For a long time, Microsoft has linked PC games downloaded through the Xbox app. Users cannot modify or move files. Unlike Steam and other services, storage management is non-existent.
But last fall, Microsoft unveiled changes to its tight control over files. Xbox Insiders first attempt to select the game installation folder, the files in it are no longer locked.
This feature is now available to all Xbox app users and supports most games. You still can’t copy files or move multiple games between different drives at the same time, but this upgrade is a solid step toward matching the competition. Here’s how it works.
First things first: Update your Xbox app
To manage the location of game files, you need the latest versions of the Xbox and Game Services applications. You can check that your system is up to date in the Xbox app.Click on your profile icon and go to Settings > About View version information.
The Xbox app should be version 2202.1001.9.0 or later, and the Game Services app should be version 3.63.8003.0 or later.
If you have an older version, open the Microsoft Store app and click library icon in the left navigation bar. (If you don’t see this icon, you probably have an older version of the Microsoft Store app installed.) Check for any updates to the Microsoft Store app and install them first.
Next, install any pending updates for the Xbox and Game Services apps.When done, click Get updates button in the upper right corner to verify that further updates are required.
How to choose a folder when installing a new game
After clicking the game Install button and a window with installation options will appear. What happens next depends on whether you have one storage drive or multiple drives. (External drives count.)
notes: Some games do not allow files to be installed to specific folders. When applicable, the Xbox app will display a message alerting you to this situation.
Scenario A: Your PC has only one drive (C:)
You cannot change the installation folder in this window. Instead, go back to the main Xbox app and click your Xbox profile icon.navigation Settings > General. under Game installation options, you can change the default installation folder. Note that any installed games are also automatically moved to this folder.
example: Your game is currently installed in C:\XboxGames. You go into settings and change the default folder to C:\Games. All new installations will be installed there.Additionally, Windows will automatically move all C:\XboxGames arrive C:\Games.
Now go back to the game you want to play and continue the installation. In the options window, your default folder should reflect the new location.
Scenario B: Your PC has two or more drives
To the right of the default directory path, you will see a file called Change. Click to choose between available drives (C:\, D:\, E:\, etc.).
To change the installation folder, click on the word Change.
As with Steam, you can install games on different drives, allowing only one folder per drive. E.g, Limbo can live in C:\XboxGames while driving Halo Infinite Living in D:\FinishedXboxGames,That’s it. You’ll need a third drive to spread the game across more folders.
How to move your Xbox games to a different folder
For games you installed before this Xbox app feature went live, first enable Advanced Management Features. To do this, open the Xbox app and find the game’s icon in the left navigation bar.Right click on it and select manage.
In the window that appears, find enable button in general Label. This option will not be available if the game does not allow files to be installed to a specific folder.
You will see this message if the game supports choosing a specific location for the file.
Once that’s done – for any newly installed game – what you do next depends on the number of storage drives installed or connected to your PC. (External drives will work.)
Scenario A: Your PC has only one drive (C:)
To move Xbox games to a different folder, you must change the default folder where games are installed. You’ll access this setting from the home screen of the Xbox app.Click on your profile icon and navigate to Settings > General.
under Game installation options, to change your default installation folder.As you might have guessed, this changes all Games you have installed. Any titles already saved on your PC will be automatically moved to the new folder, and any new installations will be downloaded to that location as well.
Scenario B: Your PC has two or more drives
From the Home screen in the Xbox app, right-click the game icon in the left navigation bar and select manage. Click document tabs in the window that appears, then Replace the drive under Options.
click Replace the drive under Options Choose a different folder.
You can choose between available drives (C:\, D:\, E:\, etc.). As with Steam and other services, you can install games on different drives, but only one folder per drive.so you can park gear 5 exist C:\Currently playing when put Ori and the Forest of the Blind exist D:\XboxBacklogbut you’ll need a third drive to further spread out your installation.
