How to Move Microsoft Store Apps to Another Drive in Windows 11
You can move Microsoft Store apps to another drive in Windows 11 to free up space on your primary drive.
This process is essential when your C: drive is nearing capacity, allowing you to relocate these applications to a larger secondary drive, like a D: or E: drive.
Moving apps ensures your system drive, often designated as C:, maintains adequate free space, which is crucial for optimal Windows performance and stability. For example, insufficient space can lead to slower boot times and general sluggishness.
Moving Microsoft Store apps to another drive is useful for large games and applications. For example, a 50GB game downloaded from the Microsoft Store can consume significant space on a primary drive, hindering system performance. Transferring such a large application to a secondary drive frees up primary storage and helps maintain faster computer operation.
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find the app, click the three dots, select Move, and choose your desired drive. Windows will automatically transfer the app files to the new location.
Why Move Apps to Another Drive?
- Free up space on your main system drive (C:)
- Help your PC run faster
- Use a larger or faster drive for your apps
What Kinds of Apps Can You Move?
You can move apps that you download from the Microsoft Store to a different drive on your computer. This includes games, useful tools, and other programs you find there. However, programs you install using their own separate installer files, like Google Chrome, usually can’t be moved this way.
- Microsoft Store apps: Apps you get from the Microsoft Store (like games, utilities, or other programs). These can be moved to another drive.
- Standalone apps: Programs you install using their own installers (like Google Chrome or Spotify). These usually cannot be moved this way.
Where Are Microsoft Store Apps Stored?
How to Move Microsoft Store Apps to Another Drive in 🪟 Windows 11
Moving Microsoft Store apps to another drive in Windows 11 is a straightforward process using the built-in Settings app. You’ll simply open Settings, go to the Apps section, and then select the app you wish to transfer. After finding the app in the list, you can choose a new drive for it.
- Open Settings
Click the Start button (Windows icon in the bottom-left corner) and then click Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Click Apps on the left menu
windows 11 settings apps on menu - Click Apps & features on the right
windows 11 apps and features tile - Find the app you want to move
Scroll or search the list for the Microsoft Store app you want to move.
- Click the three dots (⋮) next to the app, then select Move
windows 11 app move command to another drive - Choose the new drive💡TipA small window will pop up. It tells you the app is currently on your C: drive. Click the drop-down menu. Pick the drive you want to move the app to. Then click Move.
windows 11 app move command to another drive select location - Wait for the app to move
Windows will create two folders named WindowsApps and WpSystem on the new drive. These folders will store your app files.
windows 11 store app moved to another drive
Microsoft Store apps now run from the chosen new drive. Moving an app like "Microsoft Solitaire Collection" to a secondary drive, such as a D: drive, frees up valuable space on the primary C: drive. This action helps prevent the main drive from becoming full.
Important Tips to Know
- You can only move apps installed from the Microsoft Store this way.
- External drives like USB sticks or SD cards must be NTFS format (not FAT32 or exFAT) to move apps to them.
- If you remove the drive with the moved app, the app will not work until you reconnect it.
Before you move Microsoft Store apps, keep a few important things in mind. You can only move apps that were originally installed from the Microsoft Store using this method. Also, if you want to move apps to an external drive, make sure it’s formatted as NTFS, not FAT32 or exFAT.
Summary
Moving Microsoft Store apps to another drive is a simple way to free up space on your main C: drive.
How do I move Microsoft Store apps to another drive?
Click on Apps & Features. Select the app you want to move. Click the Move button. Choose the new drive from the drop-down menu.
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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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