Windows 11/10 allows you to set the default location of apps, photos, documents, and other stuff to another drive if you wish to. It helps when you are running out of space. That said, it is only applicable for new apps, and the chances are that you may not be able to move existing apps. In that case, when you try to move the installed app, then you may get an error:
We couldnt move the app, The publisher of this app doesn’t allow it to be moved to a different location. The error code is 0x80073d21, in case you need it.
The publisher of this app doesn’t allow it to be moved to a different location, Error 0x80073d21
The error occurs when you select a different drive from the drop-down menu and click on the Move button. The problem here is that not all publishers allow changing the existing folder. So even though the UI shows the option to move, it cannot be moved. That said, there is a workaround, but it’s going to be a bit tedious, and only if you have an actual need to move it, apply it for the app.
To fix the error message ‘The publisher of this app doesn’t allow it to be moved to a different location‘ on your Windows 11/10 PC, follow these steps:
- Open Window Settings
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps
- Look at the app listing, and choose to uninstall the app
- Next, go to Settings > System > Storage page
- Click on the “Change where new content is saved” link
- Click on the drop-down in the “New apps will save to” and choose another drive
Now when you install the app, it will be stored in the new location. That said, it is clear that while it is possible to move apps, publishers can restrict it if they find the apps perform better when on primary storage. Many consumers have their primary storage as SSD drives, which deliver better performance. The secondary drives can be HDD, where heavy apps like games and editing software will work efficiently.
If you are a developer, you will need to change settings related to Microsoft Store that can be changed in the backend without the need for any compilation. Post that, the app has to pass through re-certification and re-publish. Consumers, on the other end, will have to reinstall the game and save it to any drive they want.
Lastly, this method only works for those apps that are installed from the Microsft Store. You can always choose a location for other apps you download outside the Store, but for Store apps, this is the only way to install them on another drive.
I hope this helps.
How do I change the location of an app?
To change the location of a Microsoft app that’s already installed on your PC, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and find the app you want to move. Click the three-dots icon next to the app and select Move from the dropdown menu. In the pop-up menu, select the drive where you want to move the app, then confirm your selection. To change the default installation location for new Microsoft Store apps, modify the Where new content is saved setting for new apps, as explained above.
How do I clear the cache on Windows Store?
To clear the cache for the Microsoft Store, you may either use the built-in command-line tool known as WSReset.exe or use the Windows Settings app. Press Win + R, type ‘wsreset.exe’ in the Run dialogue and press Enter. A command prompt window will open briefly, and the cache-clearing process will start. Wait for the Microsoft Store to open once the process is complete. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store. Click the three-dots icon and select Advanced options. Scroll down and click on the Reset button.
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