When using the Xbox app with or without a PC Game Pass subscription, games will download and install in the main drive where Windows 11 (or Windows 10) is currently running. However, since games take a lot of space, it’s always best to set a different drive as the default installation storage to quickly prevent running out of space and improve system performance.

If you use the Xbox app to play games on your computer, the app includes an option to change the default installation location to a secondary or external hard drive. In addition, the app also lets you choose a folder location instead of a restricted “WindowsApps” folder.

This guide will teach you the steps to change the default install location for games using the Xbox app on Windows 11.

  • Change default game install drive on Xbox app
  • Change default game install folder on Xbox app

Change default game install drive on Xbox app

To specify where to download and install Xbox games on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open Xbox app.
  • Click the profile menu in the top-right and select the Settings options.
  • Click on General.
  • Under the “Game install options” section, select the drive to install games by default.
  • (Optional) Check the Ask me for install options on every install option.

Once you complete the steps, the game files will be stored in the new drive location. If you selected the option to prompt you every time, you would be prompted where to hold the game before downloading.

Open Xbox app.

Click the profile menu in the top-right and select the Settings options.

Click on General.

Under the “Game install options” section, select the drive to install games by default.

(Optional) Check the Ask me for install options on every install option.

Change default game install folder on Xbox app

To default folder location to store games on the Xbox app, use these steps:

  • Open Xbox app.
  • Click the profile menu in the top-right and select the Settings options.
  • Click on General.
  • (Optional) Under the “Game install options” section, select the drive to install games by default.
  • Click the Change folder option.
  • Select the new folder location to store Xbox games.
  • Click the Select Folder button.

After you complete the steps, the game files will be stored in the new folder location.

(Optional) Under the “Game install options” section, select the drive to install games by default.

Click the Change folder option.

Select the new folder location to store Xbox games.

Click the Select Folder button.