PT Installation Directory

[Longcut]

When installing Pro Tools, there is no option to choose and installation directory path. Instead, Pro Tools decides to install it to my OS hard drive by default. This is a problem for me because I use a small SSD (60 GB) for my OS (Windows 10) and I try to keep only OS files on it. I would prefer installing the application on my second hard drive, where I have plenty of space. I'm trying to avoid buying a larger SSD, which is completely unnecessary. Is there any way to choose my installation path for Pro Tools?

I'm experienced with computers and I'm hoping to get a straight forward answer. Thanks for any help. My computer specs are in my signature.

[Longcut]

I'm new to forums, and I'm not sure if my signature is coming up on my post. Here are my computer specs...

Built Computer
MSI Z270 Pro Gaming - Motherboard
Intel i5 7600K - CPU
Sound Blaster Zx Sound Card
GTX 960 - GPU
Scarlett Solo v.2
60 GB SSD
1 TB Mechanical HD
Windows 10 Home
Pro Tools 2018.4

[EdgarRothermich]

The convention for macOS is to install applications into the Applications folder.
If there is an installer app running, then there is often other stuff that is installed in various location on your drive. That is where the app usually expects to find its stuff.


Only apps that don't require a dedicated installation, offer you to drag the app manually into your Applications folder from a window. But even that indicate that you have to place them into the Application.

You could manually drag an app later out of the Applications folder to a different location, but that is at your own risk if you don't know if the app requires the default location for proper operation (and updates).

[64GTOBOY]

Pro tools is designed to have the program on the system drive and a separate drive for audio. Many of us also have a drive for VIs and samples.

[BScout]

Originally Posted by Longcut

When installing Pro Tools, there is no option to choose and installation directory path. Instead, Pro Tools decides to install it to my OS hard drive by default. This is a problem for me because I use a small SSD (60 GB) for my OS (Windows 10) and I try to keep only OS files on it. I would prefer installing the application on my second hard drive, where I have plenty of space. I'm trying to avoid buying a larger SSD, which is completely unnecessary. Is there any way to choose my installation path for Pro Tools?

I'm experienced with computers and I'm hoping to get a straight forward answer. Thanks for any help. My computer specs are in my signature.

No.
Windows does not allow that for actual applications (that are not self-contained.) They must go in the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folders. Time to get a bigger drive or move libraries/content to your other drive. Referenced libraries (sound samples, vst content, etc.) can live on another drive.

[Southsidemusic]

Originally Posted by BScout

Referenced libraries (sound samples, vst content, etc.) can live on another drive.

You mean VI content. No VST in PT so no one gets confused

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by BScout

No.
Windows does not allow that for actual applications (that are not self-contained.) They must go in the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folders. Time to get a bigger drive or move libraries/content to your other drive. Referenced libraries (sound samples, vst content, etc.) can live on another drive.

Amen. Best to get a larger system drive and be done with it. Relatively inexpensive. Besides most programs really need to be on the system drive. Out it this way - if you deviate from the usual install path and later want to update the program the updater will fail. And it's not just PT that's like this but Native Instruments programs as well.

[BScout]

Originally Posted by Southsidemusic

You mean VI content. No VST in PT so no one gets confused

Yup. My bad. I just refer to them all the same... lazy for me.

[64GTOBOY]

I found out about the NI stuff the hard way.

[chrismeraz]

Don't even try, Longcut. Buy a bigger drive. You're just asking for trouble otherwise.