How to Change the Default Drive in Windows 11

Normally, Windows uses the C drive to store all downloaded files and installed programs. In case you want to change the default drive to a larger capacity drive on your Windows computer, follow the instructions below.

 

How to change the default Windows 11 drive for applications

Step 1:

Open Settings on Windows and click on System , then look to the side and click on Storage .

Step 2:

Then click Advanced storage settings to expand advanced storage on your computer. Continue to click Where new content is saved to change the drive for the program and new saves.

Here select which drive will become the new default.

 

Change the hard drive where files downloaded from the browser are saved

Each browser will choose the Downloads folder in drive C to save downloaded files. You can completely change the location of the folder to save downloaded files on your computer.

1. How to change download folder on Chrome
2. How to change the default file save location on Edge

Change default hard drive for User file

The User folder stores a lot of stuff from documents, games, added files, and even the default Downloads folder. You can move that storage to another drive and it will continue to be used.

Step 1:

Open File Explorer then right click on Downloads and select Properties .

 

Step 2:

Display the new interface, the user clicks on the Location tab to change the default location.

Now click Move to select a new folder for Downloads on your computer and click Apply to save.

In case you want to change back to the previous storage, click Restore Default.

Change default location for game installation

Depending on the type of game installed on your computer, it may or may not support you to change the default data installation folder. Go to the game's Settings and check if there is an option to change the installation folder.