Cannot set any drive other than C: for default install location in the Xbox app for Windows

Dalz-[xboxvenue] · Jul 7, 2023

I recently added a new boot drive to my computer and did a clean install of Windows 11. However, ever since, the Xbox app no longer allows me to change the install location for games. I can select the drive on the dropdown list, but it instantly reverts back to C and games will only install there. On the old drive and past two computers, that was never a problem - pick the default drive and you're good to go.

After several months working with both the Xbox and Windows support teams, we found no solution. They suggested I reformat and try again, but I'm hoping someone in the community might have some insight or thought on what might be causing this before I do that again. I did a repair install of Windows. I've uninstalled the app and reinstalled, same with the Store app. I've cleared the store cache, I've removed the gaming services and reinstalled, I've removed the Store entries from the registry and let it re-generate them. I even manually set myself as owner of the drive and folders under the permissions. I've created a separate admin user account and tried there. Probably a few other things that I'm not thinking of, as well. (It's been a long haul.)

Nothing has resolved the issue. The only thing I did differently on this new Windows install was to not do an online/logged in install - I wanted to be able to name my user folder rather than let Windows set it for me. That shouldn't have any impact, but it's the only thing different from the previous install other than the drive itself - old one was a Samsung 980 Pro and the new one is a 990 Pro. (Firmware is up to date, as are all drivers, BIOS, chipset, Windows, etc.)

Anyone have any idea what could cause this?

:)

CarTzy

Hello Dalz-[xboxvenue],

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

If this issue has been going on for a while now and even reaching out to our live support team doesn't fix the issue, Due to the fact that a clean installation process has been performed, I recommend that you report this issue to Xbox and Windows Feedback. Please see the link below for a guide to reporting this concern.

Provide feedback to Team Xbox | Xbox Support

Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

Obsessive Power

Hi,

Considering all the things you've done so far, I think the best option now would be a complete wipe and re-install. I had a similar issue when I replaced an internal drive. This was some years ago now, and I would have hoped Microsoft would have addressed these issues with the app by now, but, apparently, not.

The crux of the issue is how the App itself works. Unlike Steam, EA, Epic and the like, the Xbox App uses a very heavy form of encryption. The games are linked to the machine and the Windows install. Since you've changed an internal drive, you've essentially broke this intrinsic form of protection. Even changing the drive letter probably won't fix it either.

CarTzy

Hello!

We haven't heard from you in 72 hours, so we assume that your issue has already been resolved. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Microsoft Community.

Thank you for understanding.

Dalz-[xboxvenue]

Still no resolution here. Have submitted via Feedback several times. And an additional wrinkle - 9 out of 10 times it now won't even let me install to C drive. Errors out almost every time. I did find that if I try installing from the MS Store, every once in a while it actually lets me install, but still only to C. Something is completely borked here but I'm just not gonna do another full reinstall.

D Luniz

Im having the same problem

but it started AFTER I did a clean install of Windows 10 at the end of June

if the only "solution" is to wipe in hopes it fixes it, that's just not a reasonable option

Cannot set any drive other than C: for default install location in the Xbox app for Windows