To change where new files and apps are saved by default on your Windows laptop, you need to adjust the storage settings within Windows.
Changing your laptop's storage location typically refers to setting the default save destination for new content, such as applications, documents, music, pictures, and videos. This is particularly useful if your primary drive (often the C: drive) is running low on space and you have a secondary drive (like a D: drive, external hard drive, or SD card) you'd prefer to use for new items.
Here are the steps to change where new content is saved, based on the provided reference:
Steps to Change Default Save Location
Follow these simple steps within Windows Settings:
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Open Settings: Click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press
Windows Key + I. -
Select System: In the Settings window, click on "System."
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Navigate to Storage: In the left-hand menu of the System settings, click on "Storage."
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Find More Storage Settings: Scroll down the Storage page until you find the "More storage settings" section.
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Change Where New Content is Saved: Under "More storage settings," click on the link that says "Change where new content is saved."
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Choose Default Locations: On the next page, you will see dropdown menus for different types of new content:
- New apps will save to:
- New documents will save to:
- New music will save to:
- New photos and videos will save to:
- New movies and TV shows will save to:
- Offline maps will save to:
Click on the dropdown menu for each content type you want to change and select the desired drive (e.g., D: drive, E: drive, etc.).
Once you select a new drive for each category, Windows will save all new items of that type to the chosen location by default going forward.
Note: This process changes the default location for newly saved files and newly installed apps from the Microsoft Store. It does not automatically move existing files or apps from their current location.
