Whenever you save a new file in Windows 10, the Save As window defaults to whichever of your user folders–Documents, Music, Pictures, and so on–is appropriate to the file type. If you’d rather not save files on the C: drive, though, Windows lets you create those folders on another hard drive to act as your default save location.
Changing your default save location creates a new Users folder structure on the new drive and saves all new files there by default. It doesn’t move existing files. So, if you’re really trying to save space by storing files on another drive (say, if your SSD is on the small side), you’re better off changing the actual location of your built-in folders. If you do that, Windows will move those folders and all existing documents. Apps will also use the new location, since they’re designed to use those built-in folders. Most people will probably want to use that method instead.
To get change your default hard drive, click Start and then choose Settings (or press Windows+I). In the Settings window, click System. In the System window, choose the Storage tab on the left and then scroll down to the “Save locations” section on the right.
RELATED:How to Move Your Documents, Music, and Other Folders Somewhere Else in Windows
So, why would you bother changing the default save drive, instead of just moving the folders completely? You might just be interested in making it easier to store stuff on a different drive and don’t want to get into moving the “official” folders. Another interesting thing you can do is set a removable drive as your default save location. Whenever that drive is plugged in, Windows offers to store new files on the removable drive. When it’s not plugged in, Windows saves to the original location. If you like saving your personal docs on a flash drive or external hard drive so you can carry them with you, changing default save locations might be useful.
To get change your default hard drive, click Start and then choose Settings (or press Windows+I).
In the Settings window, click System.
In the System window, choose the Storage tab on the left and then scroll down to the “Save locations” section on the right. Use the drop-down menus to change the storage locations for each type of file (documents, music, pictures, and videos). If you choose a removable drive as your storage location and then remove that drive from your computer, Windows will default to storing files in the original location on your C drive until you attach the removable drive again.
Note also that you can change the save location for new apps in this window. This setting applies to new universal apps that you download from the Microsoft Store. It won’t move apps that you’ve already installed, although you could uninstall and then reinstall them after making the change to have them save to the new location.
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On tablets and convertible devices, Windows 10 can control their motion sensor to rotate the desktop to landscape or portrait mode automatically depending on the orientation of the screen.
However, sometimes auto-rotation in desktop or tablet mode may stop working for no apparent reason, or the 'Rotation lock' option may appear grayed out making it impossible for Windows 10 to turn the screen to the correct orientation automatically.
If auto-rotation isn't working after covering your troubleshooting basics, such as checking for updates and restarting your device, there are a number of steps you can follow to fix this issue.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through five solutions you can try to get screen rotation working again on your tablet or convertible.
How to fix screen auto-rotation problems on Windows 10
Disconnecting peripherals
If you're using a 2-in-1 device like the Surface Pro, accessories, such as a detachable keyboard or dock can cause screen rotation problems.
To check if an accessory is causing rotation problems, do the following:
- Disconnect the keyboard, dock, or external display.
- Change the orientation of the device to see if it rotates automatically.
Checking screen rotation settings
It's also likely that you might have accidentally turned on the rotation lock option that prevents your device from rotating. If this is the case, do the following:
- Use the Windows key + A keyboard shortcut to open Action Center.
- Click the Expand button.
- Click the Rotation lock to turn it off.
- Quick Tip: You can also control this option under Scale and layout on Settings > System > Display.
- Change the orientation of the device to see if it rotates automatically.
In certain devices, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro, Windows 10 will lock screen rotation and disable the 'Rotation lock' option when a keyboard is attached and in a typing position. However, folding the keyboard or closing the device will release the lock and the screen will once again rotate automatically.
Running troubleshooter
If the screen will still not rotate, you can use the Sensors Troubleshooter to fix the problem.
- Download the Sensor Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
- Double-click the SensorDiagnosticTablet.diagcab to launch the experience.
- Click the Next button.
- The utility will scan, detect, and fix common problems with the sensors on your computer, including the motion sensor.
- Click the Close button.
After completing the steps, try to change the orientation of the device to see if auto-rotation works.
Updating motion sensor driver
Although it's rare, the rotation problem could be caused by a driver issue. If this is the case, you should try updating the sensors driver.
You can check this guide to learn the steps on how to update a device driver. If you're using Device Manager, typically, this device will appear under 'Sensor I/O devices' or 'Sensors.'
Fixing screen auto-rotation grayed out
If you have tried all the solutions, and you continue to see the rotation lock option grayed out, even after disconnecting the keyboard, dock, or disabling the external display, then do the following:
Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry.
- Browse the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionAutoRotation
- Quick Tip: On the Windows 10 Creators Update and later, you can now copy and paste the path into the new Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
- Double-click the Enable DWORD and make sure the value is set to 1.
- Click OK.
- Double-click the LastOrientation DWORD and make sure the value is set to 0.
- Click OK.
- Double-click the SensorPresent DWORD and make sure the value is set to 1.
- Click OK.
- Double-click the SlateEnable DWORD and make sure the value is set to 1.
- Click OK.
Once you've completed the steps, restart your device to see if auto-rotation works again.
If any of these DWORDs are missing from the AutoRotation key, you'll have to create them manually:
- While in the Registry, right-click the AutoRation key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Enter the name of the key that is missing and press Enter.
- Double-click the newly DWORD key and make sure its value is set as described on steps No. 4, 6, 8, and 10 in the above instructions depending on the key you're creating.
After completing the steps, restart your device and try to change the screen orientation to see if it works.
In the case, you're still having issues, you can ask in the Windows Central forums for additional help.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
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