How to Move App to another Drive in Windows 11
Running low on storage? Moving Microsoft Store apps off your main installation drive keeps Windows breathing room intact.
Open Settings, navigate to Apps, then Installed apps. Find the app, click the three dots, select Move, choose your desired drive, and click Move again. Your app will then be transferred to the new location.
Why Move Apps to Another Drive?
System files crowd that primary partition fast. Many programs, particularly those downloaded from the Microsoft Store, install there by default. Relocating them stops that partition from running out of room.
Default installation paths place those files inside protected directories on the primary drive. App data and binaries both land in those specific locations.
%ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps(for the app files)%LocalAppData%\Packages(for your app data)
Target any internal or external drive formatted with NTFS (the standard file system Windows uses for storage) to hold your relocated programs. SD cards and USB drives work too.
What Happens When You Move an App?
Relocating an app copies its data to the target volume. That storage device must stay plugged into your machine for the program to launch. Unplugging the drive halts the software until reconnection happens. Certain programs lack support for this transfer method entirely.
How to Move Your App
Moving apps to another drive in Windows 11 is possible using the Settings app. Press Win+I to launch Settings, select Apps from the left menu, and click Installed apps. Locate the app you wish to move, click the three dots next to it, select 'Move,' and then choose the new drive for the app.- Open Settings by pressing Win+I.
- Click on Apps on the left side. Then click on Installed apps on the right side. Open Installed apps settings Open System components settings
- Find the app you want to move. Click the 3 dots button next to it. Then click Move.
- A dropdown menu will appear. Select the drive you want to move the app to. Then click Move.
- Windows may ask: "Delete other apps?" You have two choices:
- Click Yes to delete apps already on that drive and move your app.
- Click No to cancel the move.
- Windows will now move your app to the new drive. Wait for it to finish.
- When done, you can close Settings.
Summary
Shifting Microsoft Store apps to secondary storage frees up vital capacity on the primary volume through the Settings app.
Why can't I move apps on Windows?
If the 'Move' button is grayed out for an app in Windows 11, it usually means the app doesn't support being moved, or you might need to set a default install location for new apps.
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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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