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I want to install PyCharm, PhpStorm, etc. into some folder on drive D. Though JetBrains Toolbox not having the option to do so in my view.

So the question is that is it possible to customize the installation folder for JetBrains IDEs when installing via Toolbox?

Makoto
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Nam G VU
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4 Answers4

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Yes, you can configure the install location for apps in the Toolbox settings. However, this will install ALL apps under the specified directory (and move existing ones there). If you want to define a specific install location for each IDE, then that is not possible... yet.

Also see this support question. The second answer explains how you can manually update the install_location property in .settings.json. This will change the install location for future installations, and your existing apps will not be moved.

Zim
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  • Although this question answers the OP's question, I believe giving a link to the answer should not be an answer. The Answer below provides more details. – Minh-Long Luu Aug 30 '23 at 02:27
12

[Windows 10] I found a manual location changing option that is not well explained on any forum.

After you install Jetbrains Toolbox, if you cannot change the Tool install location from the app UI, and it goes into "Failing to change location, because application is in use, or something like that" if you are trying to change from there, close the Toolbox application(kill it from Task manager, or close it from the toolbar), and after you go to the default installation location of the Toolbox app(more info about this, here: https://toolbox-support.jetbrains.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000978804-Where-are-the-IDEs-located-on-my-hard-drive-) and open .settings.json file

In the .settings.json file you need to add/update the following code line:

"install_location": "<default_location>",

There, add your desired install location instead of <default_location> if there exists the line in the file. If this line does not exist, add it the begining of the file. Don't forget to add the " , " in the end of the line.

Please help to spread this message to our fellow friends who are using Jetbrains Toolbox and are having this problem.

Mihail Stanescu
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7

The location of the setting in the UI seems to change with subsequent Toolbox versions. Currently it's under Toolbox > cogwheel icon > Toolbox App Setting > Tools > Tools install location.

Toolbox operates under current user permissions, not as administrator and it cannot ask for privileged access yet. In partical term it means if you wan't to install it under "C:\Program Files" you will have create "JetBrains", or whatever root directory you want, manually there, in your preferred file manager, then apply permission settings allowing you current user to write to that directory.

Espinosa
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5

Looks like they invested some time in this. No need to play around with config files anymore:

  • Open your toolbox application

  • Open settings.

  • Open tab "Tools"

  • Change "tools install location"

  • Hit "apply changes"

  • Wait until files are moved

enter image description here enter image description here

Dbl
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