Why can't I choose the install directory?


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BSM48

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I want all my software installed in the C:\ folders - Programs (x86) and Programs. Now and again an installer will wander into C:\Users and install MY software somewhere else.

Why does Microsoft insist on software being installed in other than the 2 program folders? I am the sole user and Administrator so I don't need separate User accounts/domains.

On a couple of occasions I have endeavoured to install where I want the software to reside and, presumably because of the Registry, the app either doesn't run or causes errors, e.g. file locations etc. I am tired of trying to find where my software has ended up.

This is my PC, not Microsoft's, and I would like complete control of it. Is there some hack or Registry entry where I can prevent installation in the bowels of C:\Users? I was using Windows at the time that Bill Gates was playing in his garage. WYSI not WYG.
 

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There are entries in C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData even though apps have been installed in Program Files(x86) or Program Files.

Maybe that's what your talking about...

You own your PC, but not the Microsoft software...you're licensed to use it.
 

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Windows doesn't choose where a non-MS app installs to. That's up to the dev team of each individual app.

For UWP (or Store) apps, the security model mandates that a private copy of the app be installed in your AppData folder so that it can be isolated from other users who could be sharing the same PC. In this way, those users can install & uninstall the same UWP app without impacting your instance of the same app. This restriction doesn't apply to normal Win32 apps, which can choose to do whatever they want.

But there is no Windows policy which can block where an app installs. For UWP apps, you can specify another drive to keep the app folder, but it will always be under \WindowsApps.
 

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BSM48 said:
I want all my software installed in the C:\ folders - Programs (x86) and Programs. Now and again an installer will wander into C:\Users and install MY software somewhere else.

Why does Microsoft insist on software being installed in other than the 2 program folders? I am the sole user and Administrator so I don't need separate User accounts/domains.

On a couple of occasions I have endeavoured to install where I want the software to reside and, presumably because of the Registry, the app either doesn't run or causes errors, e.g. file locations etc. I am tired of trying to find where my software has ended up.

This is my PC, not Microsoft's, and I would like complete control of it. Is there some hack or Registry entry where I can prevent installation in the bowels of C:\Users? I was using Windows at the time that Bill Gates was playing in his garage. WYSI not WYG.
Click to expand...
I'm sure you're aware as a decades long Windows expert, (longer than even Bill Gates it would seem) that program installers generally determine where a program is installed though they do generally also follow MS guidelines. I mean, you don't want programs just randomly installing themselves just anywhere.
 

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Thanks for the response.
I have software installed in C:\Users that does not reference either of the Programs folders. If I want to, for example, create a shortcut because the installer doesn't offer the option, I have to look for the .exe file.
Microsoft licenses me to use the software but that license doesn't include telling me where to install their product. For years all software was installed in either Programs or Programs(x86). There should be a simple switch that provides the choice.
 

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 11 25H23.00 gigahertz Intel Core i7-970064Gb RAMIntel(R) UHD Graphics 630
OS
Windows 11 25H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell 7070 SFF
CPU
3.00 gigahertz Intel Core i7-9700
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0YNVJG A02
Memory
64Gb RAM
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) UHD Graphics 630
Sound Card
Intel(R) Display Audio, PRO X, Realtek(R) Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x DELL SE2416H 24"
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1 x 246Gb NVMe, 2 x 512Gb SSD
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Down: 75Mbps; Up 17Mbps
Browser
Vivaldi 8.2.4133.45
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MalwareBytes, ZoneAlarm
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Networked with HP ProDesk 600 G6 Micro Tower
KVM installed
That would require restricting all 3rd-party apps on Windows. I'm sure the EU would allow MS to use its "monopoly powers" to do that.
 

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What program…
 

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@BSM48 ...welcome to ElevenForum.

First, here's ten points just for filling out your computer specs. :-)






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It's hard for us to help you unless you're fairly specific.
Which programs are you referring to, that don't install where you think they should?
 

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BSM48 said:
Microsoft licenses me to use the software but that license doesn't include telling me where to install their product
Click to expand...
Like it or not...that's their call.

What specifically, and where, is the stuff installing in C:\Users?
 

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@HeavyHemi
Thanks for the response.
1 I was using Xerox Network Services and their windows workstations written in ViewPoint. I remember when Windows 3 came out.
2 I'm not suggesting that installers decide themselves where to place the software. I'm asking why installation was allowed to occur in two places - C:\ and C:\Users. If it's Microsoft's idea to segregate users why bother keeping the two C:\ folders? If they insist on continuing with the Program folders why not allow a User to choose the install location?
 

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Windows 11 25H23.00 gigahertz Intel Core i7-970064Gb RAMIntel(R) UHD Graphics 630
OS
Windows 11 25H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell 7070 SFF
CPU
3.00 gigahertz Intel Core i7-9700
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0YNVJG A02
Memory
64Gb RAM
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) UHD Graphics 630
Sound Card
Intel(R) Display Audio, PRO X, Realtek(R) Audio
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2 x DELL SE2416H 24"
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1 x 246Gb NVMe, 2 x 512Gb SSD
Internet Speed
Down: 75Mbps; Up 17Mbps
Browser
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Antivirus
MalwareBytes, ZoneAlarm
Other Info
Networked with HP ProDesk 600 G6 Micro Tower
KVM installed
GIMP is one program that, for some reason, wants to install into the AppData folder.
 

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Windows 11 25H2Broadwell-e 6850K 4.5ghz @1.36v32GB Corsair LPM 3600 C16EVGA RTX 3080Ti FTW
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Windows 11 25H2
Computer type
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Manufacturer/Model
EVGA home brew
CPU
Broadwell-e 6850K 4.5ghz @1.36v
Motherboard
EVGA X99 FTW K
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32GB Corsair LPM 3600 C16
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA RTX 3080Ti FTW
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Asus Centurion true 7.1 headset. (5 speakers in each earpeice)
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Various models of SSDs ~10TB No HDDs installed.
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50Mbs
There's two installation models which are popular.

1. Apps which install in "Program Files" for all users, but you're stuck if two users want to use the same program but the shared version gets updated to a version which one user doesn't like.

2. Apps which install in your local AppData, this causes wasteful duplication of files but allows every user to keep their private versions and not worry if another user wants a different build for themselves.

It really reflects on what the dev thinks. And anyone who has worked with developers knows they always believe they're smarter than users. MS loves developers, and won't take a stand on the issue.
 

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This will give you a list (saved to your Desktop) of all .exe files on your C: drive

dir C:\*.exe /s /b > "%userprofile%\Desktop\AllExecutables.txt"

If I want to know where a specific program executable is located, I'll right-click on its shortcut and select Open file location

I have quite a few "portable" app executables stored in a specifc location in my Downloads folder.

Honestly, it's not a issue for me as long as stuff works, and installers can find it when upgrading, or uninstallers can find it when I don't need it anymore.
 

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Windows 11 Pro 25H2
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