---
id: getting-started.can-i-install-in-my-home-applications-folder
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/can-i-install-in-my-home-applications-folder
category: "Getting started"
subcategory: "Downloading and installing"
question: "Can I install Storage Studio in my own Applications folder instead of the main one?"
alt_questions:
  - "Install Storage Studio without admin rights"
  - "Can I put Storage Studio in ~/Applications?"
  - "I can't write to /Applications on my work Mac"
  - "Install Storage Studio for one user only"
short_answer: "Yes. If you can't write to the main Applications folder, put Storage Studio in an Applications folder inside your home folder — both work. Keep it in one place so its permissions stay attached."
tags: ["install", "applications folder"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/how-do-i-install-storage-studio", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/getting-started/full-disk-access-stopped-working-after-update"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I install Storage Studio in my own Applications folder instead of the main one?

Yes. If your Mac doesn't let you write to the main **Applications** folder — common on managed work Macs — you can keep Storage Studio in the **Applications** folder inside your home folder instead. Both locations work.

To do it:

1. In Finder, open your home folder (**Go → Home**).
2. Create a folder named **Applications** if there isn't one.
3. Drag Storage Studio from the disk image into it and open it from there.

Keep the app in one place once installed, so its permissions (such as Full Disk Access) stay attached to the copy you use.