Windows 7 - Program Files Directory - Change Default for Installs

**reghakr**

How to Change the Default Program Files Directory for Installs

Information

This will show you how to change the default path to be used to install programs to automatically in Windows 7. If you're like me and have a separate partition to install your 3rd party apps,

Here's a good solution:

CHANGING THE DEFAULT LOCATION FOR INSTALLING APPLICATIONS

Most programs install in C:\Program Files by default. You can change this default installation directory by editing the registry.

Open the Registry Editor by selecting Start > Run > Regedit.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version.

In the right pane, double-click ProgramFilesDir and change the path in the String Editor to the drive and folder you want (i.e. D:\Program Files). You must also modify the entry for ProgramFilesPath. If your path is E:\ like mine is, the path would be E:\Program Files

Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer. Be aware that some programs still require installation in the C:\Program Files folder.

Much easier than highlighting that C and replace it with another letter.

Program Files Directory - Change Default for Installs-install.jpeg

Program Files Directory - Change Default for Installs-programfiles.jpeg

Program Files Directory - Change Default for Installs-registryr.jpeg

Works perfectly

Related Tutorials

How to Change the Default Location of Windows 7 User Folders

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**RugbyHoe** · 11-17-2009

Good tip.

Those of you running 64-bit operating systems may also want to modify the ProgramFilesDir (x86) and ProgramW6432Dir entries in a similar fashion.

irha · 01-22-2010

I like moving the program files location because simply changing the location of the installation doesn't always prevent files being written to the default. E.g., some files are written to "c:\Program Files\Common Files" and some installers invoke silent installers for other programs without giving us an opportunity to change the target. Changing the location of Program Files and the user profile directory are the one of the first things I do after any fresh installation.

**reghakr** · 01-23-2010

Moving files is not a good idea as the registry entries have been made for the original destination directory.

Yes, some files are installed into the C:\Program Files\Common Files directory and these should be left alone.

BTW, when are you going to install Windows 7?

irha · 01-24-2010

I just installed yesterday night following this guide. What kind of problems are you expecting by moving common files? Quite a few seem to have followed the above guide and reported success.

**reghakr** · 01-25-2010

Even though the install is in a different drive, some place flies in the c:\Program Files folder.

The only way to change that default directory is through the registry.

**kquill** · 02-03-2010

When I attempt to download files to Program Files, I get an error message telling me that I must see the administrator.

**reghakr** · 02-04-2010

Download to the desktop so they're easier to find.