Moving installed apps to another drive in Windows 10 can help free up space on your primary drive, improve system performance, or organize your storage more efficiently. Whether you’re upgrading your hard drive, consolidating files, or just want better control over your app locations, this guide walks you through the process step-by-step. Before starting, ensure you have sufficient space on the target drive and that your Windows 10 system is up to date. Some apps, especially those installed outside of the Windows Store, may not support moving, so verify compatibility beforehand.
What You’ll Need
- Windows 10 PC with administrative privileges
- Target drive with enough free space
- Internet connection for updates or app reinstallation (if necessary)
- Optional: Backup of important data in case of issues
Step-by-Step
- Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps: In Settings, click on ‘Apps’ to access the Apps & features section.
- Find the App to Move: Scroll through the list or use the search bar to locate the application you want to transfer.
- Select the App: Click on the app’s name to reveal the ‘Move’ button if the app supports moving.
- Click ‘Move’: If available, click the ‘Move’ button. A dropdown menu will appear showing available drives.
- Choose the New Drive: Select the drive where you want to move the app, such as D: or E:.
- Confirm the Move: Click ‘Move’ to start transferring the app. Wait for the process to complete. Do not interrupt it.
- Verify the Transfer: Once finished, check that the app opens correctly from its new location.
- Repeat for Other Apps: Repeat this process for any other apps you wish to move.
Common Mistakes
- Attempting to move apps that do not support the ‘Move’ feature in Settings.
- Interrupting the transfer process, which can corrupt app files.
- Trying to move system-critical apps or Windows Store apps that are tightly integrated with Windows.
- Ignoring the need for sufficient space on the target drive before moving apps.
- Forcing apps to move when the option is not available, leading to incomplete transfers or errors.
Tips
- Use the ‘Move’ feature primarily for apps installed via Windows Store, as traditional desktop apps often require reinstallation.
- Before moving large apps, ensure the target drive has enough free space to accommodate them.
- Regularly backup your data to prevent loss during unexpected errors.
- Keep Windows updated to ensure compatibility with app moving features.
- If an app does not support moving, consider uninstalling and reinstalling it on the desired drive.
Troubleshooting
If moving an app does not go as planned, follow these steps:
- Check app support: Not all apps support moving. If the ‘Move’ button is unavailable, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the app directly onto the target drive.
- Use PowerShell: For advanced users, PowerShell commands can sometimes move apps that are not supported via Settings. This requires careful execution and knowledge of Windows app management.
- Reinstall the app: If the app becomes corrupted or does not launch after moving, uninstall it and reinstall on the desired drive.
- Run System File Checker: Use ‘sfc /scannow’ in Command Prompt to fix system errors that might interfere with app management.
- Check drive health: Use tools like CHKDSK to verify the integrity of the target drive before moving apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move all apps to another drive in Windows 10?
No, only apps installed via the Microsoft Store that support the ‘Move’ feature can be moved. Classic desktop applications often require reinstallation on the new drive.
Will moving apps affect their functionality?
Most supported apps will function normally after moving. However, apps not designed for moving or those with complex dependencies may encounter issues.
Is moving apps safe?
Using Windows’ built-in ‘Move’ feature is generally safe. Always back up important data before attempting to move apps, especially for critical or large software.
What if I don’t see the ‘Move’ option?
The ‘Move’ button appears only for apps installed from the Microsoft Store that support this feature. For other apps, consider uninstalling and reinstalling them to the desired drive.
Can I move games installed via Steam or other platforms?
Most gaming platforms like Steam allow you to change install locations or move games within their client. Use those features instead of Windows’ app move tool for better results.
Does moving apps free up space on my main drive?
Yes, moving apps to another drive transfers their files elsewhere, freeing up space on your primary drive, which can improve overall system performance.
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