If your C: drive is filling up, installing new apps and games on a second drive (such as D:) is one of the easiest ways to keep space free. Windows 11 has a setting that changes where Microsoft Store apps install, but traditional desktop programs choose their own folder during setup. This guide covers both, plus moving apps you’ve already installed, game launcher libraries, and why you shouldn’t edit the Program Files registry value.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved, set New apps will save to to another drive, and click Apply. For desktop programs, choose Custom or Advanced install in the installer and pick a folder on the other drive.
Change Where Microsoft Store Apps Install
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Storage.
- Click Advanced storage settings, then Where new content is saved.
- Under New apps will save to, choose a drive.
- Click Apply.
Windows creates a WindowsApps folder on that drive. The same page lets you change where new documents, music, photos, videos and offline maps are saved. The drive must be an internal drive or an external drive formatted as NTFS; removable drives that are unplugged will make those apps unavailable.
Choose the Install Folder for Desktop Programs
Most programs you download from a website (.exe or .msi installers) ignore the Settings option and install to C:\Program Files by default. To put them elsewhere:
- Run the installer.
- Choose Custom, Advanced or Options instead of Express or Recommended.
- Click Browse or Change next to the destination folder.
- Pick or create a folder on the other drive, for example
D:\Programs. - Finish the installation.
Some installers don’t offer a choice. For those, the program must go on C:.
Move Apps You’ve Already Installed
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Click the ⋯ next to an app and choose Move. (If you see Modify instead, the app can’t be moved this way.)
- Select the new drive and click Move.
The Move option works for most Store apps. For desktop programs, uninstall and reinstall them to the new location, or use the program’s own move feature if it has one.
Game Launchers
- Xbox app / PC Game Pass: open the Xbox app, click your profile > Settings > Install options, and change the default install folder.
- Steam: go to Settings > Storage, add a drive, and set it as default. You can move existing games there too.
- Other launchers: look for Library, Downloads or Install settings; most let you choose a default folder. See how to move games to another drive on Windows 11.
Don’t Change the Program Files Registry Value
You’ll find guides suggesting you change ProgramFilesDir in the registry to make every program install on D:. Microsoft doesn’t support this, and it can break Windows updates, apps and future feature upgrades. Use the installer’s Custom option instead.
Troubleshooting
- Drive isn’t listed: it may be formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, or be a removable card. Format it as NTFS (this erases it) or use another drive.
- Apps stopped working: if you unplugged the drive where apps were installed, plug it back in. Store apps on external drives only work while it’s connected.
- “Can’t install to this location”: some Store apps and games must be on the system drive. Change the setting back to C: for those.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on Windows 10?
Yes. In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved.
Will apps run slower from another drive?
Only if the other drive is slower. An SSD performs about the same as your C: drive; a hard drive or USB drive is slower.
Can I install apps to a USB flash drive?
You can for some Store apps if it’s formatted as NTFS, but performance is poor and the apps won’t work when it’s unplugged.
Where are Store apps stored?
In a hidden, protected folder named WindowsApps on the chosen drive. Don’t change its permissions.
Summary
- Open Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings.
- Click Where new content is saved.
- Set New apps will save to another drive and click Apply.
- For desktop programs, use the installer’s Custom option.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.