- To change the default game installation drive on Windows 11, open the Microsoft Store, open the profile settings, and change the drive and folder locations from the “Game installation options” setting.
- You can also perform the same task from the Xbox app settings, more specifically from the “Install Options” page.
When using the Xbox app with or without a PC Game Pass subscription or the Microsoft Store, games will download and install in the main drive where Windows 11 (or Windows 10) is currently running. However, since games take up a lot of space, it’s always best to set a different drive as the default installation storage to prevent running out of space and improve system performance quickly.
If you use either of the experiences to download games on your computer, these apps include an option to change the default installation location to a secondary or external hard drive. The app also lets you choose a folder location.
In this guide, I will teach you the steps to change the default install location for games using the Xbox app on Windows 11.
- Change the default game install drive from the Microsoft Store
- Change the default game install drive from the Xbox app
Change the default game install drive from the Microsoft Store
To change the drive and folder locations for games you download from the Microsoft Store, use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 11.
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Search for the Microsoft Store and click the top result to open the app.
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Click the Profile menu and choose the Settings option.
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Click the “Game installation options” setting.
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Click the Install drive setting and choose the storage to download and install games.
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Click the Change folder button from the “Installation folder” option.
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Select the folder for your games.
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Click the Select Folder button.
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Turn on the “Ask me these options on every game installation” toggle switch (recommended).
Once you complete the steps, the games from the Microsoft Store will download and be installed in the specified storage.
Change the default game install drive from the Xbox app
To specify where to download and install Xbox games on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for Xbox and click the top result to open the app.
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Click the profile menu in the top-left and select the Settings options.
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Click on Install Options.
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Select the drive to install games by default under the “Game install options” section.
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Click the Change folder button.
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Select the folder for your games.
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Click the Select Folder button.
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(Optional) Check the “Ask me for install options on every install” option.
Once you complete the steps, the game files will be stored in the new drive location. If you selected the option to prompt you every time, you would be prompted where to hold the game before downloading.
Update April 1, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.
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 14 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 20 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].