How to change the default installation directory in Windows

1. The problem

I've got a partitioned ultrabook, where OS is installed in the C:\ drive. That is, my C:\ drive has a small amount of available GBs, so, each time I want to install a new software, I have to manually change the setup wizard's default directory ( C:\Program Files\ ) to my D:\ drive.

2. The solution

In order to change the default installation directory for a Windows machine, we have to modify its registry:

• Start -> Run, type

   %systemroot%\syswow64\regedit

  and hit OK.
  
  
  

•  Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion and change the highlighted variables (right-click -> Modify) with the desired ones:

Enjoy!