Windows 10: How do I change my default install drive (I spilt it)

A while back I had to completely reinstall windows on my computer because it got a deadly virus. Ever since, I've split the hard drive. (C: Drive and E: Drive) C: Drive is where my system is kept, and I don't want it to get corrupted, so I try to download everything onto the E: Drive. Lately I let my brother use my computer, ever since it automatically downloads everything I download onto the C: Drive, which is an issue not only because of corruption, but also because the C: Drive has only very limited storage (only just more the what is needed for windows). I need help to switch this default to the E: Drive. Thanks!

:)

 

Change default drive: How do I change the default drive that my system will install programs on?

Hi Ed,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. I understand the inconvenience caused to you and will assist you in solving the issue.

In order to change the default installation directory, please change the following in the registry.

• Press Windows key + X, type regedit and press Enter.
• Locate the following: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
• Right click on the value named ProgramFilesDir & change the default value
  C:\Program Files to the path you want to install all your programs in.
• Click OK and Exit.

Windows, by default, will now install your programs in the new drive or path.

Note: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur
if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back
up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/ )

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

Hope the information is helpful. Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.

 

Hard drive/ OS issue

a guy suggested :

• shutdown
• unhooked HDD
• restarted
• yay !!
• reconnected HDD
• restarted
• yay !!

also , try method 3
Fix: 'The Drive Where Windows is Installed is Locked'

 

Change How Folders Open By Default (My laptop keeps using CMD)

Hi,

Sorry for the delayed response. I suggest you to set File Explorer as the Default program and check if that helps. To do this, refer the steps given below.

• Open Control Panel.
• Search for Default Programs.
• Go to Default Programs.
• Look for File Explorer towards the left pane and select it.
• Set this as default program and apply changes.
• Check if the issue persists.

Hope this helps.