To change the TEMP folder location in Windows, first create a new folder on the desired drive (e.g., D:\Temp), then update the TEMP and TMP environment variables for both user and system (if needed) via System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables, assign full control permissions to the new folder, restart your computer, and verify the change by running echo %TEMP% in Command Prompt—ensure all four variables are correctly set and avoid using network or removable drives.

Changing the TEMP folder location in Windows can help improve performance—especially if you're redirecting it to an SSD—or free up space on your system drive. The TEMP folder is used by Windows and applications to store temporary files during operations. Here’s how to safely change its location.

Why Change the TEMP Folder Location?

By default, Windows uses a folder like C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Temp for temporary files. If your C: drive is small or slow (e.g., an old HDD), moving the TEMP folder to another drive (like an SSD or larger drive) can:

• Reduce clutter on the system drive
• Improve app performance
• Prevent "disk full" errors during large operations

Step 1: Create a New TEMP Folder

First, create a new folder on the drive where you want to move TEMP.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the drive (e.g., D:\).
3. Right-click → New → Folder.
4. Name it something like Temp → D:\Temp.

Optional: Give the folder appropriate permissions. Right-click → Properties → Security → ensure your user account has Full Control.

Step 2: Change Environment Variables

Windows uses two environment variables for temp paths:

• TEMP – for the current user
• TMP – also for the current user
• System TEMP – used by system services (affects all users)

You should update both user and system variables.

Update User TEMP and TMP (Recommended for most users)

1. Press Win R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Advanced tab.
3. Click Environment Variables.
4. Under User variables, select TEMP, then click Edit.
5. Change the value to your new path (e.g., D:\Temp).
6. Repeat for TMP (change it to the same path).
7. Click OK.

Update System TEMP and TMP (Optional, for system-wide changes)

?? Be cautious—some system processes expect the default path.

1. In the same Environment Variables window, look under System variables.
2. Edit TEMP and TMP (not Temp, which may also exist).
3. Change both to the same new path (e.g., D:\Temp).
4. Click OK to save.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

After changing the variables:

• Restart your PC to ensure all running processes pick up the new path.
• Some apps and services only read the TEMP location at startup.

Step 4: Verify the Change

To confirm the new TEMP location is active:

1. Press Win R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. In Command Prompt, run:

   echo %TEMP%

3. It should display your new path (e.g., D:\Temp).

You can also test by creating a temporary file via an app or script and checking where it’s saved.

Tips and Warnings

• Permissions matter: Make sure your user account and SYSTEM have full access to the new TEMP folder.
• Don’t delete old temp files immediately: Wait until you confirm everything works, then manually delete files in the old C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Temp.
• Some apps may still use the old path: Legacy or poorly coded software might hardcode the temp path. Monitor for errors.
• Avoid network or removable drives: Don’t set TEMP to a network location or USB drive—this can cause crashes or slowdowns.

Changing the TEMP folder isn’t complicated, but it’s easy to miss one of the variables (TEMP, TMP, user vs system). Double-check all four if you’re having issues.

Basically, create the folder, update the environment variables, and restart. That’s it.

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