If you’re running out of space on your primary drive or simply want to organize your game library better, you may need to change the install location for Epic Games on Windows 11. Unlike Steam, Epic Games Launcher doesn’t allow you to choose a new game folder during installation for some titles. However, there are reliable methods to move existing games or set a new default install directory.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change the Epic Games installation location, move installed games, and set up new folders on Windows 11.

1. Change the Default Install Location in Epic Games Launcher

Epic Games allows you to choose a new install folder when installing a fresh game — if you select it before downloading starts.

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Go to the game you want to install.
3. Click Install.
4. When the install dialog appears, click Browse next to the install path.
5. Select your preferred folder or create a new one (e.g., D:\EpicGames).
6. Click Select Folder.
7. Continue with the installation.

This sets the chosen location for that game only. To change it globally, you must repeat these steps for each new game installation.

2. Move an Already Installed Epic Games Title to Another Drive (Official Method)

Epic Games Launcher now supports moving games using the built-in Move feature.

1. Launch the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Go to Library.
3. Click the three dots under your game.
4. Select Manage.
5. Click Move.
6. Choose your new location (e.g., D:\Games\Epic).
7. Wait for the process to finish.

Your game will be moved without needing to redownload anything.

3. Move Epic Games Manually (Works With All Games)

If the built-in Move option is missing or fails, you can relocate games manually.

1. Close Epic Games Launcher completely.
2. Navigate to your installed game folder (usually): C:\Program Files\Epic Games\GameName
3. Copy the entire game folder to a new location (e.g., D:\EpicGames\GameName).
4. Open Epic Launcher → Library.
5. Click Install on the same game.
6. Select the new folder location you moved it to.
7. When prompted that files already exist, click Yes or Skip Verification.
8. Epic will verify the files and complete the installation instantly.

This prevents re-downloading the game while keeping all game files intact.

4. Change the Epic Games Launcher Install Location

If you want Epic Games Launcher itself installed somewhere else:

1. Uninstall Epic Games Launcher:
   • Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
   • Search for Epic Games Launcher.
   • Click Uninstall.
2. Reinstall it from epicgames.com.
3. During installation, click Browse.
4. Select a new location (e.g., D:\EpicLauncher).

This does not affect your installed games but lets you keep the launcher off your system drive.

5. Create a Custom Game Folder for Future Installs

If you want all future games to install in the same new folder:

1. Create a folder where you want your games stored:
   Example: D:\EpicGamesLibrary
2. When installing any new game:
   • Click Install
   • Click Browse
   • Choose your newly created folder

Epic Games Launcher will now remember the last-used folder for future installs.

6. Move Epic Games Temporary Download Cache (Optional)

If your C: drive is small, you can also change Epic’s temporary download location using a symbolic link.

1. Close Epic Games Launcher.
2. Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Epic\EpicGamesLauncher\Data\Manifests
3. Move the Manifests folder to your new drive.
4. Create a symbolic link using Command Prompt (Admin): mklink /D "C:\ProgramData\Epic\EpicGamesLauncher\Data\Manifests" "D:\EpicTemp\Manifests"

Epic will now store temporary files on your new drive.

7. Move Games Installed Through Epic but Managed by Third Parties

Some Epic titles (like Ubisoft or Rockstar games) require additional steps:

For Ubisoft games:

• Move inside Ubisoft Connect instead of Epic.

For Rockstar Games:

• Move the folder using Rockstar Launcher, then verify through Epic.

These launchers manage game locations independently.

Wrapping Up

Changing the install location for Epic Games on Windows 11 is easy when you use the built-in Move option, select a custom folder during installation, or manually relocate files. Whether you’re switching to a faster SSD or freeing up space on your main drive, these methods ensure you can manage your Epic game library efficiently.

Once moved, your games will run normally without needing to reinstall or download them again.