How to change default save locations on Windows 11

Windows 11 lets you choose another drive to save content and apps by default, and here's how.

Windows 11 change save locations
Windows 11 change save locations

On Windows 11, when you save files or install apps, the system will offer to store the contents on the “C” drive. However, you can always change where files, maps, and apps are saved by default if you want to use a different drive or you have a computer with limited space on the main storage.

Regardless of the reason, you can use the Storage settings to change the default save locations on Windows 11.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to change the default locations to save content on Windows 11.

Change default save locations on Windows 11

To change the default save locations on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click the Storage tab.

  4. Select the Advanced storage settings.

  5. Click the Where new content is saved setting.

  6. Select the new default save locations for apps you install from the Microsoft Store.

    Change default save locations

  7. Click the Apply button.

  8. Repeat steps No. 6 and 7 to change the save locations for documents, music, photos, movies, and offline maps.

Once you complete the steps, the next time you need to save content, the new locations will be offered by default.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].