The standard setup folder for Windows 10 isn't functioning properly.
The standard setup folder for Windows 10 isn't functioning properly.
I own a tiny boot disk and a bigger HDD plus SSD. Most of the time I don’t save anything to the boot disk—even if I wanted to. For years, my Windows "Change where new content is saved" was set to the HDD by default. But about 9 out of 10 times when installing software it automatically goes to the boot disk, forcing me to create a custom install folder and point the installer there. Searching online only provides guides for adjusting the setting I already have, and I can’t find any solutions for this issue. Does this configuration really prevent programs from working as I want? Is there another way besides this setting?
EDIT: Reflecting on it, I haven’t found a single case where it functioned. That one 1% is just my oversight.
Updated August 29, 2022 by Nebman227
I considered the possibility of self-installers and wasn't familiar with using a Windows app before. I checked several articles about modifying registry keys (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion) to fix this issue, but it seems the key isn't being altered by the Windows settings. I'm undecided whether I should edit the registry or wait and report back later.
It seems like the point about this setting being limited is often overlooked. Maybe others rely more on Windows apps, or perhaps it’s not widely discussed. I’m not sure if that’s a common issue.
Default settings always point to the boot drive, regardless of where you adjust your preferred storage location. During installation, the program displays its path—something similar to "C:\Program Files\Name of Program\Program name.exe". You only need to switch the location from the boot drive to the desired installation drive, and the installer will handle the rest automatically. No manual folder creation is required.
I am aware that the default is the boot drive. There is a windows setting under "Change where new content is saved" that many online resources and windows itself say will change the default install location for apps. That's what I was asking about. Also, as I said in the post, I've been setting my install location manually each time I install something for years, so I know how it works. I always go for the changing the drive letter first, but the crux of my annoyance is the many programs will not let you edit that box or throw a fit if you don't have the folder already created.