How to Change Microsoft Store Download Location for Installing Apps
Having a low memory issue on a Windows computer is not customary as it is very straightforward and affordable to upgrade storage. But, let’s say that you have to install a few apps now, and you don’t have time to take your PC to a professional or wait till Amazon delivers your new hard drive. At such a moment, it is better to change Microsoft Store download location for installing apps. If you do that, the official Microsoft Store will start downloading the new apps to a selected location according to your choice.
By default, Windows 10 stores all Microsoft Store apps’ data in a folder called WindowsApps, visible in your system or C drive. Many people use an SSD to run the OS and an HDD to store documents, images, videos, etc. as it is much more affordable for a regular PC user. If you are one of them and do not have a high storage SSD for the system drive, you can always change Microsoft Store apps’ default download location. Not only the Microsoft Store apps but also you can move other native folders where your apps, documents, music, maps, etc. are saved by default.
There are three different methods to change the Microsoft Store download location before installing new apps. Also, it is possible to move existing apps because, at times, you might not want to change the location of all new apps, and instead, move only one app due to any reason.
Table of Contents
Windows Settings is a dedicated options panel and Control Panel successor, being included in Windows 10 for a long time now. Windows Settings panel has a dedicated option you’re able to use to change where new content is saved. As said earlier, it is possible to change the default location of apps, music, documents, movies/TV shows, photos/videos, etc. To use this option, follow the following steps.
1:PressWindow key+Ito open the Windows Settings on your computer. Although there are many other methods, it is the fastest and easiest way to get the Windows Settings panel on your screen. Alternatively, you may open the Start Menu and click the settings gear icon as well.
2:Click on theSystemmenu and switch to theStoragesection.
3:Here, you may find an option calledChange where new content is saved. It is visible under theMore storage settingsheading. Click on this option.
4:The next screen shows all the options to change the location as per your requirements. Expand theNew apps will save todrop-down list, and choose a driver accordingly.
Important Note:Do not choose an external SSD/HDD or USB drive as it might cause issues with the apps when you unplug that device.
Registry Editoris one of the best and most essential utilities in Windows OS, allowing users to customize their PC. However, being an advanced tool with admin rights, it can make or break your PC as well. Therefore, before heading to the steps, it is highly recommended to backup all Registry files andcreate a System Restore point. In case anything goes wrong, you can be on the safer side. Also, make sure you are signed in to an administrator account.
1:PressWindows key+Rto open the Run prompt, typeregedit, and press theEnterbutton on your keyboard or click theOKbutton.
2:You might find the UAC prompt on your screen. If so, click theYesbutton to open the Registry Editor on your computer.
3:Navigate to the following path-
You can directly paste it in the Registry Editor or expand each key one after one.
4:Right-click onAppxand select thePermissionsoption. It is required to get Full Control before changing the location as you have only theReadpermission.
5:SelectALL APPLICATION PACKAGES, and click on theAdvancedbutton.
6:By default, TrustedInstaller owns this key. Click theChangebutton and choose your name/username in the corresponding pop-up box.
7:Once you click theOKbutton, make a tick in theReplace owner on subcontainers and objectscheckbox and click theApplybutton.
8:Click theAddbutton andSelect a principalbutton, respectively.
9:Choose your username in theEnter the object name to selectbox, and click theOKbutton.
10:Make sureAllowis selected in theTypedrop-down menu, andThis key and subkeysoption is selected in theApplied todrop-down list. If so, make a tick in theFull ControlandReadcheckboxes and click theOKbutton.
11:ClickOKagain on theAdvanced Security Settings for Appxwindow > choose your username from the next window, and click theOKbutton.
12:Double-click on thePackageRootString Value on the right-hand side, and enter a path you want to set as the new download location.
13:Click theOKbutton to save the change.
Change Microsoft Store App Location or Move Them to Another Drive
Both of the methods, as mentioned earlier, let you install all the latest apps to another drive. What if you want to change the location of an existing app? That is possible too.
1:PressWindows key+Ito open the Windows Settings.
2:Go toApps > Apps & features.
3:Find out the app you want to move to another drive or location and click the correspondingMovebutton.
4:Choose a drive where you want to move this app to and click theMovebutton.
That’s all! The installed app will move to another drive within moments.
As the first method is included in the Windows Settings directly, it works flawlessly. In the meantime, you have to go through some extra steps to do the same with Registry Editor. In conclusion, it is better to use the first method when you are in a hurry. Alternatively, you may try the second method to change Microsoft Store download location for installing apps to get more flexibility.
Sudip is a freelance writer who has over nine years of experience in content writing. He loves to write about almost anything related to PC and mobile apps, how-to guides, tricks, and more.
