Change the download location of Windows Store apps in Windows 10

Like classic desktop programs, apps installed from the Windows Store are installed on the same drive where Windows 10 is installed.

All apps and default apps installed from the Store are saved in the "C: WindowsApps Program Files" folder. The WindowsApps folder cannot be accessed without changing the default permissions.

If your PC's system drive is filling up fast, you might want to consider changing the default location used to install apps from the Store. You can use a different drive to install Store apps and apps already installed.

Let's see how to change the download and installation path of Windows Store apps in Windows 10.

Note that most applications can be installed on a non-system drive. However, some applications cannot be installed or moved to a drive other than the system drive. If an application does not support installation on a non-system drive, the message "It must be installed on a system drive" will be displayed when you try to install the application.

Change the default installation path of apps installed from the Store

Step 1: navigate to settings application> System > storage page.

Step 2: In Other storage configurations click on the section Change where the new content is saved link.

Step 3: In The new apps will be saved in drop-down box, select a drive where you want to install Store apps from now on. Click on To apply button.

From now on, whenever you install new apps (apps that support non-system drives) from the Store, the new location will be used to install them.

Windows 10 automatically creates a folder named WindowsApps in the root of the selected drive and saves all installed apps in that folder.

Move the currently installed apps

If you already have a lot of apps installed from the Store, you can move them to another drive without reinstalling them. It's worth noting that not all apps support moving to a new location. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: Close the app you want to move to another drive. To go settings > App > Application and functions.

Step 2: Click the entry for the application you want to move. If the app supports moving to a different location, you'll see the file Move next to it by clicking on the app.

Step 3: Click on Move select a drive you want to move the app to and click Move again to move the app to the new location.

You may also be interested in how to move installed programs to a different drive in the Windows 10 guide.