Installing programs from other sources in Windows 8 is the same as in Windows 7. You’re given an option to choose where to store the program’s content on your local computer. By default, programs get stored in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) for 64-bit machines. That’s how it’s always been.
In Windows 8, that has changed, especially when installing apps from Windows store. They’re automatically installed in a pre-defined location on your local computer. That location is always going to be C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. To view this location you must enable hidden file view because that folder is hidden. To learn how to enable hidden files in Windows 8, please read this post.
This brief tutorial is going to show you how to change that location to something else. If you’re running out of storage space on your location machine and you want to make sure all new installations of Windows apps are installed somewhere else, then changing the default location is the best solution.
To get started, press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. When it opens, type the commands below and press Enter.
Next, expand these folder:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx
By default the administrator doesn’t have full rights to this folder’s registry keys. You must take ownership of it before you can make changes to it. To take ownership, right-click the folder and select ‘Permissions’
Next, click Advanced button
Then click the Change link as show below
Next, type your username and click ‘Check Names’. If it’s correct click OK to take ownership of the folder.
After taking ownership of the folder and clicking ‘OK, the windows should close and bring you back to the previous screen. On this screen, select the Administrators group and give it full control as shown below and click OK.
Next, right-click ‘PackageRoot’ and select Modify.
Finally, change the location to whatever you want it to be. Mine is W:\WindowsApps.
Now all you have to do is go and copy the WindowsApps folder from C:\Program Files and copy WindowsApps to the new location. You must enable hidden file before you’ll be able to see it. After that, reboot and try installing programs.
If everything works, then you’re good. If you have time you can go back to the registry and make TrustedInstaller the owner of Appx folder. It won’t break the change you already made.
NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the default installation location for Windows apps in Windows 8?
To change the default installation location for Windows apps in Windows 8, you need to modify the registry settings. Follow the steps outlined in the article to navigate to the specific registry key and take ownership before making any changes.
Where are Windows Store apps automatically installed in Windows 8?
Windows Store apps are automatically installed in the 'C:Program FilesWindowsApps' directory on your local computer in Windows 8. This location is pre-defined and hidden by default, so you may need to enable hidden file view to access it.
How can I view the hidden 'WindowsApps' folder in Windows 8?
To view the hidden 'WindowsApps' folder in Windows 8, you must enable hidden file view in your system settings. Refer to the article for a guide on how to enable hidden files in Windows 8.
What should I do if I want to install Windows apps in a different location due to storage space constraints?
If you need to install Windows apps in a different location due to storage space constraints, you can change the default installation location by following the steps provided in the article. This allows you to specify a new directory for future installations.
How do I access the registry settings to change the default installation location for Windows 8 apps?
To access the registry settings and change the default installation location for Windows 8 apps, you can use the 'Run' dialog box by pressing Windows Key + R. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the article to navigate to the specific registry key and modify it.
Can I change the default installation location for Windows Store apps on a 64-bit machine in Windows 8?
Yes, you can change the default installation location for Windows Store apps on a 64-bit machine in Windows 8 by following the same process outlined in the article. The steps are applicable regardless of the machine architecture.
What permissions do I need to modify the registry keys for changing the default installation location of Windows apps in Windows 8?
To modify the registry keys for changing the default installation location of Windows apps in Windows 8, you need to have full rights to the specific registry key. The article provides guidance on taking ownership of the registry key to make the necessary changes.
Is it possible to specify a custom directory for installing Windows apps in Windows 8?
Yes, it is possible to specify a custom directory for installing Windows apps in Windows 8 by changing the default installation location using the registry settings. Refer to the detailed instructions in the article to customize the installation directory to your preferred location.
