Nowadays storage is cheap and in many cases isn’t a problem for many computers. However, there are devices, such as affordable laptops and tablets that typically come with limited storage capacity. Simply installing a few apps and a couple of games can quickly fill up the entire hard drive. On Windows 10, Microsoft has improved the operating system to handle apps and games storage. Now it’s possible to easily move those apps installed on your computer to another SD Card, microSD, USB flash drive, or external hard drive. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to quickly move Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps to another location to free up space in your laptop or tablet will limited space.
How to move apps to another drive
When moving apps to another location, it’s a good idea to use a dedicated drive that you’ll not disconnect. In addition, Windows 10 won’t fail when disconnecting the drive, but apps won’t run until you reconnect it. (If you disconnect the drive when launching an app, then the app will get corrupted, and reinstall will be required.)
In the case you want to move an app that doesn’t support this feature, you could alternatively change the default install location. Then uninstall the app you want to move, and reinstall it again from the Store. This way the app will now install automatically in the new location, but depending on the app, you may lose app data.
Wrapping things up
You will find this feature particularly useful when you have a laptop or tablet with limited disk space, and you have available a microSD or SD Card slot to add more storage. Or when you have a gaming PC, and you want to install all your games you bought from the Windows Store to a different location other than your main drive. It’s important to note that this process also works with Windows 10 Mobile, but the settings are in a different location: Settings > System > Storage > This PC > Apps & games. Finally, keep in mind that not all Windows 10 apps support this feature. For example, built-in apps, traditional desktop applications, and certain other apps cannot be moved. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
