Why can't I choose the install directory?

BSM48 · Sep 14, 2026

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.

Banjoman301 · Sep 14, 2026

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.

garlin · Sep 14, 2026

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.

HeavyHemi · Sep 14, 2026

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.

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.

BSM48 · Sep 14, 2026

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.

garlin · Sep 14, 2026

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.

dacrone · Sep 14, 2026

What program…

Ghot · Sep 14, 2026

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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?

Banjoman301 · Sep 14, 2026

BSM48 said:
Microsoft licenses me to use the software but that license doesn't include telling me where to install their product

Like it or not...that's their call.

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

BSM48 · Sep 14, 2026

@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?

HeavyHemi · Sep 14, 2026

GIMP is one program that, for some reason, wants to install into the AppData folder.

garlin · Sep 14, 2026

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.

Banjoman301 · Sep 14, 2026

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.

MisterEd · Sep 14, 2026

HeavyHemi said:
GIMP is one program that, for some reason, wants to install into the AppData folder.

Note if you want more than user to use a program then install the program for all users if possible. That way if the program creates a desktop shortcut then the shortcut is put in the "C:\Users\Public\desktop" folder. Everything in that folder appears on the desktop of every user.

You must have gotten Gimp from the Microsoft Store because if you downloaded it from the Gimp website that is only an option.

1. At the beginning if you select "Install it just for me"

2a. If you had selected "Install" it would have installed it at "C:\Users\<username>AppData\Local\Programs\GIMP 3"
2b. However, if you want to install somewhere else then select "Customize"

3. You can still install at the default location or some other location of your choice.

4. At the beginning if you select "Install for all users"

5a. If you had selected "Install" it would have installed it at "C:\Programs Files\GIMP 3"
5b. However, if you want to install somewhere else then select "Customize"

6. You can still install at the default location or some other location of your choice.

idgat · Sep 14, 2026

BSM48 said:
If it's Microsoft's idea to segregate users why bother keeping the two C:\ folders?

As has been stated, it's NOT MS's call for 3rd party options, it's down to who wrote the program and/or how it was written

However there are often options offered by the program, as elucidated by @MisterEd above

glasskuter · Sep 14, 2026

BSM48 said:
Why does Microsoft insist on software being installed in other than the 2 program folders?

Apps install themselves into AppData because it lets developers bypass admin rights, sandbox the app per‑user, and avoid Windows Installer complexity. Windows intended Program Files to be the home for applications, but modern software ecosystems evolved in ways Microsoft never fully anticipated. Windows does not provide any policy, registry key, or group‑policy mechanism that overrides developer‑chosen install paths

You can redirect installs for many apps, but you cannot force every installer.

Sounds like much ado about nothing to me.

RicoRicowski · Sep 15, 2026

garlin said:
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.

And the third way (often available when user choose „Advanced” or „Custom” option) - user can choose the destination folder. :)

FreeBooter · Sep 15, 2026

You can change where new apps are saved in Windows by going to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.

If you want to change the default Program Files path for future software installations, you can edit the Windows Registry, note that this is an advanced step and opinions are mixed regarding potential side effects on certain updates:

- Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion.
- Locate ProgramFilesDir and ProgramFilesDir (x86).
- Right-click each value, select Modify, and change the drive letter (e.g., from C:\ to D:\).

If you tell me which version of Windows you are using (Windows 10 or Windows 11) and what your goal is (freeing up C drive space, organizing a new hard drive, etc.).

RicoRicowski · Sep 15, 2026

FreeBooter said:
You can change where new apps are saved in Windows by going to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.

If you want to change the default Program Files path for future software installations, you can edit the Windows Registry, note that this is an advanced step and opinions are mixed regarding potential side effects on certain updates:

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion.

Locate ProgramFilesDir and ProgramFilesDir (x86).

Right-click each value, select Modify, and change the drive letter (e.g., from C:\ to D:\).

If you tell me which version of Windows you are using (Windows 10 or Windows 11) and what your goal is (freeing up C drive space, organizing a new hard drive, etc.).

The other way:

move an installed program folder to another drive
create a symbolic link to moved folder in original location (helpfull tool - Link Shell Extension)

Why can't I choose the install directory?

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