How to Move Games to Another Drive on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re running out of space on your primary drive or simply want to organize your games better, moving them to another drive on Windows 10 is a straightforward task. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll use the Windows Settings to move games installed from the Microsoft Store, or use specific game clients like Steam or Epic Games for games installed through them. No fancy tech skills required!

How to Move Games to Another Drive on Windows 10

The following steps will guide you through moving games to another drive, ensuring your games remain playable without reinstalling them.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

First, open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.

The Settings window is where you’ll find various options for managing your system, including apps and games.

Step 2: Navigate to Apps Section

Next, click on “Apps” to open the Apps & features settings.

In this section, you can see all the apps and games installed on your computer.

Step 3: Find the Game

Scroll through the list to find the game you want to move.

Finding the game in this list is crucial as this is where you will initiate the move process.

Step 4: Click on the Game

Once you find the game, click on it to reveal the “Move” button.

The “Move” button will only appear if this option is supported for the selected game.

Step 5: Choose the New Drive

Click “Move” and then select the drive where you want the game to be transferred.

Selecting the correct drive ensures the game files are moved to the desired location without issues.

Step 6: Confirm the Move

Finally, click “Move” again to start the transfer process.

This will begin the process of moving the game’s files to the new drive. The duration depends on the game’s size and the drives’ speed.

Once these steps are completed, your game will be moved to the new drive and should run just as before, but now you’ll have more space on your primary drive.

Tips for Moving Games to Another Drive on Windows 10

• Backup important data: Always keep backups of important save files just in case something goes wrong.
• Check game settings: Some games might need path updates in their settings after the move.
• Update shortcuts: Ensure any desktop shortcuts point to the new location.
• Verify in game clients: For Steam or Epic Games, verify the game files after moving.
• Use SSDs for better performance: If possible, move games to an SSD for faster load times and better performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move games back to the original drive later?

Yes, you can move games back to the original drive by following the same steps and selecting the original drive.

Will I lose my game progress?

No, moving the game should not affect your saved data. However, always back up your saves to be safe.

What if the “Move” button is greyed out?

Some games may not support the move feature. In such cases, you might need to reinstall the game on the new drive.

Can I move non-Microsoft Store games this way?

No, for games not installed through the Microsoft Store, use the game client’s built-in move feature, like Steam or Epic Games.

Is there a risk of data corruption?

While rare, data corruption can happen. Always ensure you’re not running any programs that might interrupt the move process.

Summary

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps section.
3. Find the game.
4. Click on the game.
5. Choose the new drive.
6. Confirm the move.

Conclusion

Moving games to another drive on Windows 10 is a useful way to manage your storage space without sacrificing your gaming experiences. Whether you’re looking to free up space on your primary drive or organize your game collection, following these easy steps will get the job done. Remember to always backup important data and verify the game’s functionality after the move.

Feel empowered to take control of your storage spaces. If you found this guide helpful, consider browsing more articles on managing your Windows 10 system efficiently. Happy gaming!