How to Change Windows Store Install Location?

Are you running out of storage space on your Windows device? Do you want to change the default install location on your Windows Store to a different drive?

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change the install location in Windows 10, 8, and 7. By following our simple instructions, you can free up space on your main drive and optimize your storage usage.

Let’s get started!

What Is the Windows Store?

The Microsoft Store, previously known as the Windows Store, is a digital platform where users can download apps, games, music, movies, and more for their devices.

The Microsoft Store offers users a plethora of digital content, ranging from productivity tools to entertainment options like movies and music. It provides a seamless experience for users to explore and download applications across various categories. Users can customize storage space and permissions for each app, allowing for greater control over their device’s resources.

The Microsoft Store is not limited to just Windows devices; it is also compatible with Xbox Live, enabling gamers to access their favorite games across different platforms, including iOS and Android devices. The convenience of using the store on multiple devices enhances the user experience and accessibility.

For those who need to manage storage efficiently, changing the download location in the Microsoft Store is a straightforward process. Users can designate a specific folder or drive as the default location for their downloads, helping them better organize and manage their digital content.

Why Would You Want to Change the Install Location?

Changing the install location in the Microsoft Store can be beneficial for users looking to manage their storage space efficiently, customize their settings, or optimize the performance of specific apps and games.

When users consider changing the install location, one of the primary reasons is often the need for more storage space. By relocating apps and games to a different drive or directory, users can free up valuable space on their main drive for essential files and documents. Adjusting the install location allows users to organize their digital content according to their preferences, making it easier to locate and manage different applications.

• Another significant factor is adjusting permissions. Some users may want to change the install location to ensure that specific apps have the necessary permissions to function correctly. This can be particularly crucial for programs that require access to certain directories or files to operate smoothly.
• Enhancing the overall user experience also plays a vital role in this decision. By moving apps and games to a location that offers faster read/write speeds or better system resources, users can optimize the performance of these applications, resulting in smoother gameplay, quicker load times, and overall improved usability.
• Changing the install location can provide users with the flexibility to access their favorite apps and games seamlessly across different devices and platforms. This fluidity in application usage allows for a more integrated and seamless digital experience, ensuring that users can enjoy their preferred content wherever they are.

How to Change the Install Location in Windows 10?

Changing the install location in Windows 10 for Microsoft Store apps involves specific steps to ensure a seamless transition to a new download spot on your system.

To commence the process, open the Windows Store application.

1. Within the store, click on your profile icon located at the top right corner of the window.
2. Select ‘Settings’ from the drop-down menu that appears.
3. Scroll down to find the ‘Change where new content is saved’ section.
4. Click on the ‘Change’ button next to ‘New apps will save to’.
5. You can now choose a new drive from the list provided and press ‘Apply’.
6. To move existing apps to the new location, go to ‘Apps & features’ in the Settings app.
7. Click on the app you want to move, then select ‘Move’ and choose the new drive.
8. Check if the changes took effect by installing a new app and verifying its location.

Step 1: Open the Windows Store Settings

To initiate the process of changing the install location in Windows 10, the first step is to access the Windows Store settings on your device.

Here’s how you can easily find and navigate to the Windows Store settings menu:

1. First, click on the Start menu icon located in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. From the list of apps displayed, locate and click on the ‘Microsoft Store’ icon to open the app.
3. Once the Microsoft Store is open, look for the three horizontal dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the window and click on it to open the drop-down menu.
4. In the drop-down menu, select ‘Settings’ to access the Windows Store settings.

Step 2: Change the Default Install Location

Once you have accessed the Windows Store settings, proceed to modify the default install location to set a new spot for your downloaded apps and content.

To change the default install location in the Windows Store settings, follow these steps:

• Open the Windows Store app on your device.
• Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
• Select ‘Settings’ from the dropdown menu.
• Scroll down to find the ‘Change where new content is saved’ section. Here, you can choose a new drive or directory for future downloads.
• Click on the drop-down menu under ‘New apps will save to:’ and select the desired location.
• Ensure to click ‘Apply’ or ‘Save’ to confirm the changes.

By adjusting this setting, you can optimize your storage usage and manage app installations more efficiently on your Windows device.

Step 3: Move Existing Apps to the New Location

After changing the default install location, you need to transfer existing apps and games to the new designated spot to ensure seamless functionality and accessibility.

App migration plays a crucial role in maintaining the coherence and structure of your digital environment. To kickstart this process, navigate to your Windows Store and select the ‘Library’ option, showcasing all your installed apps. Identify the app or game you wish to transfer and click on it to reveal the details. Here, look for the ‘Move’ or ‘Change location’ option, which will prompt you to select the desired storage destination. Ensure your device is synchronized to avoid any data loss during the migration process. It’s vital to execute this step diligently to prevent any disruptions in the app’s performance and data accessibility.

Step 4: Verify the Changes

To ensure that the install location changes have been successfully implemented, it is essential to verify the modifications and confirm that apps are now installing in the new designated location.

One straightforward way to confirm this is by initiating the installation of a new app after the location change. Ensure that during the installation process, the destination pathway reflects the updated location that you set. When the installation completes successfully in the intended folder, it is a clear indicator that the modification has been effective.

How to Change the Install Location in Windows 8 and 8.1?

Changing the install location in Windows 8 and 8.1 involves similar steps to Windows 10 but may have slight variations in the interface and settings customization.

In Windows 8 and 8.1, users can also modify the default installation path for applications to a different drive or folder. Unlike Windows 10, the process may not be as straightforward due to variations in the way settings are accessed and presented.

While in Windows 10, the option to change the install location is more prominently displayed in the settings menu, Windows 8 and 8.1 users may need to navigate through Control Panel or specific application settings to locate the installation path modification feature.

How to Change the Install Location in Windows 7?

For users operating on Windows 7, changing the install location for Microsoft Store apps involves specific steps tailored to the system’s interface and customization options.

Do keep in mind that Windows 7, being an older operating system, may have certain limitations compared to newer versions when it comes to app management and system settings. With some careful navigation, you can still achieve the desired change smoothly. Here are the detailed steps to adjust the install location:

1. Access the Control Panel by clicking on the Start button and then selecting Control Panel from the list.
2. Within the Control Panel, navigate to ‘Programs’ and then click on ‘Programs and Features’.
3. Locate the Microsoft Store app you want to change the install location for, and right-click on it.
4. Choose ‘Uninstall’ to remove the app from its current location.
5. Next, you’ll need to reinstall the app. During the installation process, you should be prompted to choose the installation location. Select the new location where you want the app to be installed.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. The app will now be installed in the location you specified.

Step 1: Open the Windows Store Settings

To begin the process of changing the install location in Windows 7, the first step is to access the Windows Store settings on your device.

Locating the Windows Store settings menu is a straightforward process. Start by clicking on the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen. From the Start menu, locate the ‘Control Panel’ option and click on it to open. Within the Control Panel, you will find the ‘Windows Store’ icon. Click on this icon to access the settings menu. Once you are in the Windows Store settings, you can navigate to the ‘Installation Preferences’ section to adjust the default install location and manage other account preferences related to app management and storage allocation.

Step 2: Change the Default Install Location

Once you have accessed the Windows Store settings on Windows 7, proceed to modify the default install location to customize the download spot for your apps and content.

Changing the default install location allows you to set a personalized pathway for where your apps get stored on your system. By selecting an optimal location, you can improve the efficiency of managing your applications and maximize your storage preferences. Opting for a location with ample space and fast access can enhance the overall performance of your device. With this customization, you can ensure that your apps are stored in a secure and convenient location, making it easier to organize and access them whenever you need.

Step 3: Move Existing Apps to the New Location

Following the adjustment of the default install location in Windows 7, the next step involves transferring existing apps and games to the newly designated spot.

To relocate your existing apps from their current installation location to the newly chosen spot within the Windows Store, you can start by launching the Windows Store application on your Windows 7 system. Once you are in the Windows Store, navigate to the ‘My Library’ section where you can view all your currently installed apps and games. Look for the app you wish to move and select the ‘Move’ or ‘Reinstall’ option, depending on the available choices. This will prompt the relocation process, ensuring a smooth transition while preserving all your app data and functionality.

Step 4: Verify the Changes

To confirm the successful modification of the install location settings on Windows 7, it is essential to verify the changes and ensure that apps are now installing in the new specified spot.

Once you have made the necessary adjustments to the install location settings, follow these steps to validate the changes:

• Open the Windows Store application on your Windows 7 system.
• Navigate to the settings menu within the Windows Store.
• Check the ‘Install location’ or ‘Storage’ options to see if the new location is reflected.

It is crucial to perform these system checks to confirm that the changes have been properly applied for app validation.

How to Change the Install Location in Windows 8 and 8.1?

Modifying the install location for Microsoft Store apps in Windows 8 and 8.1 involves steps similar to those in Windows 10, with potential interface differences and customized settings based on the operating system version.

While the fundamental steps are akin to those on Windows 10, Windows 8 and 8.1 bring their own unique intricacies to the process. One notable distinction is the way these earlier versions handle app installations and storage configuration. Users exploring this modification will notice that navigating through the settings and preferences may vary slightly, requiring a nuanced approach to ensure the desired outcomes.

Step 1: Open the Windows Store Settings

To initiate the install location change process in Windows 8 and 8.1, start by accessing the Windows Store settings on your device.

Once you have opened the Windows Store, navigate to the top-right corner of the screen, and click on your account profile picture to reveal a drop-down menu. From the options displayed, select ‘Settings.’ This will take you to the Windows Store settings menu, where you can find a variety of customization options tailored to your account preferences.

Within the settings menu, locate the ‘App storage’ or ‘Install location’ section, depending on the version of Windows you are using. Here, you can adjust the default install location for new apps or choose a different drive where you want your apps to be stored.

Step 2: Change the Default Install Location

Proceed to modify the default install location after accessing the Windows Store settings on Windows 8 and 8.1 to set a new location for storing your downloaded apps.

Once you are inside the Windows Store, locate the three horizontal dots at the top-right corner of the screen to open the ‘Settings’ menu. Click on ‘Settings’ and scroll down until you find the ‘Change where new content is saved’ option.

Next, under the ‘New apps will save to’ dropdown menu, select the desired drive as your new installation location. This step is crucial if you are looking to optimize storage space or prefer a specific directory for better app management.

Step 3: Move Existing Apps to the New Location

Following changing the default install location in Windows 8 and 8.1, transfer your existing apps and games to the new location for seamless access and functionality.

Once you have successfully adjusted the default installation destination on your Windows 8 or 8.1 system, the next crucial step is to relocate your current apps and games to the newly selected spot within the Windows Store ecosystem. This migration process ensures that your applications remain properly organized and accessible post the relocation. By moving them to the updated installation path, you maintain the integrity of the apps and their associated data, securing a smooth transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change the Windows Store install location on my computer?

To change the Windows Store install location, go to Settings > System > Storage and select “Change where new content is saved.” Then, choose a new drive to install your apps and games on.

2. Can I choose any drive on my computer to change the Windows Store install location?

Yes, you can choose any drive with enough available space to change the Windows Store install location. Keep in mind, the drive must be formatted with the NTFS file system.

3. Are there any limitations to changing the Windows Store install location?

The only limitation is that you cannot install apps or games on a removable drive, such as a USB flash drive. Other than that, you can choose any drive on your computer to change the install location.

4. Can I change the Windows Store install location for individual apps or games?

No, the change will apply to all future downloads from the Windows Store. However, you can move existing apps or games to the new install location by going to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, selecting the app or game, and clicking “Move.”

5. Will changing the Windows Store install location affect my currently installed apps and games?

No, the change will only apply to future downloads. Your currently installed apps and games will remain in their original location unless you manually move them using the steps mentioned in the previous answer.

6. Can I revert back to the original Windows Store install location?

Yes, you can always go back to the original install location by following the same steps and choosing the original drive as the new install location. Keep in mind, any apps or games that were moved to the new location will need to be manually moved back.