The issue is not the number of apps but their size, as apps and games can consume many gigabytes of space. If you have a device with limited storage or want to use an external storage for apps and games, Windows 10 allows to change the default location to save new apps from the Microsoft Store, move already installed apps to a different location, and you can even choose an alternate location during download. In this guide, you will learn the steps to change the default location to install Windows 10 apps on your computer to optimize the space usage on the main system drive. (You can also watch this video tutorial to complete this task.)
Change default location to install apps on Windows 10 Move installed apps to another drive on Windows 10 Choose storage location to install big apps on Windows 10
Change default location to install apps on Windows 10
To change the default location to install new apps, use these steps: This configuration will only affect new app installs. Apps that are already installed on your computer won’t be moved to the new location. Change were new content is saved option Select new default app install location on Windows 10
Move installed apps to another drive on Windows 10
To move installed apps to another drive on Windows 10, use these steps: The only caveat with this feature is that you can only move apps that support the feature. For example, Windows 10 built-in apps and certain other apps (including desktop applications) cannot be moved. Move installed app to a new drive on Windows 10
Choose storage location to install big apps on Windows 10
To select an alternative location to install large games and apps on Windows 10, use these steps: The prompt will appear whether or not you have multiple storage drives connected to your computer. This is because the prompt also gives you the option to make more room on your hard drive with the “Free up space” button, which will open the Storage page on Settings so that you can delete unnecessary files. Install large games alternative storage from Microsoft Store Whatever option you use to optimize the storage usage on your desktop, laptop, or tablet, you have to connect a secondary storage that you know won’t get disconnected. Although your computer won’t fail when you disconnect the drive, you won’t be able to run games or apps you moved to the new location until you reconnect the drive. Update January 22, 2021: This guide was originally published in June 2016, and it’s been updated to reflect the changes on Windows 10. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
