How to Change the Default Drive in Windows 11
If your Windows 11 PC is running low on space, especially on the C: drive, you’re not alone. Most users find that Windows installs apps, saves files, and downloads everything to the same drive by default — until it fills up.
The good news is you can change where Windows 11 saves new files, apps, and downloads. This guide shows several easy ways to set another drive (like D: or E:) as your default location without breaking anything important.
What Does “Default Drive” Mean?
When Windows installs or saves something automatically, it uses a “default drive.”
By default, that’s usually C: — the main system drive. But you can change the default location for:
- New apps and Microsoft Store downloads
- Documents, pictures, and music folders
- Browser downloads
- Games and large installations
Some core Windows files (like Program Files and AppData) must always stay on C:, but most user files can move safely.
1. Change Where New Content Is Saved
Windows 11 lets you change the default storage location for apps, documents, music, and more.
Steps:
- Open Settings (
Win + I). - Go to System → Storage.
- Scroll down and click Advanced storage settings.
- Choose Where new content is saved.
- Use the dropdown menus to select another drive for:
- New apps
- New documents
- New music, pictures, and videos
- Close Settings — changes are saved automatically.
This method is best if you want Windows to automatically save all new files to a specific drive.
2. Change the Default Download Folder in Your Browser
If you download large files often, moving your browser’s download location can free up space quickly.
Steps for Microsoft Edge:
- Open Edge → Settings → Downloads.
- Click Change next to the download location.
- Choose or create a folder on another drive (like
D:\Downloads). - Optional: Turn off Ask me what to do with each download to skip prompts.
Do the same in Chrome or Firefox under their “Downloads” settings.
3. Move Your User Folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.)
Windows allows you to move entire folders like Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Downloads to a different drive.
Steps:
- Open File Explorer and go to This PC.
- Right-click on a folder (e.g. Documents) and select Properties.
- Go to the Location tab and click Move….
- Choose a new folder on your preferred drive (e.g.
D:\Documents). - Click Apply → OK.
Windows will ask to move all existing files — confirm to keep everything in one place.
Tip: Don’t move system folders like AppData or Program Files. These are needed for Windows to run correctly.
4. Change Where Games Install
If you play PC games, you know how much space they consume. You can easily change where new games are installed.
For Microsoft Store Games:
- Go to Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Where new content is saved.
- Under New apps will save to, choose another drive.
For Steam or Epic Games Launcher:
- Open your game launcher settings.
- Add a new library folder on your preferred drive.
- Set it as the default location for new installs.
Each launcher saves its own path separately, so you may need to adjust them one by one.
5. Change System Drive (Optional – For New Installs)
If you’re setting up Windows 11 from scratch, you can install the operating system on a different drive entirely.
Steps:
- Boot from a Windows 11 installation USB.
- Choose Custom Install (Advanced) during setup.
- Select the drive or partition where you want Windows installed.
- Continue the installation — that drive becomes the new C:.
Note: This is for fresh installs only — not recommended for existing setups.
Tips Before You Make Changes
- Backup important files before moving folders or changing drive paths.
- Don’t try to rename or change drive letters (like swapping C: and D:) — this can break apps.
- Always leave system folders and Windows files on the main drive.
- After changes, double-check apps and downloads are saving to the new location.
- For laptops, ensure your new drive stays connected — if it’s external, some apps may fail when disconnected.
Final Thoughts
Changing the default drive in Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to free up space on your system drive without reinstalling Windows.
Whether you’re moving downloads, shifting user folders, or setting up new drives for apps, these methods let you manage storage smartly — keeping Windows running smoothly and efficiently.
Recommended:
