How do I choose which location to install to software on Windows 10

Question

I just got a new computer last night and I'm trying to install all the programs I use. The problem I'm running into is that I have two different hard drives. Drive C is an SSD drive with only 128 gb of hard drive space, and this is the primary drive. However, I also have a regular hard drive with 1 tb of space that is Drive D. I'm trying to get the new programs to install on Drive D and not C as I already ran out of space, since 128 gb is almost nothing. How do I get to programs to automatically install on Drive D instead of Drive C? I'm given no option to where to install something when it installs.

Answer 1

Hi Kristena

1.

3rd Party Applications:

Some 3rd party application installers will allow you to choose an alternate install location, for those, create a Program Files folder on your D Drive and install those into their own sub-folder of that folder

Other 3rd party application installers will not allow you to choose an installation folder, for those, there is nothing you can do . . .

2.

Windows Apps or Windows Store Downloads:

Open the Settings App (Gear icon on your Start Menu)

Go to System - Storage - 'Change where new content is saved'

Ate the top, from the 'New Apps will save to' drop down, choose your other drive (HDD)

That's It!

Answer 2

See DaveM121's reply, and let me add the following:

As far as I'm concerned, 128GB is way too small for a C: drive, and I'm sorry to say that I think you made a poor choice in getting it. No matter what you do now, you will very likely run into the same problem in the near future.

Regardless of whether it's an SSD, an HD, or an HD Partition, I never recommend anything smaller than 500GB for C:, and 1TB is even better  for most people. If you're up to spending some more money, you should replace it with a bigger drive.