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Music theory, instruments and musicians

How to Move Games to Another Drive on Windows 11

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

How to Move Games to Another Drive on Windows 11

Moving your games to another drive on Windows 11 can help free up space on your primary drive, improve performance, or organize your files better. Whether you’re switching to a larger SSD or consolidating your storage, this guide walks you through the process step-by-step. Before starting, ensure you have the new drive properly installed and formatted, and back up any important data to prevent accidental loss.

What You’ll Need

  • A secondary drive or partition with sufficient free space for your games
  • Administrator access to your Windows 11 PC
  • Optional: Backup of your game data if needed

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press Windows + I.
  2. Navigate to Storage Settings: In Settings, click on ‘System’ and then select ‘Storage’ from the sidebar.
  3. Change Default Save Location: Under Storage management, click on ‘Advanced storage settings’ and then ‘Where new content is saved’.
  4. Select the New Drive for Apps & Games: From the dropdown menu next to ‘New apps will save to,’ choose your desired drive (e.g., D: or E:).
  5. Move Existing Games in Windows Store or Xbox App: If your games are installed via the Microsoft Store or Xbox app, open the app, go to ‘My Library,’ select the game, and click ‘Move’ or ‘Change location’ to select the new drive.
  6. Manually Move Non-Store Games: For games installed outside the Microsoft Store, locate the game folder, copy or cut it, then paste it into the new drive.
  7. Update Game Shortcuts or Libraries: After moving, update any shortcuts or libraries to point to the new location to ensure games launch correctly.
  8. Verify the Move: Launch your game from its new location to confirm it works properly.

Common Mistakes

  • Not backing up game data before moving—can lead to data loss if something goes wrong.
  • Moving games manually without updating shortcuts or libraries, causing launch errors.
  • Changing default save location without moving existing game files, resulting in missing data.
  • Attempting to move games installed through platforms that do not support manual relocation.
  • Ignoring the need to update game launchers or configurations after moving files.

Tips

  • Use the ‘Move’ option within the game platform (e.g., Xbox app, Steam) for supported games to simplify the process.
  • Ensure the new drive has enough space before moving large game files.
  • Label your drives clearly to avoid confusion during the move.
  • Regularly back up your game data, especially if you plan to move or reinstall frequently.
  • Consider creating a dedicated folder for games on your new drive for better organization.

Troubleshooting

If your games aren’t launching after moving, or the move doesn’t seem to work:

  • Check the game’s new location: Verify that the files are correctly in the new drive and haven’t been moved back or deleted.
  • Update shortcuts or game launcher paths: Right-click shortcuts and select ‘Properties’ to ensure the target path points to the new location.
  • Reinstall the game if necessary: Some games or platforms may require reinstallation or repair to recognize the new location.
  • Use platform tools: For games installed via Steam or Epic Games, use their built-in move or transfer options to avoid issues.
  • Check permissions: Ensure your user account has read/write access to the new game folder.
  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Use Windows’ built-in troubleshooters for storage or app issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I move all games to another drive?

Most games installed through platforms like Steam, Xbox, or Epic Games can be moved, but some may require reinstallation or platform-specific tools. Always check the platform’s support documentation.

2. Will moving games affect their performance?

Generally, no. Moving games to a different drive, especially an SSD, can actually improve load times. However, ensure the drive is fast enough for gaming.

3. Is it safe to manually move game files?

Manual movement is possible but can cause issues if shortcuts or platform links aren’t updated. It’s safer to use platform-specific move options whenever available.

4. How do I move a game in Steam?

In Steam, go to ‘Steam’ > ‘Settings’ > ‘Downloads’ > ‘Steam Library Folders,’ add a new folder on your desired drive, then right-click the game in your library, select ‘Properties,’ and choose ‘Move Install Folder’.

5. Do I need to reinstall my game after moving?

Not always. Many games can be moved without reinstalling, but some may require a repair or reinstallation if they don’t recognize the new location.

6. Can I move games from a HDD to an SSD?

Yes, but ensure you use the proper move or transfer tools to avoid corruption. Moving from HDD to SSD can improve load times significantly.

Moving games to another drive on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can save space and optimize your gaming setup. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure your games are organized and accessible without hassle, making your gaming experience smoother and more efficient.

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How to Move Games to Another Drive on Windows 11
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