How to Change the Default Installation Location on Windows 10

Navigate your app storage settings with our guide

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Last Updated: December 16, 2024

The “C” drive is the default installation location destination in Windows. Anything you install there will use up your computer's storage. Windows 10 allows you to install Windows Store apps on an external hard drive, instead, if you'd like to. This wikiHow will teach you how to make the switch.

Changing Default Installation Location: Quick Steps

Click the Windows icon to open the Settings panel.
Select System.
Choose Storage from the panel on the left.
Click “Change where new content is saved” under “More storage settings.”
Choose a new drive from the dropdown menu under “New apps will save to.”
Click Apply to save your changes.

Steps

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1
Go to the Settings panel. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon and hit the Settings gear icon from the left side.
- Alternatively, press ⊞ Win+I to quickly launch the Settings panel.
2
Click on the System settings. It's the first option with a laptop icon.

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3
Select the Storage option from the left panel. It will be the sixth option in there.
4
Navigate to the “More storage settings” section. Click on the Change where new content is saved option, under the More storage settings title.
5
Select a drive from the New apps will save to box. Click on the This PC (C:) box and choose a drive from the list.
- Make sure that your drive has the essential storage to install new apps in the future.
6
Click on the Apply button to save your changes. Now you can install Windows Store apps on your desired hard drive. Finished!