If you’ve ever run out of space on your main drive or wanted to keep things organized, you’ve probably wondered how to change where apps from the Microsoft Store are installed. By default, Windows saves Microsoft Store apps to the C: drive, which is often your primary drive and where your operating system is stored. Over time, this can cause your C: drive to fill up quickly, leading to performance issues or low storage alerts.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about how to change Microsoft Store install location to a different drive, freeing up your main drive and keeping your system running smoothly. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Change the Install Location?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s first discuss the why. There are a few common reasons users want to change Microsoft Store install location:
- Running out of space: The C: drive can get cluttered quickly, especially if you download large games or apps. Changing the install location can help manage space better.
- Performance optimization: Storing apps and games on a secondary drive can reduce strain on the main drive and potentially improve system performance.
- Better organization: Some users prefer keeping their apps and personal files separated across multiple drives to stay organized.
- SSD and HDD combo: Many people have a faster SSD (solid-state drive) for their OS and a larger HDD (hard disk drive) for other files. Changing the install location allows users to utilize the extra space on the HDD.
Steps to Change the Microsoft Store Install Location
Now that you know why it’s beneficial, let’s jump into the how. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you change Microsoft Store install location.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
The first step is to open the Windows Settings app. You can do this by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard or by clicking the Start button and selecting Settings.
Step 2: Go to System Settings
Once the Settings app is open, navigate to the System section. This is where you’ll find the controls for storage management and app installation.
Step 3: Open the Storage Settings
Within the System section, look for the Storage tab on the left-hand side. Click on it, and you’ll see a breakdown of how your current storage is being used.
Step 4: Change the Default Save Locations
Under the Storage settings, scroll down until you see an option called “Change where new content is saved.” This is where you can set your default install locations for different types of content, including apps, documents, and music.
Click on the dropdown menu under “New apps will save to” and choose the drive where you want to store your Microsoft Store apps. Once selected, new apps will be installed in this location.
Step 5: Moving Existing Apps (Optional)
If you already have apps installed on your C: drive and want to move them to a new location, go back to the Settings app and navigate to Apps. From there, you’ll see a list of all installed apps. Click on any app, and if it supports moving, you’ll see a “Move” button. Select your new drive, and Windows will move the app for you.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process to change the install location is fairly straightforward, some users have reported a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Some apps can’t be moved: Not all Microsoft Store apps allow relocation. In these cases, you might need to uninstall the app and reinstall it on the new drive.
- Not enough space on the new drive: Ensure your new drive has enough space for the apps you’re trying to move. Some games and apps can take up considerable storage.
- Installation errors: If you encounter an error when trying to change the location, try restarting your PC and ensuring that Windows is up to date. Sometimes a simple reboot can resolve glitches.
User Reviews and Insights
After combing through user feedback from forums and relevant websites, a few key takeaways stand out:
- Improved performance: Users with SSD and HDD combinations consistently report better performance after moving apps to their HDD, especially when it comes to large games.
- Easy setup: Many users appreciate how simple it is to change the install location, with most reporting no major issues during the process.
- Drive compatibility: A few users mentioned that some external drives don’t always work as expected, so it’s best to stick with internal drives or ensure external drives are properly formatted and compatible.
Final Thoughts
Being able to change Microsoft Store install location is a great way to manage storage and improve your system’s performance. Whether you’re looking to free up space on your primary drive or organize your apps more efficiently, these steps should make the process easy and hassle-free. Just remember to keep your drives organized and ensure there’s enough space for any new apps you plan on installing.
