diff --git a/download-model.py b/download-model.py
index 756d529f..7acb7f46 100644
--- a/download-model.py
+++ b/download-model.py
@@ -24,6 +24,8 @@ from requests.adapters import HTTPAdapter
 from requests.exceptions import ConnectionError, RequestException, Timeout
 from tqdm.contrib.concurrent import thread_map
 
+from modules.paths import resolve_user_data_dir
+
 base = os.environ.get("HF_ENDPOINT") or "https://huggingface.co"
 
 
@@ -182,11 +184,13 @@ class ModelDownloader:
         is_llamacpp = has_gguf and specific_file is not None
         return links, sha256, is_lora, is_llamacpp, file_sizes
 
-    def get_output_folder(self, model, branch, is_lora, is_llamacpp=False, model_dir=None):
+    def get_output_folder(self, model, branch, is_lora, is_llamacpp=False, model_dir=None, user_data_dir=None):
         if model_dir:
             base_folder = model_dir
         else:
-            base_folder = 'user_data/models' if not is_lora else 'user_data/loras'
+            if user_data_dir is None:
+                user_data_dir = resolve_user_data_dir()
+            base_folder = str(user_data_dir / 'models') if not is_lora else str(user_data_dir / 'loras')
 
         # If the model is of type GGUF, save directly in the base_folder
         if is_llamacpp:
@@ -392,7 +396,8 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
     parser.add_argument('--specific-file', type=str, default=None, help='Name of the specific file to download (if not provided, downloads all).')
     parser.add_argument('--exclude-pattern', type=str, default=None, help='Regex pattern to exclude files from download.')
     parser.add_argument('--output', type=str, default=None, help='Save the model files to this folder.')
-    parser.add_argument('--model-dir', type=str, default=None, help='Save the model files to a subfolder of this folder instead of the default one (text-generation-webui/user_data/models).')
+    parser.add_argument('--model-dir', type=str, default=None, help='Save the model files to a subfolder of this folder instead of the default one (user_data/models).')
+    parser.add_argument('--user-data-dir', type=str, default=None, help='Path to the user data directory. Overrides auto-detection.')
     parser.add_argument('--clean', action='store_true', help='Does not resume the previous download.')
     parser.add_argument('--check', action='store_true', help='Validates the checksums of model files.')
     parser.add_argument('--max-retries', type=int, default=7, help='Max retries count when get error in download time.')
@@ -421,10 +426,11 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
     )
 
     # Get the output folder
+    user_data_dir = Path(args.user_data_dir) if args.user_data_dir else None
     if args.output:
         output_folder = Path(args.output)
     else:
-        output_folder = downloader.get_output_folder(model, branch, is_lora, is_llamacpp=is_llamacpp, model_dir=args.model_dir)
+        output_folder = downloader.get_output_folder(model, branch, is_lora, is_llamacpp=is_llamacpp, model_dir=args.model_dir, user_data_dir=user_data_dir)
 
     if args.check:
         # Check previously downloaded files
diff --git a/modules/chat.py b/modules/chat.py
index f9a98bb6..7c58542f 100644
--- a/modules/chat.py
+++ b/modules/chat.py
@@ -1126,9 +1126,9 @@ def start_new_chat(state):
 
 def get_history_file_path(unique_id, character, mode):
     if mode == 'instruct':
-        p = Path(f'user_data/logs/instruct/{unique_id}.json')
+        p = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'instruct' / f'{unique_id}.json'
     else:
-        p = Path(f'user_data/logs/chat/{character}/{unique_id}.json')
+        p = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'chat' / character / f'{unique_id}.json'
 
     return p
 
@@ -1164,13 +1164,13 @@ def rename_history(old_id, new_id, character, mode):
 
 def get_paths(state):
     if state['mode'] == 'instruct':
-        return Path('user_data/logs/instruct').glob('*.json')
+        return (shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'instruct').glob('*.json')
     else:
         character = state['character_menu']
 
         # Handle obsolete filenames and paths
-        old_p = Path(f'user_data/logs/{character}_persistent.json')
-        new_p = Path(f'user_data/logs/persistent_{character}.json')
+        old_p = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / f'{character}_persistent.json'
+        new_p = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / f'persistent_{character}.json'
         if old_p.exists():
             logger.warning(f"Renaming \"{old_p}\" to \"{new_p}\"")
             old_p.rename(new_p)
@@ -1182,7 +1182,7 @@ def get_paths(state):
             p.parent.mkdir(exist_ok=True)
             new_p.rename(p)
 
-        return Path(f'user_data/logs/chat/{character}').glob('*.json')
+        return (shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'chat' / character).glob('*.json')
 
 
 def find_all_histories(state):
@@ -1307,7 +1307,7 @@ def get_chat_state_key(character, mode):
 
 def load_last_chat_state():
     """Load the last chat state from file"""
-    state_file = Path('user_data/logs/chat_state.json')
+    state_file = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'chat_state.json'
     if state_file.exists():
         try:
             with open(state_file, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
@@ -1327,7 +1327,7 @@ def save_last_chat_state(character, mode, unique_id):
     key = get_chat_state_key(character, mode)
     state["last_chats"][key] = unique_id
 
-    state_file = Path('user_data/logs/chat_state.json')
+    state_file = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'chat_state.json'
     state_file.parent.mkdir(exist_ok=True)
     with open(state_file, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
         f.write(json.dumps(state, indent=2))
@@ -1403,7 +1403,7 @@ def generate_pfp_cache(character):
     if not cache_folder.exists():
         cache_folder.mkdir()
 
-    for path in [Path(f"user_data/characters/{character}.{extension}") for extension in ['png', 'jpg', 'jpeg']]:
+    for path in [shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f"{character}.{extension}" for extension in ['png', 'jpg', 'jpeg']]:
         if path.exists():
             original_img = Image.open(path)
             # Define file paths
@@ -1428,12 +1428,12 @@ def load_character(character, name1, name2):
 
     filepath = None
     for extension in ["yml", "yaml", "json"]:
-        filepath = Path(f'user_data/characters/{character}.{extension}')
+        filepath = shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{character}.{extension}'
         if filepath.exists():
             break
 
     if filepath is None or not filepath.exists():
-        logger.error(f"Could not find the character \"{character}\" inside user_data/characters. No character has been loaded.")
+        logger.error(f"Could not find the character \"{character}\" inside {shared.user_data_dir}/characters. No character has been loaded.")
         raise ValueError
 
     file_contents = open(filepath, 'r', encoding='utf-8').read()
@@ -1509,7 +1509,7 @@ def load_instruction_template(template):
     if template == 'None':
         return ''
 
-    for filepath in [Path(f'user_data/instruction-templates/{template}.yaml'), Path('user_data/instruction-templates/Alpaca.yaml')]:
+    for filepath in [shared.user_data_dir / 'instruction-templates' / f'{template}.yaml', shared.user_data_dir / 'instruction-templates' / 'Alpaca.yaml']:
         if filepath.exists():
             break
     else:
@@ -1552,17 +1552,17 @@ def upload_character(file, img_path, tavern=False):
 
     outfile_name = name
     i = 1
-    while Path(f'user_data/characters/{outfile_name}.yaml').exists():
+    while (shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{outfile_name}.yaml').exists():
         outfile_name = f'{name}_{i:03d}'
         i += 1
 
-    with open(Path(f'user_data/characters/{outfile_name}.yaml'), 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+    with open(shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{outfile_name}.yaml', 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
         f.write(yaml_data)
 
     if img is not None:
-        img.save(Path(f'user_data/characters/{outfile_name}.png'))
+        img.save(shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{outfile_name}.png')
 
-    logger.info(f'New character saved to "user_data/characters/{outfile_name}.yaml".')
+    logger.info(f'New character saved to "{shared.user_data_dir}/characters/{outfile_name}.yaml".')
     return gr.update(value=outfile_name, choices=get_available_characters())
 
 
@@ -1643,9 +1643,9 @@ def save_character(name, greeting, context, picture, filename):
         return
 
     data = generate_character_yaml(name, greeting, context)
-    filepath = Path(f'user_data/characters/{filename}.yaml')
+    filepath = shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{filename}.yaml'
     save_file(filepath, data)
-    path_to_img = Path(f'user_data/characters/{filename}.png')
+    path_to_img = shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{filename}.png'
     if picture is not None:
         # Copy the image file from its source path to the character folder
         shutil.copy(picture, path_to_img)
@@ -1655,11 +1655,11 @@ def save_character(name, greeting, context, picture, filename):
 def delete_character(name, instruct=False):
     # Check for character data files
     for extension in ["yml", "yaml", "json"]:
-        delete_file(Path(f'user_data/characters/{name}.{extension}'))
+        delete_file(shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{name}.{extension}')
 
     # Check for character image files
     for extension in ["png", "jpg", "jpeg"]:
-        delete_file(Path(f'user_data/characters/{name}.{extension}'))
+        delete_file(shared.user_data_dir / 'characters' / f'{name}.{extension}')
 
 
 def generate_user_pfp_cache(user):
@@ -1668,7 +1668,7 @@ def generate_user_pfp_cache(user):
     if not cache_folder.exists():
         cache_folder.mkdir()
 
-    for path in [Path(f"user_data/users/{user}.{extension}") for extension in ['png', 'jpg', 'jpeg']]:
+    for path in [shared.user_data_dir / 'users' / f"{user}.{extension}" for extension in ['png', 'jpg', 'jpeg']]:
         if path.exists():
             original_img = Image.open(path)
             # Define file paths
@@ -1690,12 +1690,12 @@ def load_user(user_name, name1, user_bio):
 
     filepath = None
     for extension in ["yml", "yaml", "json"]:
-        filepath = Path(f'user_data/users/{user_name}.{extension}')
+        filepath = shared.user_data_dir / 'users' / f'{user_name}.{extension}'
         if filepath.exists():
             break
 
     if filepath is None or not filepath.exists():
-        logger.error(f"Could not find the user \"{user_name}\" inside user_data/users. No user has been loaded.")
+        logger.error(f"Could not find the user \"{user_name}\" inside {shared.user_data_dir}/users. No user has been loaded.")
         raise ValueError
 
     with open(filepath, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
@@ -1741,14 +1741,14 @@ def save_user(name, user_bio, picture, filename):
         return
 
     # Ensure the users directory exists
-    users_dir = Path('user_data/users')
+    users_dir = shared.user_data_dir / 'users'
     users_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
     data = generate_user_yaml(name, user_bio)
-    filepath = Path(f'user_data/users/{filename}.yaml')
+    filepath = shared.user_data_dir / 'users' / f'{filename}.yaml'
     save_file(filepath, data)
 
-    path_to_img = Path(f'user_data/users/{filename}.png')
+    path_to_img = shared.user_data_dir / 'users' / f'{filename}.png'
     if picture is not None:
         # Copy the image file from its source path to the users folder
         shutil.copy(picture, path_to_img)
@@ -1759,11 +1759,11 @@ def delete_user(name):
     """Delete user profile files"""
     # Check for user data files
     for extension in ["yml", "yaml", "json"]:
-        delete_file(Path(f'user_data/users/{name}.{extension}'))
+        delete_file(shared.user_data_dir / 'users' / f'{name}.{extension}')
 
     # Check for user image files
     for extension in ["png", "jpg", "jpeg"]:
-        delete_file(Path(f'user_data/users/{name}.{extension}'))
+        delete_file(shared.user_data_dir / 'users' / f'{name}.{extension}')
 
 
 def update_user_menu_after_deletion(idx):
@@ -2224,7 +2224,7 @@ def handle_save_template_click(instruction_template_str):
     contents = generate_instruction_template_yaml(instruction_template_str)
     return [
         "My Template.yaml",
-        "user_data/instruction-templates/",
+        str(shared.user_data_dir / 'instruction-templates') + '/',
         contents,
         gr.update(visible=True)
     ]
@@ -2233,7 +2233,7 @@ def handle_save_template_click(instruction_template_str):
 def handle_delete_template_click(template):
     return [
         f"{template}.yaml",
-        "user_data/instruction-templates/",
+        str(shared.user_data_dir / 'instruction-templates') + '/',
         gr.update(visible=False)
     ]
 
diff --git a/modules/evaluate.py b/modules/evaluate.py
index e3562d5f..78d375cd 100644
--- a/modules/evaluate.py
+++ b/modules/evaluate.py
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ from modules.text_generation import encode
 
 
 def load_past_evaluations():
-    if Path('user_data/logs/evaluations.csv').exists():
-        df = pd.read_csv(Path('user_data/logs/evaluations.csv'), dtype=str)
+    if (shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'evaluations.csv').exists():
+        df = pd.read_csv(shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'evaluations.csv', dtype=str)
         df['Perplexity'] = pd.to_numeric(df['Perplexity'])
         return df
     else:
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ past_evaluations = load_past_evaluations()
 def save_past_evaluations(df):
     global past_evaluations
     past_evaluations = df
-    filepath = Path('user_data/logs/evaluations.csv')
+    filepath = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'evaluations.csv'
     filepath.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     df.to_csv(filepath, index=False)
 
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ def calculate_perplexity(models, input_dataset, stride, _max_length):
         data = load_dataset('ptb_text_only', 'penn_treebank', split='test')
         text = " ".join(data['sentence'])
     else:
-        with open(Path(f'user_data/training/datasets/{input_dataset}.txt'), 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+        with open(shared.user_data_dir / 'training' / 'datasets' / f'{input_dataset}.txt', 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
             text = f.read()
 
     for model in models:
diff --git a/modules/extensions.py b/modules/extensions.py
index e0010312..dd327882 100644
--- a/modules/extensions.py
+++ b/modules/extensions.py
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 import importlib
+import importlib.util
+import sys
 import traceback
 from functools import partial
 from inspect import signature
@@ -38,9 +40,15 @@ def load_extensions():
 
         try:
             # Prefer user extension, fall back to system extension
-            user_script_path = Path(f'user_data/extensions/{name}/script.py')
+            user_script_path = shared.user_data_dir / 'extensions' / name / 'script.py'
             if user_script_path.exists():
-                extension = importlib.import_module(f"user_data.extensions.{name}.script")
+                spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location(
+                    f"user_ext_{name}",
+                    str(user_script_path)
+                )
+                extension = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
+                sys.modules[spec.name] = extension
+                spec.loader.exec_module(extension)
             else:
                 extension = importlib.import_module(f"extensions.{name}.script")
 
@@ -53,7 +61,7 @@ def load_extensions():
             state[name] = [True, i, extension]  # Store extension object
 
         except ModuleNotFoundError:
-            extension_location = Path('user_data/extensions') / name if user_script_path.exists() else Path('extensions') / name
+            extension_location = shared.user_data_dir / 'extensions' / name if user_script_path.exists() else Path('extensions') / name
             windows_path = str(extension_location).replace('/', '\\')
             logger.error(
                 f"Could not import the requirements for '{name}'. Make sure to install the requirements for the extension.\n\n"
diff --git a/modules/html_generator.py b/modules/html_generator.py
index 667a64d6..34a5bc57 100644
--- a/modules/html_generator.py
+++ b/modules/html_generator.py
@@ -627,10 +627,10 @@ def generate_instruct_html(history, last_message_only=False):
 
 def get_character_image_with_cache_buster():
     """Get character image URL with cache busting based on file modification time"""
-    cache_path = Path("user_data/cache/pfp_character_thumb.png")
+    cache_path = shared.user_data_dir / "cache" / "pfp_character_thumb.png"
     if cache_path.exists():
         mtime = int(cache_path.stat().st_mtime)
-        return f'<img src="file/user_data/cache/pfp_character_thumb.png?{mtime}" class="pfp_character">'
+        return f'<img src="file/{shared.user_data_dir}/cache/pfp_character_thumb.png?{mtime}" class="pfp_character">'
 
     return ''
 
@@ -654,8 +654,8 @@ def generate_cai_chat_html(history, name1, name2, style, character, reset_cache=
 
         # Get appropriate image
         if role == "user":
-            img = (f'<img src="file/user_data/cache/pfp_me.png?{time.time() if reset_cache else ""}">'
-                   if Path("user_data/cache/pfp_me.png").exists() else '')
+            img = (f'<img src="file/{shared.user_data_dir}/cache/pfp_me.png?{time.time() if reset_cache else ""}">'
+                   if (shared.user_data_dir / "cache" / "pfp_me.png").exists() else '')
         else:
             img = img_bot
 
diff --git a/modules/llama_cpp_server.py b/modules/llama_cpp_server.py
index 017c5d2a..eb99f2a8 100644
--- a/modules/llama_cpp_server.py
+++ b/modules/llama_cpp_server.py
@@ -384,7 +384,7 @@ class LlamaServer:
         if shared.args.mmproj not in [None, 'None']:
             path = Path(shared.args.mmproj)
             if not path.exists():
-                path = Path('user_data/mmproj') / shared.args.mmproj
+                path = shared.user_data_dir / 'mmproj' / shared.args.mmproj
 
             if path.exists():
                 cmd += ["--mmproj", str(path)]
diff --git a/modules/presets.py b/modules/presets.py
index 16dfa6ad..9aab7e3c 100644
--- a/modules/presets.py
+++ b/modules/presets.py
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ def presets_params():
 def load_preset(name, verbose=False):
     generate_params = default_preset()
     if name not in ['None', None, '']:
-        path = Path(f'user_data/presets/{name}.yaml')
+        path = shared.user_data_dir / 'presets' / f'{name}.yaml'
         if path.exists():
             with open(path, 'r') as infile:
                 preset = yaml.safe_load(infile)
diff --git a/modules/prompts.py b/modules/prompts.py
index 91f5812a..d107ce5a 100644
--- a/modules/prompts.py
+++ b/modules/prompts.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ def load_prompt(fname):
     if not fname:
         # Create new file
         new_name = utils.current_time()
-        prompt_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{new_name}.txt"
+        prompt_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{new_name}.txt"
         prompt_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
         initial_content = "In this story,"
         prompt_path.write_text(initial_content, encoding='utf-8')
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ def load_prompt(fname):
 
         return initial_content
 
-    file_path = Path(f'user_data/logs/notebook/{fname}.txt')
+    file_path = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'notebook' / f'{fname}.txt'
     if file_path.exists():
         with open(file_path, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
             text = f.read()
diff --git a/modules/shared.py b/modules/shared.py
index 4e212d1b..57b7e3e9 100644
--- a/modules/shared.py
+++ b/modules/shared.py
@@ -9,8 +9,12 @@ from pathlib import Path
 import yaml
 
 from modules.logging_colors import logger
+from modules.paths import resolve_user_data_dir
 from modules.presets import default_preset
 
+# Resolve user_data directory early (before argparse defaults are set)
+user_data_dir = resolve_user_data_dir()
+
 # Text model variables
 model = None
 tokenizer = None
@@ -42,11 +46,12 @@ parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Text Generation Web UI", conflict_
 
 # Basic settings
 group = parser.add_argument_group('Basic settings')
+group.add_argument('--user-data-dir', type=str, default=str(user_data_dir), help='Path to the user data directory. Default: auto-detected.')
 group.add_argument('--multi-user', action='store_true', help='Multi-user mode. Chat histories are not saved or automatically loaded. Warning: this is likely not safe for sharing publicly.')
 group.add_argument('--model', type=str, help='Name of the model to load by default.')
 group.add_argument('--lora', type=str, nargs='+', help='The list of LoRAs to load. If you want to load more than one LoRA, write the names separated by spaces.')
-group.add_argument('--model-dir', type=str, default='user_data/models', help='Path to directory with all the models.')
-group.add_argument('--lora-dir', type=str, default='user_data/loras', help='Path to directory with all the loras.')
+group.add_argument('--model-dir', type=str, default=str(user_data_dir / 'models'), help='Path to directory with all the models.')
+group.add_argument('--lora-dir', type=str, default=str(user_data_dir / 'loras'), help='Path to directory with all the loras.')
 group.add_argument('--model-menu', action='store_true', help='Show a model menu in the terminal when the web UI is first launched.')
 group.add_argument('--settings', type=str, help='Load the default interface settings from this yaml file. See user_data/settings-template.yaml for an example. If you create a file called user_data/settings.yaml, this file will be loaded by default without the need to use the --settings flag.')
 group.add_argument('--extensions', type=str, nargs='+', help='The list of extensions to load. If you want to load more than one extension, write the names separated by spaces.')
@@ -56,7 +61,7 @@ group.add_argument('--idle-timeout', type=int, default=0, help='Unload model aft
 # Image generation
 group = parser.add_argument_group('Image model')
 group.add_argument('--image-model', type=str, help='Name of the image model to select on startup (overrides saved setting).')
-group.add_argument('--image-model-dir', type=str, default='user_data/image_models', help='Path to directory with all the image models.')
+group.add_argument('--image-model-dir', type=str, default=str(user_data_dir / 'image_models'), help='Path to directory with all the image models.')
 group.add_argument('--image-dtype', type=str, default=None, choices=['bfloat16', 'float16'], help='Data type for image model.')
 group.add_argument('--image-attn-backend', type=str, default=None, choices=['flash_attention_2', 'sdpa'], help='Attention backend for image model.')
 group.add_argument('--image-cpu-offload', action='store_true', help='Enable CPU offloading for image model.')
@@ -110,7 +115,7 @@ group = parser.add_argument_group('Transformers/Accelerate')
 group.add_argument('--cpu', action='store_true', help='Use the CPU to generate text. Warning: Training on CPU is extremely slow.')
 group.add_argument('--cpu-memory', type=float, default=0, help='Maximum CPU memory in GiB. Use this for CPU offloading.')
 group.add_argument('--disk', action='store_true', help='If the model is too large for your GPU(s) and CPU combined, send the remaining layers to the disk.')
-group.add_argument('--disk-cache-dir', type=str, default='user_data/cache', help='Directory to save the disk cache to. Defaults to "user_data/cache".')
+group.add_argument('--disk-cache-dir', type=str, default=str(user_data_dir / 'cache'), help='Directory to save the disk cache to.')
 group.add_argument('--load-in-8bit', action='store_true', help='Load the model with 8-bit precision (using bitsandbytes).')
 group.add_argument('--bf16', action='store_true', help='Load the model with bfloat16 precision. Requires NVIDIA Ampere GPU.')
 group.add_argument('--no-cache', action='store_true', help='Set use_cache to False while generating text. This reduces VRAM usage slightly, but it comes at a performance cost.')
@@ -167,7 +172,7 @@ group.add_argument('--api-disable-ipv4', action='store_true', help='Disable IPv4
 group.add_argument('--nowebui', action='store_true', help='Do not launch the Gradio UI. Useful for launching the API in standalone mode.')
 
 # Handle CMD_FLAGS.txt
-cmd_flags_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent / "user_data" / "CMD_FLAGS.txt"
+cmd_flags_path = user_data_dir / "CMD_FLAGS.txt"
 if cmd_flags_path.exists():
     with cmd_flags_path.open('r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
         cmd_flags = ' '.join(
@@ -182,6 +187,7 @@ if cmd_flags_path.exists():
 
 
 args = parser.parse_args()
+user_data_dir = Path(args.user_data_dir)  # Update from parsed args (may differ from pre-parse)
 original_args = copy.deepcopy(args)
 args_defaults = parser.parse_args([])
 
@@ -212,7 +218,7 @@ settings = {
     'enable_web_search': False,
     'web_search_pages': 3,
     'prompt-notebook': '',
-    'preset': 'Qwen3 - Thinking' if Path('user_data/presets/Qwen3 - Thinking.yaml').exists() else None,
+    'preset': 'Qwen3 - Thinking' if (user_data_dir / 'presets/Qwen3 - Thinking.yaml').exists() else None,
     'max_new_tokens': 512,
     'max_new_tokens_min': 1,
     'max_new_tokens_max': 4096,
diff --git a/modules/training.py b/modules/training.py
index ca8d1bd1..c9f32e64 100644
--- a/modules/training.py
+++ b/modules/training.py
@@ -107,8 +107,8 @@ def create_ui():
                 with gr.Column():
                     with gr.Tab(label='Chat Dataset'):
                         with gr.Row():
-                            dataset = gr.Dropdown(choices=utils.get_chat_datasets('user_data/training/datasets'), value='None', label='Dataset File', info='A JSON file with chat conversations (messages or ShareGPT format). Each row is one conversation.', elem_classes=['slim-dropdown'], interactive=not mu)
-                            ui.create_refresh_button(dataset, lambda: None, lambda: {'choices': utils.get_chat_datasets('user_data/training/datasets')}, 'refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
+                            dataset = gr.Dropdown(choices=utils.get_chat_datasets(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets')), value='None', label='Dataset File', info='A JSON file with chat conversations (messages or ShareGPT format). Each row is one conversation.', elem_classes=['slim-dropdown'], interactive=not mu)
+                            ui.create_refresh_button(dataset, lambda: None, lambda: {'choices': utils.get_chat_datasets(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'))}, 'refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
 
                         with gr.Row():
                             format = gr.Dropdown(choices=get_instruction_templates(), value='None', label='Instruction Template', info='Select an instruction template for formatting the dataset, or "Chat Template" to use the model\'s built-in chat template.', elem_classes=['slim-dropdown'], interactive=not mu)
@@ -116,14 +116,14 @@ def create_ui():
 
                     with gr.Tab(label="Text Dataset"):
                         with gr.Row():
-                            text_dataset = gr.Dropdown(choices=utils.get_text_datasets('user_data/training/datasets'), value='None', label='Dataset File', info='A JSON file with a "text" key per row, for pretraining-style training. Each row is one document.', elem_classes=['slim-dropdown'], interactive=not mu)
-                            ui.create_refresh_button(text_dataset, lambda: None, lambda: {'choices': utils.get_text_datasets('user_data/training/datasets')}, 'refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
+                            text_dataset = gr.Dropdown(choices=utils.get_text_datasets(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets')), value='None', label='Dataset File', info='A JSON file with a "text" key per row, for pretraining-style training. Each row is one document.', elem_classes=['slim-dropdown'], interactive=not mu)
+                            ui.create_refresh_button(text_dataset, lambda: None, lambda: {'choices': utils.get_text_datasets(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'))}, 'refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
 
                         stride_length = gr.Slider(label='Stride Length', minimum=0, maximum=2048, value=256, step=32, info='Overlap between chunks in tokens. 0 = no overlap. Values like 256 or 512 help preserve context across chunk boundaries.')
 
                     with gr.Row():
-                        eval_dataset = gr.Dropdown(choices=utils.get_datasets('user_data/training/datasets', 'json'), value='None', label='Evaluation Dataset', info='The (optional) dataset file used to evaluate the model after training.', elem_classes=['slim-dropdown'], interactive=not mu)
-                        ui.create_refresh_button(eval_dataset, lambda: None, lambda: {'choices': utils.get_datasets('user_data/training/datasets', 'json')}, 'refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
+                        eval_dataset = gr.Dropdown(choices=utils.get_datasets(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'), 'json'), value='None', label='Evaluation Dataset', info='The (optional) dataset file used to evaluate the model after training.', elem_classes=['slim-dropdown'], interactive=not mu)
+                        ui.create_refresh_button(eval_dataset, lambda: None, lambda: {'choices': utils.get_datasets(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'), 'json')}, 'refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
 
                     eval_steps = gr.Number(label='Evaluate every n steps', value=100, info='If an evaluation dataset is given, test it every time this many steps pass.')
 
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ def create_ui():
             with gr.Row():
                 with gr.Column():
                     models = gr.Dropdown(utils.get_available_models(), label='Models', multiselect=True, interactive=not mu)
-                    evaluate_text_file = gr.Dropdown(choices=['wikitext', 'ptb', 'ptb_new'] + utils.get_datasets('user_data/training/datasets', 'txt')[1:], value='wikitext', label='Input dataset', info='The raw text file on which the model will be evaluated. The first options are automatically downloaded: wikitext, ptb, and ptb_new. The next options are your local text files under user_data/training/datasets.', interactive=not mu)
+                    evaluate_text_file = gr.Dropdown(choices=['wikitext', 'ptb', 'ptb_new'] + utils.get_datasets(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'), 'txt')[1:], value='wikitext', label='Input dataset', info=f'The raw text file on which the model will be evaluated. The first options are automatically downloaded: wikitext, ptb, and ptb_new. The next options are your local text files under {shared.user_data_dir}/training/datasets.', interactive=not mu)
                     with gr.Row():
                         with gr.Column():
                             stride_length = gr.Slider(label='Stride', minimum=0, maximum=32768, value=512, step=256, info='Used to make the evaluation faster at the cost of accuracy. 1 = slowest but most accurate. 512 is a common value.')
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ def clean_path(base_path: str, path: str):
 
 
 def get_instruction_templates():
-    path = Path('user_data/instruction-templates')
+    path = shared.user_data_dir / 'instruction-templates'
     names = set()
     for ext in ['yaml', 'yml', 'jinja']:
         for f in path.glob(f'*.{ext}'):
@@ -233,8 +233,8 @@ def get_instruction_templates():
 
 
 def load_template(name):
-    """Load a Jinja2 template string from user_data/instruction-templates/."""
-    path = Path('user_data/instruction-templates')
+    """Load a Jinja2 template string from {user_data_dir}/instruction-templates/."""
+    path = shared.user_data_dir / 'instruction-templates'
     for ext in ['jinja', 'yaml', 'yml']:
         filepath = path / f'{name}.{ext}'
         if filepath.exists():
@@ -453,7 +453,7 @@ def do_train(lora_name: str, always_override: bool, all_linear: bool, q_proj_en:
     if has_text_dataset:
         train_template["template_type"] = "text_dataset"
         logger.info("Loading text dataset")
-        data = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path('user_data/training/datasets', f'{text_dataset}.json'))
+        data = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'), f'{text_dataset}.json'))
 
         if "text" not in data['train'].column_names:
             yield "Error: text dataset must have a \"text\" key per row."
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ def do_train(lora_name: str, always_override: bool, all_linear: bool, q_proj_en:
         if eval_dataset == 'None':
             eval_data = None
         else:
-            eval_raw = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path('user_data/training/datasets', f'{eval_dataset}.json'))
+            eval_raw = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'), f'{eval_dataset}.json'))
             if "text" not in eval_raw['train'].column_names:
                 yield "Error: evaluation dataset must have a \"text\" key per row."
                 return
@@ -496,7 +496,7 @@ def do_train(lora_name: str, always_override: bool, all_linear: bool, q_proj_en:
         train_template["template_type"] = "chat_template"
 
         logger.info("Loading JSON dataset with chat template format")
-        data = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path('user_data/training/datasets', f'{dataset}.json'))
+        data = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'), f'{dataset}.json'))
 
         # Validate the first row
         try:
@@ -522,7 +522,7 @@ def do_train(lora_name: str, always_override: bool, all_linear: bool, q_proj_en:
         if eval_dataset == 'None':
             eval_data = None
         else:
-            eval_data = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path('user_data/training/datasets', f'{eval_dataset}.json'))
+            eval_data = load_dataset("json", data_files=clean_path(str(shared.user_data_dir / 'training/datasets'), f'{eval_dataset}.json'))
             eval_data = eval_data['train'].map(
                 tokenize_conversation,
                 remove_columns=eval_data['train'].column_names,
@@ -757,11 +757,11 @@ def do_train(lora_name: str, always_override: bool, all_linear: bool, q_proj_en:
                 decoded_entries.append({"value": decoded_text})
 
             # Write the log file
-            Path('user_data/logs').mkdir(exist_ok=True)
-            with open(Path('user_data/logs/train_dataset_sample.json'), 'w') as json_file:
+            (shared.user_data_dir / 'logs').mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+            with open(shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'train_dataset_sample.json', 'w') as json_file:
                 json.dump(decoded_entries, json_file, indent=4)
 
-            logger.info("Log file 'train_dataset_sample.json' created in the 'user_data/logs' directory.")
+            logger.info(f"Log file 'train_dataset_sample.json' created in the '{shared.user_data_dir}/logs' directory.")
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"Failed to create log file due to error: {e}")
 
diff --git a/modules/ui.py b/modules/ui.py
index 0cd2cf43..ae998ebb 100644
--- a/modules/ui.py
+++ b/modules/ui.py
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ if not shared.args.old_colors:
         block_radius='0',
     )
 
-if Path("user_data/notification.mp3").exists():
+if (shared.user_data_dir / "notification.mp3").exists():
     audio_notification_js = "document.querySelector('#audio_notification audio')?.play();"
 else:
     audio_notification_js = ""
@@ -381,7 +381,7 @@ def save_settings(state, preset, extensions_list, show_controls, theme_state, ma
                             output[_id] = params[param]
     else:
         # Preserve existing extensions and extension parameters during autosave
-        settings_path = Path('user_data') / 'settings.yaml'
+        settings_path = shared.user_data_dir / 'settings.yaml'
         if settings_path.exists():
             try:
                 with open(settings_path, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
@@ -436,7 +436,7 @@ def _perform_debounced_save():
     try:
         if _last_interface_state is not None:
             contents = save_settings(_last_interface_state, _last_preset, _last_extensions, _last_show_controls, _last_theme_state, manual_save=False)
-            settings_path = Path('user_data') / 'settings.yaml'
+            settings_path = shared.user_data_dir / 'settings.yaml'
             settings_path.parent.mkdir(exist_ok=True)
             with open(settings_path, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
                 f.write(contents)
diff --git a/modules/ui_chat.py b/modules/ui_chat.py
index aec9051e..74da0a40 100644
--- a/modules/ui_chat.py
+++ b/modules/ui_chat.py
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ def create_character_settings_ui():
 
             with gr.Column(scale=1):
                 shared.gradio['character_picture'] = gr.Image(label='Character picture', type='filepath', interactive=not mu)
-                shared.gradio['your_picture'] = gr.Image(label='Your picture', type='filepath', value=Image.open(Path('user_data/cache/pfp_me.png')) if Path('user_data/cache/pfp_me.png').exists() else None, interactive=not mu)
+                shared.gradio['your_picture'] = gr.Image(label='Your picture', type='filepath', value=Image.open(shared.user_data_dir / 'cache' / 'pfp_me.png') if (shared.user_data_dir / 'cache' / 'pfp_me.png').exists() else None, interactive=not mu)
 
 
 def create_chat_settings_ui():
diff --git a/modules/ui_default.py b/modules/ui_default.py
index c0feae19..2c367cca 100644
--- a/modules/ui_default.py
+++ b/modules/ui_default.py
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ def handle_new_prompt():
     new_name = utils.current_time()
 
     # Create the new prompt file
-    prompt_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{new_name}.txt"
+    prompt_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{new_name}.txt"
     prompt_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     prompt_path.write_text("In this story,", encoding='utf-8')
 
@@ -170,15 +170,15 @@ def handle_delete_prompt_confirm_default(prompt_name):
     available_prompts = utils.get_available_prompts()
     current_index = available_prompts.index(prompt_name) if prompt_name in available_prompts else 0
 
-    (Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{prompt_name}.txt").unlink(missing_ok=True)
+    (shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{prompt_name}.txt").unlink(missing_ok=True)
     available_prompts = utils.get_available_prompts()
 
     if available_prompts:
         new_value = available_prompts[min(current_index, len(available_prompts) - 1)]
     else:
         new_value = utils.current_time()
-        Path("user_data/logs/notebook").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
-        (Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{new_value}.txt").write_text("In this story,")
+        (shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        (shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{new_value}.txt").write_text("In this story,")
         available_prompts = [new_value]
 
     return [
@@ -199,8 +199,8 @@ def handle_rename_prompt_click_default(current_name):
 
 
 def handle_rename_prompt_confirm_default(new_name, current_name):
-    old_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{current_name}.txt"
-    new_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{new_name}.txt"
+    old_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{current_name}.txt"
+    new_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{new_name}.txt"
 
     if old_path.exists() and not new_path.exists():
         old_path.rename(new_path)
diff --git a/modules/ui_file_saving.py b/modules/ui_file_saving.py
index 720bfdec..46087ace 100644
--- a/modules/ui_file_saving.py
+++ b/modules/ui_file_saving.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def create_ui():
 
     # Character saver/deleter
     with gr.Group(visible=False, elem_classes='file-saver') as shared.gradio['character_saver']:
-        shared.gradio['save_character_filename'] = gr.Textbox(lines=1, label='File name', info='The character will be saved to your user_data/characters folder with this base filename.')
+        shared.gradio['save_character_filename'] = gr.Textbox(lines=1, label='File name', info=f'The character will be saved to your {shared.user_data_dir}/characters folder with this base filename.')
         with gr.Row():
             shared.gradio['save_character_cancel'] = gr.Button('Cancel', elem_classes="small-button")
             shared.gradio['save_character_confirm'] = gr.Button('Save', elem_classes="small-button", variant='primary', interactive=not mu)
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ def create_ui():
 
     # User saver/deleter
     with gr.Group(visible=False, elem_classes='file-saver') as shared.gradio['user_saver']:
-        shared.gradio['save_user_filename'] = gr.Textbox(lines=1, label='File name', info='The user profile will be saved to your user_data/users folder with this base filename.')
+        shared.gradio['save_user_filename'] = gr.Textbox(lines=1, label='File name', info=f'The user profile will be saved to your {shared.user_data_dir}/users folder with this base filename.')
         with gr.Row():
             shared.gradio['save_user_cancel'] = gr.Button('Cancel', elem_classes="small-button")
             shared.gradio['save_user_confirm'] = gr.Button('Save', elem_classes="small-button", variant='primary', interactive=not mu)
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def create_ui():
 
     # Preset saver
     with gr.Group(visible=False, elem_classes='file-saver') as shared.gradio['preset_saver']:
-        shared.gradio['save_preset_filename'] = gr.Textbox(lines=1, label='File name', info='The preset will be saved to your user_data/presets folder with this base filename.')
+        shared.gradio['save_preset_filename'] = gr.Textbox(lines=1, label='File name', info=f'The preset will be saved to your {shared.user_data_dir}/presets folder with this base filename.')
         shared.gradio['save_preset_contents'] = gr.Textbox(lines=10, label='File contents')
         with gr.Row():
             shared.gradio['save_preset_cancel'] = gr.Button('Cancel', elem_classes="small-button")
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ def create_event_handlers():
 
 def handle_save_preset_confirm_click(filename, contents):
     try:
-        utils.save_file(f"user_data/presets/{filename}.yaml", contents)
+        utils.save_file(str(shared.user_data_dir / "presets" / f"{filename}.yaml"), contents)
         available_presets = utils.get_available_presets()
         output = gr.update(choices=available_presets, value=filename)
     except Exception:
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ def handle_save_preset_click(state):
 def handle_delete_preset_click(preset):
     return [
         f"{preset}.yaml",
-        "user_data/presets/",
+        str(shared.user_data_dir / "presets") + "/",
         gr.update(visible=True)
     ]
 
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ def handle_save_grammar_click(grammar_string):
     return [
         grammar_string,
         "My Fancy Grammar.gbnf",
-        "user_data/grammars/",
+        str(shared.user_data_dir / "grammars") + "/",
         gr.update(visible=True)
     ]
 
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ def handle_save_grammar_click(grammar_string):
 def handle_delete_grammar_click(grammar_file):
     return [
         grammar_file,
-        "user_data/grammars/",
+        str(shared.user_data_dir / "grammars") + "/",
         gr.update(visible=True)
     ]
 
diff --git a/modules/ui_image_generation.py b/modules/ui_image_generation.py
index 6b39c5b5..e9df9bd3 100644
--- a/modules/ui_image_generation.py
+++ b/modules/ui_image_generation.py
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ def save_generated_images(images, state, actual_seed):
         return []
 
     date_str = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
-    folder_path = os.path.join("user_data", "image_outputs", date_str)
+    folder_path = str(shared.user_data_dir / "image_outputs" / date_str)
     os.makedirs(folder_path, exist_ok=True)
 
     metadata = build_generation_metadata(state, actual_seed)
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ def get_all_history_images(force_refresh=False):
     """Get all history images sorted by modification time (newest first). Uses caching."""
     global _image_cache, _cache_timestamp
 
-    output_dir = os.path.join("user_data", "image_outputs")
+    output_dir = str(shared.user_data_dir / "image_outputs")
     if not os.path.exists(output_dir):
         return []
 
diff --git a/modules/ui_model_menu.py b/modules/ui_model_menu.py
index e6e57a22..33b39a25 100644
--- a/modules/ui_model_menu.py
+++ b/modules/ui_model_menu.py
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ def create_ui():
                             # Multimodal
                             with gr.Accordion("Multimodal (vision)", open=False, elem_classes='tgw-accordion') as shared.gradio['mmproj_accordion']:
                                 with gr.Row():
-                                    shared.gradio['mmproj'] = gr.Dropdown(label="mmproj file", choices=utils.get_available_mmproj(), value=lambda: shared.args.mmproj or 'None', elem_classes='slim-dropdown', info='Select a file that matches your model. Must be placed in user_data/mmproj/', interactive=not mu)
+                                    shared.gradio['mmproj'] = gr.Dropdown(label="mmproj file", choices=utils.get_available_mmproj(), value=lambda: shared.args.mmproj or 'None', elem_classes='slim-dropdown', info=f'Select a file that matches your model. Must be placed in {shared.user_data_dir}/mmproj/', interactive=not mu)
                                     ui.create_refresh_button(shared.gradio['mmproj'], lambda: None, lambda: {'choices': utils.get_available_mmproj()}, 'refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
 
                             # Speculative decoding
@@ -317,9 +317,9 @@ def download_model_wrapper(repo_id, specific_file, progress=gr.Progress(), retur
             model_dir=shared.args.model_dir if shared.args.model_dir != shared.args_defaults.model_dir else None
         )
 
-        if output_folder == Path("user_data/models"):
+        if output_folder == shared.user_data_dir / "models":
             output_folder = Path(shared.args.model_dir)
-        elif output_folder == Path("user_data/loras"):
+        elif output_folder == shared.user_data_dir / "loras":
             output_folder = Path(shared.args.lora_dir)
 
         if check:
diff --git a/modules/ui_notebook.py b/modules/ui_notebook.py
index 9fab879b..f550e646 100644
--- a/modules/ui_notebook.py
+++ b/modules/ui_notebook.py
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ def handle_new_prompt():
     new_name = utils.current_time()
 
     # Create the new prompt file
-    prompt_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{new_name}.txt"
+    prompt_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{new_name}.txt"
     prompt_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     prompt_path.write_text("In this story,", encoding='utf-8')
 
@@ -205,15 +205,15 @@ def handle_delete_prompt_confirm_notebook(prompt_name):
     available_prompts = utils.get_available_prompts()
     current_index = available_prompts.index(prompt_name) if prompt_name in available_prompts else 0
 
-    (Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{prompt_name}.txt").unlink(missing_ok=True)
+    (shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{prompt_name}.txt").unlink(missing_ok=True)
     available_prompts = utils.get_available_prompts()
 
     if available_prompts:
         new_value = available_prompts[min(current_index, len(available_prompts) - 1)]
     else:
         new_value = utils.current_time()
-        Path("user_data/logs/notebook").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
-        (Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{new_value}.txt").write_text("In this story,")
+        (shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        (shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{new_value}.txt").write_text("In this story,")
         available_prompts = [new_value]
 
     return [
@@ -233,8 +233,8 @@ def handle_rename_prompt_click_notebook(current_name):
 
 
 def handle_rename_prompt_confirm_notebook(new_name, current_name):
-    old_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{current_name}.txt"
-    new_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{new_name}.txt"
+    old_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{current_name}.txt"
+    new_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{new_name}.txt"
 
     if old_path.exists() and not new_path.exists():
         old_path.rename(new_path)
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ def handle_rename_prompt_confirm_notebook(new_name, current_name):
 def autosave_prompt(text, prompt_name):
     """Automatically save the text to the selected prompt file"""
     if prompt_name and text.strip():
-        prompt_path = Path("user_data/logs/notebook") / f"{prompt_name}.txt"
+        prompt_path = shared.user_data_dir / "logs" / "notebook" / f"{prompt_name}.txt"
         prompt_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
         prompt_path.write_text(text, encoding='utf-8')
 
diff --git a/modules/ui_parameters.py b/modules/ui_parameters.py
index 23882084..e5eb9210 100644
--- a/modules/ui_parameters.py
+++ b/modules/ui_parameters.py
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ def get_truncation_length():
 
 
 def load_grammar(name):
-    p = Path(f'user_data/grammars/{name}')
+    p = shared.user_data_dir / 'grammars' / name
     if p.exists():
         return open(p, 'r', encoding='utf-8').read()
     else:
diff --git a/modules/ui_session.py b/modules/ui_session.py
index 60b19f47..e1807dea 100644
--- a/modules/ui_session.py
+++ b/modules/ui_session.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ def create_ui():
 
             with gr.Column():
                 gr.Markdown("## Extensions & flags")
-                shared.gradio['save_settings'] = gr.Button('Save extensions settings to user_data/settings.yaml', elem_classes='refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
+                shared.gradio['save_settings'] = gr.Button(f'Save extensions settings to {shared.user_data_dir}/settings.yaml', elem_classes='refresh-button', interactive=not mu)
                 shared.gradio['reset_interface'] = gr.Button("Apply flags/extensions and restart", interactive=not mu)
                 with gr.Row():
                     with gr.Column():
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def handle_save_settings(state, preset, extensions, show_controls, theme):
     return [
         contents,
         "settings.yaml",
-        "user_data/",
+        str(shared.user_data_dir) + "/",
         gr.update(visible=True)
     ]
 
diff --git a/modules/utils.py b/modules/utils.py
index 456b5f83..447685b7 100644
--- a/modules/utils.py
+++ b/modules/utils.py
@@ -15,16 +15,31 @@ def gradio(*keys):
     return [shared.gradio[k] for k in keys]
 
 
+def _is_path_allowed(abs_path_str):
+    """Check if a path is under the project root or the configured user_data directory."""
+    abs_path = Path(abs_path_str).resolve()
+    root_folder = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
+    user_data_resolved = shared.user_data_dir.resolve()
+    try:
+        abs_path.relative_to(root_folder)
+        return True
+    except ValueError:
+        pass
+    try:
+        abs_path.relative_to(user_data_resolved)
+        return True
+    except ValueError:
+        pass
+    return False
+
+
 def save_file(fname, contents):
     if fname == '':
         logger.error('File name is empty!')
         return
 
-    root_folder = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
     abs_path_str = os.path.abspath(fname)
-    rel_path_str = os.path.relpath(abs_path_str, root_folder)
-    rel_path = Path(rel_path_str)
-    if rel_path.parts[0] == '..':
+    if not _is_path_allowed(abs_path_str):
         logger.error(f'Invalid file path: \"{fname}\"')
         return
 
@@ -39,16 +54,14 @@ def delete_file(fname):
         logger.error('File name is empty!')
         return
 
-    root_folder = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
     abs_path_str = os.path.abspath(fname)
-    rel_path_str = os.path.relpath(abs_path_str, root_folder)
-    rel_path = Path(rel_path_str)
-    if rel_path.parts[0] == '..':
+    if not _is_path_allowed(abs_path_str):
         logger.error(f'Invalid file path: \"{fname}\"')
         return
 
-    if rel_path.exists():
-        rel_path.unlink()
+    p = Path(abs_path_str)
+    if p.exists():
+        p.unlink()
         logger.info(f'Deleted \"{fname}\".')
 
 
@@ -75,7 +88,7 @@ def natural_keys(text):
 def check_model_loaded():
     if shared.model_name == 'None' or shared.model is None:
         if len(get_available_models()) == 0:
-            error_msg = "No model is loaded.\n\nTo get started:\n1) Place a GGUF file in your user_data/models folder\n2) Go to the Model tab and select it"
+            error_msg = f"No model is loaded.\n\nTo get started:\n1) Place a GGUF file in your {shared.user_data_dir}/models folder\n2) Go to the Model tab and select it"
             logger.error(error_msg)
             return False, error_msg
         else:
@@ -188,7 +201,7 @@ def get_available_ggufs():
 
 
 def get_available_mmproj():
-    mmproj_dir = Path('user_data/mmproj')
+    mmproj_dir = shared.user_data_dir / 'mmproj'
     if not mmproj_dir.exists():
         return ['None']
 
@@ -201,11 +214,11 @@ def get_available_mmproj():
 
 
 def get_available_presets():
-    return sorted(set((k.stem for k in Path('user_data/presets').glob('*.yaml'))), key=natural_keys)
+    return sorted(set((k.stem for k in (shared.user_data_dir / 'presets').glob('*.yaml'))), key=natural_keys)
 
 
 def get_available_prompts():
-    notebook_dir = Path('user_data/logs/notebook')
+    notebook_dir = shared.user_data_dir / 'logs' / 'notebook'
     notebook_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
     prompt_files = list(notebook_dir.glob('*.txt'))
@@ -221,19 +234,19 @@ def get_available_prompts():
 
 
 def get_available_characters():
-    paths = (x for x in Path('user_data/characters').iterdir() if x.suffix in ('.json', '.yaml', '.yml'))
+    paths = (x for x in (shared.user_data_dir / 'characters').iterdir() if x.suffix in ('.json', '.yaml', '.yml'))
     return sorted(set((k.stem for k in paths)), key=natural_keys)
 
 
 def get_available_users():
-    users_dir = Path('user_data/users')
+    users_dir = shared.user_data_dir / 'users'
     users_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     paths = (x for x in users_dir.iterdir() if x.suffix in ('.json', '.yaml', '.yml'))
     return sorted(set((k.stem for k in paths)), key=natural_keys)
 
 
 def get_available_instruction_templates():
-    path = "user_data/instruction-templates"
+    path = str(shared.user_data_dir / "instruction-templates")
     paths = []
     if os.path.exists(path):
         paths = (x for x in Path(path).iterdir() if x.suffix in ('.json', '.yaml', '.yml'))
@@ -244,13 +257,13 @@ def get_available_instruction_templates():
 def get_available_extensions():
     # User extensions (higher priority)
     user_extensions = []
-    user_ext_path = Path('user_data/extensions')
+    user_ext_path = shared.user_data_dir / 'extensions'
     if user_ext_path.exists():
-        user_exts = map(lambda x: x.parts[2], user_ext_path.glob('*/script.py'))
+        user_exts = map(lambda x: x.parent.name, user_ext_path.glob('*/script.py'))
         user_extensions = sorted(set(user_exts), key=natural_keys)
 
     # System extensions (excluding those overridden by user extensions)
-    system_exts = map(lambda x: x.parts[1], Path('extensions').glob('*/script.py'))
+    system_exts = map(lambda x: x.parent.name, Path('extensions').glob('*/script.py'))
     system_extensions = sorted(set(system_exts) - set(user_extensions), key=natural_keys)
 
     return user_extensions + system_extensions
@@ -306,4 +319,4 @@ def get_available_chat_styles():
 
 
 def get_available_grammars():
-    return ['None'] + sorted([item.name for item in list(Path('user_data/grammars').glob('*.gbnf'))], key=natural_keys)
+    return ['None'] + sorted([item.name for item in list((shared.user_data_dir / 'grammars').glob('*.gbnf'))], key=natural_keys)
diff --git a/server.py b/server.py
index 000ea9fb..a809cd7b 100644
--- a/server.py
+++ b/server.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from modules.logging_colors import logger
 from modules.prompts import load_prompt
 
 # Set up Gradio temp directory path
-gradio_temp_path = Path('user_data') / 'cache' / 'gradio'
+gradio_temp_path = shared.user_data_dir / 'cache' / 'gradio'
 shutil.rmtree(gradio_temp_path, ignore_errors=True)
 gradio_temp_path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
@@ -94,9 +94,9 @@ def create_interface():
     auth = [tuple(cred.split(':')) for cred in auth]
 
     # Allowed paths
-    allowed_paths = ["css", "js", "extensions", "user_data/cache"]
+    allowed_paths = ["css", "js", "extensions", str(shared.user_data_dir / "cache")]
     if not shared.args.multi_user:
-        allowed_paths.append("user_data/image_outputs")
+        allowed_paths.append(str(shared.user_data_dir / "image_outputs"))
 
     # Import the extensions and execute their setup() functions
     if shared.args.extensions is not None and len(shared.args.extensions) > 0:
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ def create_interface():
 
     # Clear existing cache files
     for cache_file in ['pfp_character.png', 'pfp_character_thumb.png']:
-        cache_path = Path(f"user_data/cache/{cache_file}")
+        cache_path = shared.user_data_dir / "cache" / cache_file
         if cache_path.exists():
             cache_path.unlink()
 
@@ -160,8 +160,8 @@ def create_interface():
         shared.gradio['interface_state'] = gr.State({k: None for k in shared.input_elements})
 
         # Audio notification
-        if Path("user_data/notification.mp3").exists():
-            shared.gradio['audio_notification'] = gr.Audio(interactive=False, value="user_data/notification.mp3", elem_id="audio_notification", visible=False)
+        if (shared.user_data_dir / "notification.mp3").exists():
+            shared.gradio['audio_notification'] = gr.Audio(interactive=False, value=str(shared.user_data_dir / "notification.mp3"), elem_id="audio_notification", visible=False)
 
         # Floating menus for saving/deleting files
         ui_file_saving.create_ui()
@@ -244,8 +244,8 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
     settings_file = None
     if shared.args.settings is not None and Path(shared.args.settings).exists():
         settings_file = Path(shared.args.settings)
-    elif Path('user_data/settings.yaml').exists():
-        settings_file = Path('user_data/settings.yaml')
+    elif (shared.user_data_dir / 'settings.yaml').exists():
+        settings_file = shared.user_data_dir / 'settings.yaml'
 
     if settings_file is not None:
         logger.info(f"Loading settings from \"{settings_file}\"")