[Question] Change Adobe folder location from Program Files to a different SSD

[Ronivan]

So here is my issue:

I have at least 4 different Adobe folders located both in Program Files and Program Files (x86), each one also located inside Common Files folder. I HAVE changed the install folder location to a different driver, which works, but only for the programs themselves, like Photoshop or Illustrator; but this does not affect the Adobe folders themselves, which I really want to be removed along these programs and placed together inside a different driver. Adobe Creative Cloud app don't even allow me to choose where it will be installed, like almost every other software I know does.

So the question is:

How do I change the location where these Adobe folders are placed? I don't want them in my main SSD driver, and I want them in a different driver. There is such option?

[kglad · Accepted solution]

you cannot.

changing an adobe app's install location (as you noted) only changes where the program's executable is installed.  all the ancillary adobe stuff (and there's a lot) is still installed on your c drive in the default locations.

[Ronivan]

Not what I expect, but thank you. I have to comment that I expected more from a company of the size of Adobe. I feel like lacking in software engineering design, seeing that much less companies allow such option for their user. But it is the way it is, so we carry on.

[kglad]

adobe's always (long before they started their subscription model) been notorious for bloatware, background processes, uncontrollable installations and their failure to remove all their software even when a user follows all adobe recommendations.

[Arxareon]

Yeah, it's absoluteyl baffling and crazy.

However, there *is* a way, technically. You can set up and use symbolic links. It's a bit advanced but not too difficult to do. I suggest looking it up but here are some useful resourses (for Windows):

• Info about links and policies: Create symbolic links - Windows Security | Microsoft Learn
• Command to use for setup through Command Promt: mklink | Microsoft Learn
• A guide: mklink Windows 10 (educative.io)