When we install new applications on our system, by default, they are installed in the system drive, which is ordinarily the C drive. The 32-bit apps are installed in the "C:\Program Files(x86)" folder and the 64-flake apps are installed in the "C:\Program Files" binder past default.

If yous are running out of infinite in your C drive, you can move some apps to other drives without having to delete them and then reinstall them at a new location.

Table of contents

  • Irresolute The Default Installation Folder for Windows Apps
    • Through Windows Settings
    • Using Windows Registry
  • How to Move Windows Apps to Another Drive
  • Closing Words

Program Files is one of the almost of import folders in C bulldoze which takes ample space every bit more software is installed on the organisation. I mode of freeing up infinite in the C drive is to change the default installation location of the Microsoft Store apps every bit well as Win32 apps. This will non move the currently installed programs only all future programs will be installed in the new location without manually changing the default installation path each fourth dimension while installing an app.

Let u.s.a. evidence you how you can move existing applications to another bulldoze, and how to modify the default location for the Windows apps so all new ones are installed in some other drive. The methods discussed in this post can also be applied to Windows 7 and Windows 8.i.

Changing The Default Installation Folder for Windows Apps

Through Windows Settings

Note: The post-obit method is focused on Windows 11. However, the aforementioned can be applied to Windows 10 with a few minor navigational changes.

Follow the steps given below to change the default installation location for Windows apps:

  1. Navigate to the following:
    Settings app >> System >> Storage >> Advanced Storage Settings >> Where new content is saved
  2. At present click on the drib-down card under "New apps volition be saved to" and select another drive to salvage the future applications to.
    settings new apps
  3. When selected, click Apply.
    apply

All new applications will now exist saved to the selected drive. The installations will automatically brand the new folders and directories along the manner if and when required within the selected bulldoze.

Using Windows Registry

The same can be achieved through Windows Registry. This method is the same for all Windows versions. Perform the following steps to change the default location of the installation binder for new installing programs:

Misconfiguration of critical values in the system's registry could exist fatal for your operating system. Therefore, nosotros insist that you lot create a arrangement restore point before proceeding frontwards with the process.

  1. Open up the Registry Editor by typing in regedit in Run.
    regedit run
  2. At present paste the following in the address bar at the meridian for quick navigation:
    Figurer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
    reg nav 2
  3. On right mitt side window, you will see ProgramFilesDir and ProgramFilesDir (x86). Each of these defines the default location of where the 64-flake and 32-bit applications are to be installed, respectively. Double-click on both of them i after the other and define the new location where you wish to install the applications by default. We suggest that you create separate folders for 64 and 32-bit apps.
    new location
  4. Now restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Yous can then begin installing the new Store or Win32 applications on your PC, and they will be installed in the new drive.

That said, you can too free up space by moving existing apps to some other drive other than C.

How to Move Windows Apps to Another Bulldoze

Yous can but move the Store apps from ane drive to some other. Win32 applications cannot be moved. Follow the steps beneath to move Windows applications:

Notation: The following method is focused on Windows xi. However, the aforementioned can be applied to Windows 10 with a few minor navigational changes.

  1. Navigate to the following:
    Settings app >> Apps >> Apps & features
  2. Hither, look for the app that y'all want to move from the list and click on the ellipses (iii dots) in front of information technology. For Windows x, click on the app to aggrandize information technology.
    ellipses
  3. Now click Move from the expanded menu.
    move
  4. Now select the drive you desire to motility the app to and click Move.
    move 2

The application volition now move from the main bulldoze to the other drive.

If you lot practice see that the Motility push button is greyed out, then the awarding cannot be moved. If you lot meet that it has been replaced by the Change button, then it is a Win32 application, which can likewise not be moved.

modify
Modify Win32 app

Unfortunately, there is no convenient mode to move a Win32 application. The only method to exercise so is to uninstall information technology and then select a new location through the installation wizard while reinstalling the app.

Closing Words

Use these manageable and painless steps to alter your default binder for awarding installation. This may help yous in making your system drive's space manageable and in control. Now move any of your big files, games, or software between storage drives in a few piece of cake steps.

Also see:

Having done a MPhil in Computer Sciences, I'1000 passionate about new Information technology technologies and eager to acquire. I write near tech trends, new tools and software, and speedily emerging technologies.