How to move Program Files folders?

Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 8
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #11

    Lol, my bad. I know I am not explaining/asking correctly AT ALL. My apologies. My original concern was if "Program Files" was in the original install path, and I simply changed the drive letter to D, that it wouldn't install correctly to the D drive because there is no "Program Files" folder on the D drive. I apologize for all of the confusion.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13,898
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #12

    On my Tablets with only 32GB SSDs I have added a 64GB MicroSDXC memory card, it is Drive D: and I install programs on it and have pointed Downloads to it. On my latest Desktop I have a 1TB HDD split as 150GB C: and 780GB D:, doing the same with most programs and redirected Downloads to it. The main thing with those program installs is that the D: drive remains visible to Windows.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #13

    Note that while you can choose to install (most) programs on whichever drive or partition you wish, you will almost inevitably still have folders or files related to that program on your system partition.

    - start menu shortcuts
    - working space (folder(s)) in a library folder
    - space in %appdata%
    - possibly a driver
    - registry keys
    etc

    Also note that
    How To Change Program Files Location In Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
    #7
    is NOT recommended as changing that will prevent any upgrade procedure.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #14

    dalchina said:
    Note that while you can choose to install (most) programs on whichever drive or partition you wish, you will almost inevitably still have folders or files related to that program on your system partition.

    - start menu shortcuts
    - working space (folder(s)) in a library folder
    - space in %appdata%
    - possibly a driver
    - registry keys
    etc

    Also note that
    How To Change Program Files Location In Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
    #7
    is NOT recommended as changing that will prevent any upgrade procedure.
    More info on possible downsides of moving the Program Files location, supporting dalchina's statement:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...-program-files
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 8
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #15

    Thank you everyone for the replies and information. Luckily, I never planned on using a registry edit to change anything, as I do not fully comprehend registry edit, and I do not want to mess anything up. The information you guys/ladies provided was enough to answer my questions, and I have successfully begun populating both drives with installs to my liking without issue. Again, thanks.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #16

    Hope you've started with a good disk imaging program... you want that to protect your system, your data, your time and possibly your sanity when your PC won't boot, an update messes it up, your disk fails, it gets infected with ransomware...

    We strongly recommend routinely updating your disk image sets - E.g. Macrium reflect (free) + its boot disk + external storage for image sets.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 8
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #17

    Thank you :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 223
    Win 10 Pro 64bit v 21H1 build 19043.1166
       #18

    Most program installations give you the option of where to load the files, ie C:\Program Files.......... All you have to do is change that location to what you want, ie. D:\Games or E:\My Files or whatever, and it will load there. I do it to all my games - I have a 4TB drive E:\ and install all Steam games there. No issue.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2
    10
       #19

    hmm
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2
    10
       #20

    i know how to solve your gaming issues ....how about not playing them at work... and on company hours. its not the time nor place and it wasnt what that computer was bought for
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:49.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums