If i chosse another directory then the default one the EA Launcher is installed to the default directory in C:\program filesIf i cut and copy the files into my choosen directory G:\EA the launcher is giving an error-message. Which files and or registry-entrys do i have to change that the ea-launcher is working within my choosen direcory?I don´t wan´t to install any app on C:\ I have 11TB free space on G:\ (it´s an 18TB WD red). Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft-Launcher, RockstarLauncher, GOG-GalaxyLauncher , EpicGamesLauncher are running well on thig drive G:\

INFO - Post Marked as Solution for Visibility Hi everyone, We’ve seen some discussions about finding ways to install the EA app in non-standard directories or methods. While we appreciate your creativity, please note that this can lead to issues we may not be able to identify or fix later. The app is designed to work best when installed as intended. At the moment, the only thing you can change during the installation process is the default install location for games, which you can adjust by selecting the Advanced installation process. However, the install directory for the EA app itself cannot be changed at this time. For the best experience, we recommend following the standard installation process. If you’re having issues, please refer to our support resources for troubleshooting. Thank you.

EA Launcher doesn´t install in choosen directory

207 Replies

sfried0
4 years ago
Everytime I double click on the EADesktopInstaller.exe file, EA Desktop would automatically install itself on the default C:\ or System drive, with no prompt or option to change the installation directory to a different drive or path.
Would it be possible to install the EA Desktop app in another location other than the default? I actually wanted to separate all my system apps (which are all installed in a small capacity M.2 drive) from my actual "work" apps (which are in a separate SSD), but I find installers like these that don't even prompt me about the install location to be rather intrusive (much like many other apps that use SquirellInstaller or other "quick" install options).
CarbonCarl
Hero (Retired)
4 years ago
Hi @sfried0

Have you tried moving the entire EA Desktop folder to the location you want? You should then be able to launch it from there and pin it to your task bar etc.
sfried0
4 years ago
@CarbonCarl
The problem with doing that is that the Start Menu icon that launches the app will no longer work, not to mention all of the registry links that point to it will be broken (and also the Windows will be unable to uninstall the program, update it correctly, etc.).
(This applies to many other applications btw, not just the EA Desktop app. It's generaly bad practice to just cut-and-paste folders that come from the Program Files/Program Files x86 folder.)
CarbonCarl
Hero (Retired)
4 years ago
@sfried0

I know what you mean. I will have to check mine as I also use a separate drive for everything usually.
GODJonez
4 years ago
There's hoping that EA will change how the installer works to allow you choosing custom install location.
In the mean time, as a workaround if you want to go through the hoops, you could edit the system environment variables to indicate that the Program Files is elsewhere, install EA Desktop, and then change the variable back to original.
holger1405
Hero+
4 years ago
@GODJonez

You and anyone that is interested in this feature should "me too" this OP in the feedback forum and maybe leave a commend.
sfried0
4 years ago
I've already made a separate Program Files on another directory where I manually install all my other applications on. I was also able to change some of the default folder directories after a clean install of my PC, but some folders can't be relocated (such as parts of %AppData% and other system folders) unless you install your OS in that directory.
Editing the system environment variables might also break, if not cause Windows components to outright fail. In fact anything involved with fiddling the Windows Registry could end up corrupting data. Also the mentioned method of switching variables back and forth won't work since Windows is dependent on knowing where those variables are.
NorthLaneYouth
4 years ago
@sfried0 Good question. I don't want EA desktop to be installed only on disk C. I want it to be installed on disk D. I hope the official update can change the function of the installation path at will.
NorthLaneYouth
4 years ago
@sfried0 Yes, indeed
EA_Jason
4 years ago
When installing the EA app, there is a button that you can press to customize the installation location.

You can find it by pressing the CUSTOMIZE SETUP button, which you can find on this screen: