How to change the default installation directory?

[Matt2298]

I have recently updated to windows 10 and I have installed it to my SSD which is 120GB. I want my SSD to hold only my system files and a couple of programs such as photoshop etc for quick start-up. I then want to use my HDD for any other programs I install and to hold my main stuff like documents and downloads etc. Also I have read about changing the registry but apparently that is not good for the computers health?

 

[USAFRet]

I have recently updated to windows 10 and I have installed it to my SSD which is 120GB. I want my SSD to hold only my system files and a couple of programs such as photoshop etc for quick start-up. I then want to use my HDD for any other programs I install and to hold my main stuff like documents and downloads etc. Also I have read about changing the registry but apparently that is not good for the computers health?

You do NOT want to change the default installation location. Many things....AV, small utilities, etc...you want those on the SSD.
Plus, this may have an adverse effect on updates. It thinks it is installing to C, but you and the registry have told it to install to E....confusion abounds.

My 120GB SSD has the OS and ALL applications apart from games. Lightroom, Visual Studio, Video Studio, Paintshop Pro, etc, etc, etc.

For each application, simply choose where you want to install it. SSD or HDD. Trying to force everything to be elsewhere will end up in tears.

For your docs, etc, with Win 10 there are two methods.
1. Just like in Win 8.1: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html
2. Or in the Settings menu: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2569613/set-default-save-location-external-drive-windows.html