, the steps are similar for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though some menu options may vary slightly.
Changing your default installation drive for Microsoft Store apps can optimize your storage management and system performance. With careful steps and backups, you can successfully move your app installations to a secondary drive, freeing up space on your primary drive and organizing your system more efficiently. Always proceed cautiously, especially when editing system settings or the registry, and verify your changes after restarting your computer.
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