By default, games installed through the Microsoft Store or Xbox app are saved to the main drive where Windows is installed, which is almost always the C: drive. However, since games can take up a ton of space, it is usually a better idea to change the default install location to a secondary drive. This helps free up system storage and can improve overall system performance. So work your way through the steps below to find out how to change game install locations on Windows 11.
Takeaways:
- How do you change the install location for games on Windows 11?
- Where do you change the install location for games on Windows 11?
Table of Contents
Why Change the Default Install Location?
- Prevent the system drive from filling up.
- Avoid storage-related performance issues.
- Use faster or larger drives dedicated to games.
How to Change the Default Game Install Drive on Windows 11
If you have never installed a game before, the "Game installation options" setting may not appear in the Microsoft Store settings. This option becomes available after at least one game has been installed.
Option 1: During Game Installation
- Open the Start menu and search for Microsoft Store, then open the app.
- Select Gaming from the left navigation pane.
- Choose the game you want to install and click Get or Install.
When prompted:
- Select the drive you want to install the game to.
- Or click Change defaults in settings to adjust your default installation location.
If you choose to change defaults, you will need to return to the game page afterwards to begin installation.
Option 2: From Microsoft Store Settings
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click your profile icon and select Settings.
Under Game installation options:
- Choose the desired install drive.
- Click Change folder to select a specific folder within the drive.
- Turn on Ask me these options on every game installation if you want to be prompted each time.
After completing these steps, future game installations will use the selected drive and folder.
Change the Default Game Install Drive in the Xbox App
- Open the Start menu, search for Xbox, and open the app.
- Click your profile icon in the top-left corner and choose Settings.
- Go to the General tab or Install Options, depending on your app version.
Under Game install options:
- Choose the default install drive.
- Click Change folder to select a specific location for game files.
- Optionally, check Ask me for install options on every install if you want to set it manually each time.
Once completed, the Xbox app will use the specified drive and folder for all new game installations. Just keep an eye on it, as I have noticed it changing back to C: drive after major Windows updates.
