How to Change the Installation Location of Programs in Windows 11 in 2022? Your Guide is Here

• Complexity Level: Easy
• Applies To: Switch and change the location of installed apps on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP and Vista, etc.

This page guides new Windows 11 users on how to modify the default save location for new content in Windows 11, particularly for applications like Office, Adobe software, and even some extremely large games.

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.

Why Would You Want to Change the Location of an Installed Program in Windows 11

Despite introducing numerous new features like a redesigned user desktop with a central Start menu and taskbar in Windows 11, Microsoft has retained the classic Windows system design in its latest operating system. On Windows 11, all new content continues to be automatically saved and installed on the Local System C (This PC) Drive, maintaining the familiar setup from previous versions.

As a result, the C drive will soon fill up with the following contents:

• Downloaded content.
• Installed applications and software.
• Operating system.
• Personal folders, such as Documents, Pictures.
• Desktop contents, etc.

How do you solve the issue when the C drive is full in Windows 11? You can address this problem in various ways, such as altering the default download location, relocating user folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop to another drive, deleting unnecessary large files, etc. Changing the installation location of programs in Windows 11 is also an efficient method to free up substantial space on the system C drive.

In this next section, we will explore how and which method you can utilize to change the app installation location in Windows 11 without encountering any boot issues. Let's proceed.

How to Change the Installation Location of Programs in Windows 11? [4 Methods]

Based on the insights and expertise of experienced and professional Windows administrators, we have compiled four effective methods to successfully relocate apps in Windows 11 without losing any application data or encountering boot issues. Let's explore them:

• #1. Third-Party App Migration Software
• #2. Apps and Features Tool in Windows 11
• #3. Command Prompt (CMD) Command Line
• #4. Registry Editor

Out of the four methods, which one do you find the most suitable? By referring to the comparison table, you can determine which method is best for you.

From the comparison table, it's evident that third-party app migration software offers the most comprehensive solution for Windows 11 users to alter the installation location of applications. However, if you seek a simple and efficient approach, Method 1 is not to be overlooked. Let's proceed to learn how to migrate apps and modify the installation directory of your programs in Windows 11.

#1. Change the Location of Installed Programs in Windows 11 Using App Migration Software

Professional app migration software can effortlessly assist you in relocating programs, software, and even games installed on the C drive to another local drive on your computer without encountering any boot problems. The ideal tool for this purpose is Todo PCTrans Pro, which offers an App Migration feature designed specifically for this task.

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.

This method allows you to directly transfer multiple programs and applications from the C drive to the D drive, or even a secondary hard drive, in one go on your computer without losing any personal data or encountering boot issues. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Run Todo PCTrans on your PC

Go to "App Migration" and click "Start" to proceed.

Step 2. Select programs to move from C drive to another drive Translation: Step 2. Choose programs to transfer from the C drive to another drive

1. Check the C drive and select the programs (marked as "Yes") that you wish to transfer.

2. Click the triangle icon to choose another drive on your computer as the destination, then click "Transfer" to begin the process.

Step 3. Complete the transfer

Wait patiently until the transfer is complete, then tap “OK” to confirm.

完成后，如果需要，您可以重启电脑。这将保留电脑中的所有更改，然后您可以在不重新安装的情况下从另一个硬盘运行程序。

Aside from this, you can also utilize the tool Todo PCTrans for:

• Migrate apps from other drives to the C drive
• Move the Desktop folder to a different drive
• Transfer apps or programs to another computer
• Backup and rescue data and programs on your computer
• More...

当然，我可以帮助你。请提供你想要翻译的语言内容。

#2. Use the Apps & Features Tool in Windows 11 to Change the Installation Location of Programs

The Apps and Features tool is a built-in Windows utility that aids in changing the installation location of certain programs on Windows computers. Users of Windows 11 can also utilize this tool to move programs installed on the C drive to other drives.

Here are the steps in English: 1. Begin by understanding the context of the text. 2. Carefully read through the original language to grasp its meaning. 3. Familiarize yourself with any specialized terms or phrases. 4. Translate the text sentence by sentence, preserving the original meaning and tone. 5. Ensure that grammar and syntax are accurate in the translated version. 6. Review the translation for coherence and fluency. 7. Compare the translated text with the original to check for accuracy. 8. Make necessary revisions to improve clarity or cultural adaptation. 9. Have a native speaker review the translation for authenticity. 10. Finalize the translation and proofread for any remaining errors. Remember, the goal is to convey the same message and intent from the original text while considering the nuances of the target language.

Step 1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Windows Settings, click on "System" and then select "Apps & Features."

Step 2. Wait for Apps and Features to open, then select the programs or applications you want to transfer and click "Move".

Step 3. Choose the drive where you want to move the program, for example, the D: drive.

Step 4. Click "Move" to confirm.

If you need to move multiple programs, you'll need to repeat this process for each one. For a more efficient method, you can use a tool like Todo PCTrans.

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.

#3. Use CMD Command-Line to Move Apps Around in Windows 11

Another efficient but more complex method to relocate apps in Windows 11 is by using Command Prompt commands. While executing the following steps on your computer, ensure you are cautious.

一些经验丰富的Windows管理员建议，如果你在Windows 11中移动应用时遇到问题，可以创建一个恢复点。

Here are the steps to rearrange apps in Windows 11 using Command Prompt:

Step 1. Open your C drive and locate the app that you want to move to another drive.

Step 2. Create a text document and copy and paste the two command lines into the file:

• Robocopy "Source" "Destination" /sec /mov /e
• Mklink "Source" "Destination" /j

Replace "Source" with the file path location of the target program on your C drive.

Replace "Destination" with the path where you want to move the app on your PC.

Step 3. Type cmd in the search box, right-click Command Prompt, and select "Run as Administrator".

Open cmd as administrator

Step 4. Once the command prompt opens, type the first line of your text file and press Enter.

• Robocopy "Source" "Destination" /sec /mov /e

Step 5. Type the second line in the command prompt and press Enter:

• Mklink "Source" "Destination" /j
This command translates to:
• Create symbolic link "Source" "Destination" with the junction option (/j)

Wait for the process to finish. Once it's done, you can open the target new drive and check if the chosen app folder has been successfully moved there.

Important: Be cautious when running the commands, and if any error occurs, it might be due to Windows not allowing the action. If this happens, cease the operation and seek assistance from Method 1.

#4. Change App Installation Location from C Drive to Another Drive in Windows 11 Using Registry Editor

The last workaround for moving apps from C to another drive in Windows 11 is by using the Registry Editor. Before you proceed, make sure you confirm the destination drive where you want to move the apps.

Here are the steps in English: 1. Begin by understanding the context of the text you need to translate. 2. Carefully read and analyze the original content, noting any cultural references or idiomatic expressions. 3. Familiarize yourself with the target language's grammar rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary. 4. Translate the text section by section, maintaining the meaning and tone of the original as closely as possible. 5. Use appropriate translation tools or resources, such as dictionaries or online translators, when needed. 6. Check for accuracy and fluency in the translated text, ensuring that it is coherent and natural-sounding in the target language. 7. Review the translation for any errors or inconsistencies, and make necessary revisions. 8. If possible, have a native speaker review your translation to ensure authenticity and cultural appropriateness. 9. Finalize the translation and present it. Remember, translation is not just about swapping words; it's about conveying the intended message while respecting the nuances of both languages.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and click "OK".

Open the registry editor

Step 2. After opening the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path to access the folder in the Registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Step 3. Double-click on the ProgramFilesDir (x86) key and modify the default value from "C:\Program Files" to the new drive path.

Step 4. Click "OK".

Step 5. Double-click on "ProgramFilesDir" and change the default value from "C:\ProgramFiles" to your new drive path.

Step 6. Click "OK," close the Registry, and restart your computer.

Bonus Tip: How to Change the Default Installation Folder in Windows 11

Aside from the上述4种方法来更改Windows 11中安装程序的位置，您还应该更改Windows 11的默认安装文件夹，以节省C盘的磁盘空间。

Here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings, then click on "System" and then "Storage".

Step 2. Under the "Save locations" section, click on the "New apps will save to:" column, and select a new drive to change the default location where your apps, documents, music, pictures, and videos are saved.

Conclusion

This page outlines 4 reliable methods to relocate installed programs from the C drive to another drive in Windows 11 without encountering any boot problems.

Of the four methods, Windows novices can fully trust the tool Todo PCTrans to migrate apps from C to another drive.

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.

Experienced Windows users can also try the other 3 methods if they only want to relocate a few default apps in Windows 11.

Changing the installation location of programs in Windows 11 is feasible and straightforward. As long as you employ the correct methods, you can effortlessly perform this task yourself, just like a professional.