Here, I am assuming that Windows 8 is installed on your C: partition. If you have installed it on some other drive, the path will have to be changed accordingly. The folder is hidden by default and to see it you will have to enable the option to see all the hidden files. The folder is protected as one of the fundamental rules of operating system is that it is designed to protect itself from the user.
Now, we will not be changing the default download directory completely but will be creating a symlink for the folder. There are two advantages of us using symlinks over changing the directory permanently. First of all, the links to the apps you have currently installed on your computer will not break and you will be able to update them without uninstalling them. And secondly, symlinks are very easy to use when compared to registry editing.
Before we can start linking, we will have to gain full control over the WindowsApps folder. Right-click on the folder and click on Properties to open the folder properties window.
Here navigate to Security click on the Advanced button. Now click on the Change link next to Owner and add your name to the list. Make sure you check names before you add it. Having done that, open the folder properties again to find detailed security settings available for you.
Grant yourself full control over the folder and all the sub-folders and save the settings. Now when you try to open the folder again, you will be able to access it. Having successfully completed it, we can now use the concept of symlinks to move the folder to a new location without breaking the Explorer link.
I used SymMover for the task and it worked out great. Thanks for the reply to Lorie's question; my question is similar but relates to the automatic data storage programs set up rather than the application itself.
I too use an SSD drive, but I try to reserve it for applications alone, not the data that is associated with that program. Normally this is not a problem - MS Word, for example, lets you choose where to store documents, templates and so on.
But the News app in Windows 8. I could delete it, of course, but I am unable to automatically store new news items anywhere but where the OS put the program in the first place.
So I saw no option, really, but to delete the app. Not the effect I think MS is going for! We do not recommend you to change the default location. You can certainly change the default location of other applications. As far as your concern about the saving space, you can try to remove store cache every month so that it may remove temporary caches. You can now browse the Store for apps.
Hope the information helps. I'm afraid your reply confirms my already taken action; I appreciate the reply but really, 'we do not recommend you to change the default location' doesn't really work for me, as it will take up SSD space I don't want it to.
The cure - remember to clear out the cache every so often - is a frankly kludgy workaround; I find a far better solution is to not install apps that don't give me the option to store large quantities of data where I prefer.
News is the only app I've come across where it's a problem, so it is no more. Not, to be fair, a huge problem as there are so many more user-centric news aggregators out there. Hello all, Is there a way to change the location of the apps default installation folder in Windows 8. If not, why not? This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread.
I have the same question Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. Previous Next. CmdrKeene MVP. How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. In reply to CmdrKeene's post on April 17, Hi Shawn, Thank you for your feedback. In reply to macbrew's post on April 17, Hello Mac, Thank you for your response.
I would suggest you to try following steps and check if it helps. Close Registry Editor and restart the computer to save the effects. Important Notes: All previously installed apps are located in the original location and will continue to work without any issues. Thank you. In reply to A. User's post on April 24, Thank you This doesn't work with windows 8. In reply to beckett1's post on April 25, I also want to fix this. Good reminder about a backing up the registry and b uninstalling the apps first!
Thanks Andy. In reply to Anonymous's post on February 23, Has anyone addressed this issue? How do I change the location for data storage?
Hello Lorie, Thank you for the update on related issue. User's post on June 6,
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