Changing Your Game Installation Location on Windows 11
Want to take control of where your Microsoft Store games end up on your Windows 11 PC? It’s simpler than you might think! Here’s how to direct those downloads to your drive of choice, freeing up space on your primary drive or keeping your games organized. This article will guide you through the process and answer some common questions.
The Quick Guide: Setting Your Default Installation Drive
The quickest way to change where the Microsoft Store installs games is through the Settings app. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “System”.
- Select “Storage”.
- Scroll down to the “Advanced storage settings” section and click “Where new content is saved”.
- Use the dropdown menu under “New apps will save to:” to select your desired drive. This will change the default location for new apps and games downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
Now, any games you download from the Microsoft Store will automatically install to the drive you selected. Easy peasy! However, understanding some nuances and limitations can help you further.
Diving Deeper: Additional Methods and Considerations
While the Settings app method is the primary way to change the install location, there are a few other methods, and things to keep in mind.
Moving Already Installed Games
What if you want to move games already installed from the Microsoft Store to a different drive? Windows 11 offers a built-in feature for this as well:
- Press the Windows key and search for “Installed Apps”.
- Select “Installed Apps” from the search results.
- Find the game you want to move.
- Click the three dots (…) next to the game’s name.
- Select “Move”.
- Choose the new drive from the dropdown menu.
Important Note: Not all games support being moved this way. If the “Move” option is greyed out or missing, you may not be able to directly move the game.
Understanding the WindowsApps Folder
Microsoft Store apps, including games, are typically stored in a folder called “WindowsApps”. This folder is located at C:Program Files. By default, this folder is hidden and has restricted permissions. Accessing or modifying files within this folder directly is strongly discouraged as it can lead to instability and potentially break your games or apps. It’s best to use the methods described above to manage your game installations.
Why Change the Installation Location?
There are several reasons why you might want to change the default installation location for your games:
- Free Up Space: Your primary drive (usually C:) might be getting full. Moving games to a secondary drive frees up valuable space.
- Organization: Keeping games on a separate drive can improve organization and make it easier to manage your files.
- SSD vs. HDD: You might want to install games on a faster SSD (Solid State Drive) for improved loading times, while storing less frequently played games on a larger HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
Limitations and Potential Issues
While changing the installation location is generally straightforward, be aware of potential limitations:
- Not All Games are Movable: As mentioned earlier, some games may not support the “Move” feature in the Installed Apps settings.
- Permissions Issues: Occasionally, you might encounter permission issues when trying to access or manage game files, especially if you’ve previously tampered with the WindowsApps folder.
- Reinstalling May Be Necessary: In some cases, if you encounter problems after moving a game, reinstalling it may be the only solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to changing the Microsoft Store game installation location on Windows 11:
1. Can I change the installation location for all apps, not just games?
Yes, changing the “New apps will save to:” location in Settings > System > Storage > Where new content is saved affects all new apps and games downloaded from the Microsoft Store, not just games.
2. Where are Microsoft Store game files actually located?
Microsoft Store game files are typically located in the “WindowsApps” folder, which is found at C:Program FilesWindowsApps. However, this folder is hidden and has restricted permissions.
3. How do I access the WindowsApps folder?
It’s not recommended to directly access the WindowsApps folder due to permission restrictions and the risk of damaging your installed apps. Use the “Move” feature in Installed Apps or change the default installation location in Settings instead.
4. Can I move games from other platforms (e.g., Steam, Epic Games) using this method?
No. This method only applies to games downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Steam, Epic Games, and other platforms have their own methods for moving game installations. The Games Learning Society has resources discussing the use of other gaming platforms.
5. What happens if I uninstall a game after changing the default installation location?
The game will be uninstalled from whichever drive it was installed on, regardless of the current default installation location.
6. How do I change the default installation location back to the C: drive?
Simply follow the same steps as outlined in the “Quick Guide” and select the C: drive from the “New apps will save to:” dropdown menu.
7. Will changing the installation location affect the performance of my games?
It depends. Installing games on a faster SSD can significantly improve loading times and potentially improve performance compared to installing them on a slower HDD.
8. I don’t see the “Move” option for a game in Installed Apps. Why?
Not all games support the “Move” feature. This is usually determined by the game developer.
9. Can I install different games on different drives?
Yes, you can. You can change the default installation location before downloading each game, or move existing games to different drives using the “Move” feature (if available).
10. Is it safe to manually delete files from the WindowsApps folder?
No! Manually deleting files from the WindowsApps folder is highly discouraged and can lead to serious problems with your installed apps and even your operating system.
11. How do I ensure I have enough space on the drive I choose for installation?
Before downloading a game, check the game’s system requirements to see how much disk space it requires. Then, check the available space on your chosen drive in File Explorer.
12. What if I get an error message when trying to move a game?
Error messages can vary, but common causes include permission issues, insufficient disk space, or corrupted game files. Try restarting your computer, running the Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooter, or reinstalling the game.
13. Does changing the installation location affect game updates?
No, changing the installation location does not affect game updates. Games will be updated automatically regardless of where they are installed.
14. What are the benefits of using an SSD for game installations?
SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to HDDs, resulting in faster loading times, quicker game launches, and potentially smoother gameplay.
15. Can I change my computer region to play games early?
Changing your computer region might allow you to access certain games or content earlier than your local release date. However, be mindful that doing so might violate the terms of service of certain platforms or games. To change your region in Windows, go to Start > Settings > Time & Language > Region. Under Country or region, select your new region.
Final Thoughts
Changing the Microsoft Store game installation location on Windows 11 is a simple process that gives you greater control over your storage and organization. By following the steps outlined above and understanding the potential limitations, you can easily manage your game installations and optimize your gaming experience.