How To Change Default Install Location Windows 10 [top] May 2026

The registry and symbolic link methods offer deeper control but introduce instability, security risks, and are not recommended for production systems or users without expert-level Windows knowledge. Always maintain current backups before attempting system-level storage changes.

Open PowerShell as Admin and run:

This report outlines three primary methods to change the default installation location, explains which types of applications are affected, and highlights risks associated with each approach. Before proceeding, understand the following: how to change default install location windows 10