How to Change the Installation Disk for Programs on Windows 11/10?

Why Change the Install Location for Programs?

By default, Windows installs programs on the C: drive, which also houses the operating system. Over time, this drive can become cluttered, slowing down performance and leaving little room for system updates. Changing the installation disk for programs offers several benefits:

➤ Free up space on C: drive: Prevents system slowdowns by reducing disk usage.
➤ Better file organization: Keeps different types of files and applications on separate drives.
➤ Optimize performance: Running programs from an SSD instead of an HDD can improve speed.
➤ Prevent storage-related errors: Avoid low disk space warnings that can impact system performance.

This article explains how to change the installation disk for programs on Windows 11 and 10. Let’s get started!

How to Change Installation Disk for Programs on Windows 11/10?

This section offers three effective ways to change the installation disk for both new programs and existing programs. Select the one that best suits your needs.

Method 1. Change the Default Program Install Location via Settings

Windows 11/10 offers a simple way to change the install location for new programs via the Settings menu. This method is useful for Microsoft Store apps and certain other programs that support location changes. Follow these steps to change the default program install location on Windows 11 and 10:

Step 1. Click the Start button and select Settings.

Step 2. In the new window, navigate to System > Storage and click on Where new content is saved.

Step 3. In the drop-down menu, choose another disk for installing new programs.

Step 4. Confirm changes and restart your computer if necessary.

Method 2. Manually Change the Location of Already Installed Programs in File Explorer

For installed programs, you can manually change their install location in File Explorer. This method is suitable for programs that allow direct movement without breaking functionality. However, not all applications support this method, so be sure to check if they work properly after moving.

Step 1. Open File Explorer (Win + E) and locate the Downloads folder.

Step 2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.

Step 3. In the new window, navigate to the Location tab. Here you can specify another saving location.

Step 4. When you have set all, click Move to change the program install location.

Step 5. When prompted “Do you want to move all the files from the old location to the new location”, choose Yes.

Method 3. A Flexible Way to Change the Installation Disk for Existing Programs

If you need a more flexible and reliable way to move programs between drives without reinstalling them, consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant. This professional, user-friendly tool allows you to safely and effortlessly migrate applications and folders on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, helping you free up space on the original partition. Additionally, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers various disk management features, such as PC cleaning, finding duplicate files, and resizing partitions. Feel free to download it and give it a try!

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

100% Secure

Follow these steps to change the app install location on Windows 10 and 11 using AOMEI Partition Assistant:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, then click "Free up" > "APP Mover".

Step 2. This software allows you to move folders and applications. Here, we choose "Move Apps".

Step 3. In the new window, you will see all partitions and the number and size of installed programs on every partition will also be displayed. Select one partition where the target programs are stored and click "Next".

Step 4. Choose the applications you want to move and select the target location, then click "Move".

Step 5. In the pop-up window, you need to confirm forcibly closing running applications when moving starts. Click "OK" to begin the process.

Final Words

Changing the program install location can help optimize your system’s storage and performance. This guide explains how to change the installation disk for programs on Windows 11/10. For existing programs, using AOMEI Partition Assistant is recommended to safely move them to another drive. By following these steps, you can free up disk space on your primary drive and keep your system well-organized.

FAQs

Q1: Can I change the location of installed programs without reinstalling them?

Yes, you can use tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant to move installed programs without reinstalling them.

Q2: What happens if I manually move program files?

Manually moving program files may cause them to stop working unless you create symbolic links to redirect Windows to the new location.

Q3: How do I check if a program can be moved to another drive?

First, check the program's settings or options within the application itself. Many modern apps, especially Microsoft Store apps, provide an option to change the install location. You can also refer to the program's documentation or contact the software developer for specific guidance on moving the program.