How to Move App to another Drive in Windows 11
Want to free up space on your C drive in Windows 11? Here’s how to move an app from the Microsoft Store to another drive.
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?
Free up space on your C drive in Windows 11 by moving apps from the Microsoft Store to another drive. Many apps, particularly those from the Microsoft Store, install on your C drive by default, which can fill up quickly with system files. Relocating them helps keep your C drive from becoming too crowded.
By default, apps from the Microsoft Store install on your C drive. They go into specific folders there for app files and app data.
%ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps(for the app files)%LocalAppData%\Packages(for your app data)
You can move apps to any internal or external drive formatted with NTFS, a common file system used by Windows. This includes SD cards and USB drives.
What Happens When You Move an App?
When you move an app in Windows 11, its files are copied to a different drive. For the app to work, this drive must remain connected to your computer. If the drive disconnects, the app will stop running until you reconnect it. Keep in mind that not all apps can be moved this way.
How to Move Your App
Moving apps to another drive in Windows 11 is possible using the Settings app. First, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and ‘I’ together. On the left side, click Apps. Then, on the right side, 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
Moving Microsoft Store apps to another drive in Windows 11 helps save space on your C drive when using 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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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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