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Can You Install Microsoft 365 on a Different Drive? Solutions & Alternatives
Question details
The user wants to know if it is possible to change the default installation path of Microsoft 365 to a secondary drive (such as D:) to save space on the primary system drive.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to install Microsoft 365 on a PC that has limited storage capacity on its primary C: drive.
- Observed behavior
- The standard Microsoft 365 installer forces installation on the system drive (C:) by default and does not provide an interface option to select a custom installation path.
Check your C: drive's available storage space in Windows File Explorer to determine exactly how much space you need to free up, as Microsoft 365 requires at least 4 GB of free disk space.
Free Up System Drive Space (Officially Supported Method)
Since Microsoft does not officially support changing the Microsoft 365 installation path, the safest approach is to clear space on your C: drive by removing unnecessary files and moving personal data.
Microsoft 365 integrates deeply with Windows system files and background services, which is why it forces installation onto the drive where Windows is installed. Modifying this behavior is not recommended for most users.
Open the Windows Settings app, navigate to 'System', and select 'Storage'. Turn on 'Storage Sense' to automatically free up space by getting rid of files you don't need, like temporary files and content in your recycle bin.
Click the Start menu, type 'Disk Cleanup', and open the utility. Select your C: drive, check the boxes next to the file types you want to delete (such as 'Temporary Internet Files' and 'Thumbnails'), and click 'OK'.
Open File Explorer, right-click on heavily used folders like 'Documents', 'Downloads', or 'Pictures', select 'Properties', and go to the 'Location' tab. Change the drive letter (e.g., from C: to D:) and click 'Apply' to move your personal files.
Create a Symbolic Link to Redirect the Office Folder (Advanced)
Advanced users can use a command-line trick called a symbolic link to trick Windows into storing Office files on a secondary drive, though this method is not officially supported.
Try WPS Office: A Lightweight Alternative That Saves Drive Space
If your system drive is completely full and you cannot install Microsoft 365, WPS Office is an excellent, lightweight alternative. It requires a fraction of the disk space, allows you to customize the installation directory easily, and delivers full functionality for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Choose Your Install Path: Run the installer, click on 'Custom Setup' or 'Settings', and choose your secondary drive as the installation location.
- 3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office and immediately start editing your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without worrying about C: drive space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Microsoft 365 let me choose an installation drive?
Microsoft 365 uses a 'Click-to-Run' installation technology that deeply integrates the software with Windows system files and services. To ensure stability, security, and seamless automatic updates, Microsoft forces the installation onto the primary system drive (usually C:).
Can I install older versions of Microsoft Office on a different drive?
Yes. Older MSI-based installations of Microsoft Office (such as traditional volume license versions of Office 2013 or 2016) provided a 'Custom' setup option that allowed users to select a different installation path. However, modern Microsoft 365 versions no longer support this.
Will redirecting the Office folder using a symbolic link break my PC?
It will not permanently break your PC, but it is highly likely to cause Microsoft 365 updates to fail over time. Because it is an unsupported workaround, Microsoft customer service will not be able to assist you if the software becomes corrupted.
How much space does Microsoft 365 need on the C: drive?
For a standard installation on a Windows PC, Microsoft 365 generally requires a minimum of 4 GB of available disk space on the system drive to install successfully and download future updates.
