Where Does LM Studio Store Downloaded Models?
LM Studio downloaded models folder on Windows, macOS and Linux, and the in-app setting that relocates it.
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LM Studio downloads models into a models folder under a .cache/lm-studio directory in your profile. Each model family gets its own subfolder.
The folder is configurable in settings, so treat the defaults below as starting points. The in-app models directory field is authoritative.
Where LM Studio stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\.cache\lm-studio\models
Default only; verify in LM Studio settings under the models directory field. Move contents with the app closed.
~/.cache/lm-studio/models
Default only. Same in-app override applies. Use Go to Folder in Finder since .cache is hidden.
~/.cache/lm-studio/models
Default only. Follows the cache home convention. Point new installs at a copied folder to skip redownloads.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move LM Studio models to another drive?
Open LM Studio settings and change the models directory, then move the existing files to the new path. Confirm the new location in settings before deleting the old folder.
Can I copy downloaded models between machines?
Yes, models are files (typically GGUF) grouped per publisher. Copy the whole models directory to migrate a library, then point the new install at it.
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