How to Change Default Installation Drive for Microsoft Store
This guide shows you how to pick where your computer saves apps and games from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11.
What is the Microsoft Store?
The Microsoft Store app is a built-in app on your Windows computer. It acts like a digital shop where you can find, download, and install games and programs.
Quick Answer: Change Where New Apps Save
To change where your apps install, go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved. This setting controls where Windows 11 stores new apps and games by default.
Why Change Your Default Installation Drive?
Your main drive (C:) can fill up quickly. Moving apps to a secondary partition or external drive frees up space for important system files. This keeps your computer running fast and prevents ‘Disk Full’ errors.
What Happens When You Change the Drive?
When you change the default drive, only new installations will go to the new location. Existing apps will stay exactly where they are. If you disconnect an external drive containing your apps, those programs will stop working until you plug the drive back in.
How to Change Default Installation Location in Windows 11
Follow these steps to update your storage settings:
- Open Settings on your computer.
- Go to System and select Storage.
- Click Advanced storage settings.
- Select Where new content is saved.
- Choose your preferred drive from the dropdown menu under New apps will save to:.
- Click Apply.
Using the Microsoft Store and Xbox App
The Microsoft Store and the Xbox app share the same installation rules. If you use Game Pass, you can set specific folders within the Xbox app settings. Open the Xbox app > Profile > Settings > General to manage your game library location.
Troubleshooting: Why is the Option Greyed Out?
If the ‘New apps will save to’ option is greyed out, it is usually due to permission issues. You may need to sign in as an Administrator. [Admin Privilege Required] Ensure your secondary drive is formatted as NTFS. If you still face issues, visit the official Microsoft support page for help with complex permission errors.
Moving Already Installed Apps
You do not need to uninstall apps to move them. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Click the three dots next to an app and select Move if the option is available. Note that some system apps cannot be moved.
Summary
Changing your default installation drive helps you manage disk space effectively. By using Windows 11 storage settings, you can direct new apps to a secondary drive. Remember that this does not move existing apps automatically, and external drives must remain connected for your apps to function correctly.
Can I install apps to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can use an external hard drive. However, ensure the drive is always connected before launching your apps. External drives can be less stable than internal ones, so avoid unplugging the drive while the computer is running to prevent data corruption or app crashes.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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