EA Desktop client custom installation folder [ Edited ]

[sfried0]

Please give users the ability to change the directory where EA Desktop installs its main client.

I'm not refering to the installation directory of the games themselves, rather the EA Desktop application, as some users prefer to keep their System drives clear of any unnecessary programs (such as those who have their System drives on an M.2 drive), or prefer to install them on a separate HDD/SDD for better program/app management.

Having the installer automatically proceed installing upon double-clicking without prompts also presents some security issues as well.

[EA_Jason · Accepted solution]

Cm Edit in 2023, app has been updated and install sequence has been changed. 

[sfried0]

Product: EA Desktop
Platform:PC
Error Report ID (learn how to create an Error Report ID in the sticky post)
Which client functionality are you experiencing this bug with? Application Installer
When did this happen? (dd.mm.yy hh:mm) 03.03.21
Summarize your bug Cannot specify which directory/path EA Desktop app installs in/No option for custom directory install.
How often does the bug occur? Every time (100%)
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves? Run EADesktopInstaller.exe
What happens when the bug occurs? EA Desktop client automatically installs itself in the default directory ("C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EA Desktop" for most systems) with no opportunity for user to change installation path (for those with multiple hard drives).
What do you expect to see? An option to change client installation directory before beginning installation.

‌

Everytime I double click on the EADesktopInstaller.exe file, EA Desktop would automatically install itself on the default C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EA Desktop 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).

[EA_Kent]

We appreciate the feedback! 

/Kent

[holger1405]

@EA_Kent 

I second @sfried0  here.
Not to be able to choose the install location of applications is some of the most annoying trends recently. 

[puzzlezaddict]

Just posting to say Me Too, I would really prefer to install the app where I keep all the rest of my game-related content.

[FizzleBeef900489]

The title says it all really, i press button and receive nothing.

[ItIsRecoil]

My bad, everyone! I totally misunderstood the post lol. sorry

[Dalolid]

HI, I get something similar, I get a blank "select folder" dialogue box and that's it, 3 times on the helpdesk chat and nothing.

[SleepyMaoMao]

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@ItIsRecoil wrote:

There only appears to be one solution to this issue. When changing the install location, you can use the folder search bar to manually type the location. So for example: if you wanted it somewhere in your D:\ drive you could type in the search bar: D:\EA Desktop\Games. Make sure the folders already exist though before doing that.

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I don't think you understood the post? The problem here is that the client itself is installing into a default location without giving the option to change the client's install location. What you are describing is the solution to changing where the games install. Also I would like to see this changed too as apparently having the client installed in one drive and my games in another drive causes many problems and bugs in many games.

[sfried0]

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@ItIsRecoil wrote:

There only appears to be one solution to this issue. When changing the install location, you can use the folder search bar to manually type the location. So for example: if you wanted it somewhere in your D:\ drive you could type in the search bar: D:\EA Desktop\Games. Make sure the folders already exist though before doing that.

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I don't think you understand: You can't change the install location at all because the installer for the EA Desktop app (the client app, not the games themselves) doesn't even prompt you for a location and automatically installs itself in the default location specified.

As I've said, I'm not talking about the games, but the EA Desktop app.