How to Change the Default Installation Location on Windows 10
Changing the default installation location in Windows 10 can be a useful way to manage your storage space, especially if you have multiple drives. By default, Windows installs applications on the C: drive, which can quickly fill up and cause performance issues. Moving the default installation location to another drive, such as D:, E:, or an external drive, can help you keep your primary drive clean and ensure that your applications have enough space to run efficiently. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to change the default installation location on Windows 10, explain the potential benefits and drawbacks, and offer some best practices to follow.
Why Change the Default Installation Location?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why you might want to change the default installation location:
* **Storage Management:** If your C: drive is small or almost full, moving the default installation location to a larger drive can free up space and prevent performance issues.
* **SSD vs. HDD:** If you have both an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), you might want to install applications on the SSD for faster performance. However, if your SSD has limited space, you can move the default installation location to the HDD for larger applications.
* **Organization:** Keeping your applications separate from your operating system files can help you organize your data and make it easier to back up or restore your system.
* **Dual Booting:** If you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer, changing the default installation location can help you avoid conflicts and keep your applications separate.
Methods to Change the Default Installation Location on Windows 10
There are several methods to change the default installation location on Windows 10, each with its own advantages and limitations. We will explore the most common and effective methods in detail.
Method 1: Using Settings App (Recommended)
The simplest and most recommended method is to use the Settings app. This method allows you to change the default location for new apps and content downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how:
Open the Settings App:
- Click on the Start button.
- Click on the Settings icon (gear icon).
- Alternatively, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly.
Navigate to Storage Settings:
- In the Settings app, click on ‘System’.
- In the System settings, click on ‘Storage’ in the left sidebar.
Change the Save Locations:
- Scroll down to the ‘More storage settings’ section.
- Click on ‘Change where new content is saved’.
Select the New Save Locations:
- You will see a list of content types, such as ‘New apps will save to:’, ‘New documents will save to:’, ‘New music will save to:’, ‘New photos and videos will save to:’, and ‘New movies & TV shows will save to:’.
- For each content type, use the dropdown menu to select the drive you want to use as the default save location. For example, for ‘New apps will save to:’, select the drive you want to install new apps on.
- Repeat this process for all content types you want to change.
Apply the Changes:
- Once you have selected the new save locations, close the Settings app.
- The changes will be applied automatically.
Important Notes:
* This method only affects new installations from the Microsoft Store. It does not move existing applications or change the installation location for applications installed from other sources (e.g., downloaded installers from websites).
* You can change the save locations back to the default (C: drive) at any time by following the same steps and selecting ‘This PC (C:)’ from the dropdown menu.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor (Advanced)
Using the Registry Editor to change the default installation location is a more advanced method and should be approached with caution. Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious problems with your system. It is highly recommended to back up your registry before making any changes.
Back Up the Registry:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type ‘regedit’ and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor, click on ‘File’ in the menu bar.
- Click on ‘Export’.
- Choose a location to save the backup file, enter a name for the file (e.g., ‘RegistryBackup’), and click ‘Save’.
Navigate to the Relevant Registry Key:
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
Modify the ‘ProgramFilesDir’ Value:
- In the right pane, locate the ‘ProgramFilesDir’ value.
- Double-click on ‘ProgramFilesDir’ to open the Edit String dialog.
- In the ‘Value data’ field, enter the new default installation location. For example, if you want to use the D: drive, enter ‘D:\Program Files’.
- Click ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Modify the ‘ProgramFilesDir (x86)’ Value (for 64-bit Systems):
- If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows, you also need to modify the ‘ProgramFilesDir (x86)’ value.
- In the right pane, locate the ‘ProgramFilesDir (x86)’ value.
- Double-click on ‘ProgramFilesDir (x86)’ to open the Edit String dialog.
- In the ‘Value data’ field, enter the new default installation location for 32-bit applications. For example, if you want to use the D: drive, enter ‘D:\Program Files (x86)’.
- Click ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Modify the ‘CommonFilesDir’ and ‘CommonFilesDir (x86)’ Values (If Present):
- Sometimes, you might also find ‘CommonFilesDir’ and ‘CommonFilesDir (x86)’ values. If they exist, modify them similarly to point to the corresponding directories on your chosen drive.
- Double-click on the ‘CommonFilesDir’ value.
- In the ‘Value data’ field, enter the new default location for common files. For example, if you want to use the D: drive, enter ‘D:\Program Files\Common Files’.
- Click ‘OK’ to save the changes.
- Repeat the process for ‘CommonFilesDir (x86)’ if it exists, pointing it to ‘D:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files’.
Restart Your Computer:
- After making the changes, close the Registry Editor.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Important Notes:
* This method changes the default installation location for most applications, but some applications may still install in the default C: drive. Always check the installation options during the installation process to ensure that the application is being installed in the desired location.
* If you encounter any problems after modifying the registry, you can restore the registry from the backup file you created earlier. To restore the registry, open the Registry Editor, click on ‘File’, click on ‘Import’, and select the backup file.
* Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause serious problems with your system. Proceed with caution and make sure to back up your registry before making any changes.
* Some applications may not function correctly if installed in a non-standard location. If you encounter any issues, try installing the application in the default location.
Method 3: Using Symbolic Links (Advanced)
Symbolic links, also known as symlinks, are essentially shortcuts that point to another file or directory. You can use symbolic links to redirect the installation of applications from the default location to another drive. This method is more complex but can be useful in certain situations.
Create the Target Directory:
- Create the directory where you want to install the applications. For example, if you want to use the D: drive, create a ‘Program Files’ directory on the D: drive (e.g., ‘D:\Program Files’). If you want to install 32 bit programs create a “Program Files (x86)” directory.
Move the Original Directory (Optional):
- If you already have a ‘Program Files’ directory on the C: drive, you can move it to the new location.
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the C: drive.
- Locate the ‘Program Files’ directory (and ‘Program Files (x86)’ if it exists).
- Cut (Ctrl + X) the ‘Program Files’ directory (and ‘Program Files (x86)’).
- Navigate to the new location (e.g., D: drive).
- Paste (Ctrl + V) the ‘Program Files’ directory (and ‘Program Files (x86)’).
Note: Moving the ‘Program Files’ directory can cause problems with existing applications. It is generally recommended to create a new directory instead of moving the original one.
Create the Symbolic Link:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Press the Windows key, type ‘cmd’, right-click on ‘Command Prompt’, and select ‘Run as administrator’.
- In the Command Prompt, use the ‘mklink’ command to create the symbolic link.
- For example, to create a symbolic link from ‘C:\Program Files’ to ‘D:\Program Files’, use the following command:
mklink /D "C:\Program Files" "D:\Program Files"- For 32 bit programs use:
mklink /D "C:\Program Files (x86)" "D:\Program Files (x86)"
Verify the Symbolic Link:
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the C: drive.
- You should see a shortcut icon on the ‘Program Files’ directory (and ‘Program Files (x86)’). This indicates that it is a symbolic link.
Important Notes:
* This method redirects the installation of applications from the default location to the new location. However, some applications may still install in the default C: drive. Always check the installation options during the installation process to ensure that the application is being installed in the desired location.
* Deleting the symbolic link will not delete the files in the target directory. However, it will break the redirection, and new applications will be installed in the default C: drive.
* Using symbolic links can be complex and may cause problems with some applications. Proceed with caution and make sure to understand the implications before using this method.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
Several third-party software applications can help you change the default installation location on Windows 10. These applications often provide a user-friendly interface and simplify the process. However, it is important to choose a reputable and trustworthy application to avoid installing malware or other unwanted software.
Examples of Third-Party Software:
* **Steam Mover:** Specifically designed for moving Steam games to another drive, but it can also be used to move other applications.
* **EaseUS Todo PCTrans:** A comprehensive data transfer tool that can move applications from one drive to another.
* **IObit Uninstaller:** Includes a feature to monitor program installations and move them to another drive.
Important Notes:
* Always download third-party software from the official website to avoid downloading malware or other unwanted software.
* Read the reviews and ratings of the software before installing it to ensure that it is reputable and trustworthy.
* Follow the instructions provided by the software to change the default installation location.
* Be aware that some third-party software may not be compatible with all applications or may cause problems with your system. Proceed with caution and make sure to back up your data before using any third-party software.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
Changing the default installation location can sometimes lead to issues. Here are some potential problems and troubleshooting tips:
* **Application Compatibility:** Some applications may not function correctly if installed in a non-standard location. If you encounter any issues, try installing the application in the default location.
* **Update Problems:** Some applications may have problems updating if they are installed in a non-standard location. Try moving the application back to the default location before updating it.
* **Performance Issues:** In rare cases, installing applications on a different drive may cause performance issues. This is more likely to occur if the drive is slow or fragmented. Try defragmenting the drive or moving the application to a faster drive.
* **Missing Files:** If you move the ‘Program Files’ directory without creating a symbolic link, some applications may not be able to find their files. Create a symbolic link to resolve this issue.
* **Registry Errors:** Incorrectly modifying the registry can cause serious problems with your system. Restore the registry from the backup file you created before making any changes.
* **Insufficient Permissions:** Ensure that you have sufficient permissions to read, write, and modify the target directory. Right-click on the directory, select ‘Properties’, click on the ‘Security’ tab, and verify that your user account has the necessary permissions.
Best Practices
Here are some best practices to follow when changing the default installation location on Windows 10:
* **Back Up Your Data:** Before making any changes, back up your important data to prevent data loss in case of a problem.
* **Create a System Restore Point:** Create a system restore point to revert your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
* **Back Up the Registry:** Back up the registry before modifying it to prevent serious system problems.
* **Choose a Reputable Third-Party Software:** If using third-party software, choose a reputable and trustworthy application to avoid installing malware or other unwanted software.
* **Check Installation Options:** Always check the installation options during the installation process to ensure that the application is being installed in the desired location.
* **Test After Making Changes:** After making any changes, test your applications to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
* **Document Your Changes:** Keep a record of the changes you have made so that you can easily revert them if necessary.
Conclusion
Changing the default installation location on Windows 10 can be a useful way to manage your storage space and improve your system’s performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily change the default installation location and ensure that your applications are installed in the desired location. Remember to proceed with caution, back up your data and registry, and test your applications after making any changes. Whether you choose to use the Settings app, Registry Editor, symbolic links, or third-party software, understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of each method will help you make an informed decision and avoid any potential problems.