How to Move Games to Another Drive

Running out of space on your computer can slow down your gaming experience. Moving games to another drive is an easy way to solve this problem. You can move your games by using built-in features in game launchers like Steam, Epic Games, and others that let you select games and transfer them to a different drive.

This process doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re shifting games from an HDD to a faster SSD or just freeing up space on your main drive, most gaming platforms now offer simple ways to relocate your games without reinstalling them. This saves you time and prevents having to download large game files again.

The benefits go beyond just creating more space. Moving games to an SSD can dramatically improve loading times and overall performance. With the right approach, you can organize your game library across multiple drives while keeping everything running smoothly.

---

Why Move Games to Another Drive?

As game files balloon in size, it’s easy to watch your primary drive fill up faster than expected. Moving games to another drive isn’t just about saving space—it can also improve performance, help you organize better, and make backups easier. Whether you’re trying to free up your SSD for more demanding titles or you just bought a new high-capacity HDD, shifting your game files can be a game-changer.

Plus, if you’re managing multiple storage devices—like balancing a speedy NVMe SSD with a spacious external hard drive—knowing how to relocate your games gives you total control over your system.

---

Things to Know Before Moving Games

Before you start dragging and dropping folders, it’s important to understand that most modern game launchers manage their own game files. Moving games manually (without using the right settings or tools) can cause issues like broken installations or lost save data.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check the launcher’s built-in move option first. Steam, Epic Games, and others often have dedicated tools for this.
• External drives can work, but they typically have slower read/write speeds than internal drives.
• Backup your save files, especially for older games or launchers that don’t automatically sync saves to the cloud.
• Ensure you have enough free space on the new drive. Moving massive files only to find out you don’t have room is a headache you don’t need.

---

How to Move Games on Steam

Steam makes moving games between drives surprisingly simple these days. You don’t have to redownload or reinstall anything.

Steps:

1. Create a New Library Folder
   • Open Steam and go to Settings > Storage.
   • Click Add Drive, then pick the drive and folder you want to use.
2. Move the Game Files
   • In your Library, right-click the game you want to move.
   • Select Properties, then go to the Installed Files tab.
   • Click Move Install Folder.
   • Choose the new library location and click Move.

Steam handles the heavy lifting and moves the files without requiring a reinstallation. Once done, the game launches just as it did before—but now from the new drive.

---

How to Move Epic Games to Another Drive

Epic Games Launcher doesn’t have a slick built-in tool like Steam, but you can move your games manually without having to redownload the entire thing.

Steps:

1. Copy the Game Folder
   • Go to the original install directory (usually C:\Program Files\Epic Games\).
   • Copy the game’s folder to the new drive.
2. Uninstall from the Launcher
   • In Epic Games Launcher, go to Library.
   • Click the three dots next to the game and select Uninstall.
     (Don’t worry—you’ll point it back to the copied files soon.)
3. Start a New Install on the New Drive
   • Click Install on the game in your library.
   • Select the new drive and folder where you copied the game files.
   • Let it start downloading for a few seconds, then pause the install.
4. Replace the Files
   • Go to the new install directory and delete the few files Epic just downloaded.
   • Paste the copied game files into this folder.
5. Resume Installation
   • Back in the launcher, click Resume.
   • Epic should verify the files rather than redownloading them.

After verification, the game should be ready to go on your new drive.

---

How to Move Games on Battle.net

Blizzard’s Battle.net Launcher makes moving games to another drive fairly painless.

Steps:

1. Move the Game Folder
   • Navigate to your current install folder and move the entire game directory to the new drive.
2. Locate the Game in Battle.net
   • Open Battle.net and click the Game Settings for the title you moved.
   • Select Locate the Game, then point it to the new folder location.
3. Confirm and Play
   • The launcher verifies the files, and you’re good to go.

For some games, you may need to adjust in-game settings if they reference old folder locations (for mods, saves, etc.).

---

How to Move Xbox PC Games (Game Pass)

Moving Xbox Game Pass games is easier now thanks to updates in the Xbox app on Windows.

Steps:

1. Open the Xbox App.
2. Go to My Library, find the game you want to move.
3. Click the three dots next to the game and select Manage.
4. Under Installation Options, click Change Drive.
5. Select your new drive and click Move.

If you don’t see the move option, the game might not support moving yet. In that case, you’ll need to uninstall and reinstall it to the new location.

---

Moving Games Manually (When There’s No Built-in Option)

Some games—especially older ones or those from independent launchers—don’t offer a move option. In these cases, you can move them manually, but it requires a bit of caution.

General Steps:

1. Backup Your Save Files
   • Look in Documents, AppData, or the game’s folder for save files.
2. Copy the Entire Game Folder to the New Drive.
3. Create a Symbolic Link (Optional but Helpful)
   If the game expects files to be in a specific place, you can trick it with a symbolic link: On Windows: mklink /D "C:\OldGameFolder" "D:\NewGameFolder" This makes the system think the game is still on the original drive.
4. Launch the Game
   If it works, you’re all set. If not, you may need to reinstall the game and direct it to the new drive.

---

Tips for Optimizing Game Storage Across Drives

• Install performance-heavy games on SSDs for faster load times.
• Use HDDs for less demanding or older games where load times aren’t as critical.
• Keep a bit of free space on each drive. SSDs in particular slow down when they’re nearly full.
• Label your library folders clearly if you’re using multiple drives. It’ll save you from accidentally filling up the wrong drive.

---

Final Thoughts

Moving games to another drive can save space, improve load times, and keep your system running smoothly. Whether you’re working with Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, or Xbox Game Pass, the tools to relocate your games are easier to use than ever.

Take the time to get familiar with your game library locations, and you’ll make the most out of every gigabyte on your PC. Happy gaming!

Key Takeaways

• Most game launchers have built-in tools to move games between drives without reinstalling.
• Moving games to an SSD can significantly improve loading times and game performance.
• Proper game migration helps free up disk space while keeping your games organized and accessible.

Understanding Different Types of Drives

Before moving your games to a new drive, it’s helpful to know about the different storage options. Each type of drive offers unique advantages for gaming performance and space management.

Hard Disk Drives (HDD)

HDDs are the traditional storage solution that uses magnetic platters to store data. They typically offer more storage space for less money than other drive types. A 2TB HDD might cost the same as a 500GB SSD, making them good for storing many large games.

The downside? HDDs are much slower. Games stored on HDDs will have longer loading times and may experience occasional texture pop-in during gameplay. Loading screens might last 30-60 seconds on an HDD, compared to just 5-10 seconds on faster drives.

HDDs are best used for:

• Storing games you don’t play often
• Budget-conscious gamers who need lots of space
• Older games that don’t benefit as much from faster storage

Solid-State Drives (SSD)

SSDs have no moving parts and use flash memory to store data. This makes them significantly faster than HDDs. Games installed on an SSD load much quicker and can provide smoother gameplay with fewer stutters.

Most modern gaming PCs now include at least a small SSD for the operating system and favorite games. The price of SSDs has dropped in recent years, making them more accessible.

Key benefits for gamers:

• Much faster load times: Games start up in seconds
• Smoother gameplay: Fewer hitches when new areas load
• Quicker asset streaming: Textures and models appear faster

External Drives

External drives connect through USB or Thunderbolt ports and come in both HDD and SSD varieties. They offer a simple way to add storage without opening your PC case.

USB 3.0 or higher connections provide enough speed for gaming, though not quite as fast as internal drives. External SSDs can nearly match internal SSD performance if connected through a fast port.

External drives are perfect for:

• Laptop gamers who can’t add internal storage
• Moving games between different computers
• Creating a portable game library you can take anywhere

Just remember that disconnecting an external drive while a game is installed can cause problems, so always properly eject before unplugging.

Preparing for Game Migration

Before moving your games to a new drive, you need to take a few important steps. These preparations will help ensure your game files transfer correctly and work properly after the move.

Backing Up Game Data

Always back up your game data before moving games to another drive. This step protects against potential data loss during the transfer process.

Start by locating your game save files. Many games store saves in the Documents folder or AppData folder on Windows. Some games use cloud saves through platforms like Steam or Epic Games.

For Steam games, you can right-click on a game, select Properties, and look for the “Cloud Synchronization” option to check if your saves are backed up automatically.

Use an external hard drive or cloud storage service to store your backup files. For games without cloud saves, manually copy the save data folders to your backup location.

Remember to also export any custom settings or configurations you’ve created. These are often stored in separate files and might not transfer automatically.

Verifying Game Files

Before moving games, verify that all files are intact and not corrupted. This prevents transferring damaged files that could cause problems later.

On Steam, right-click a game in your library, select Properties, go to Local Files, and click “Verify integrity of game files.” This process checks for and replaces any corrupted files.

For Epic Games Launcher, click the three dots next to a game, select “Verify,” and wait for the process to complete.

Other game launchers offer similar verification options. Look for terms like “verify,” “repair,” or “scan” in the game properties or settings menu.

Make a list of all games you plan to move, including their file sizes. This helps you plan your space requirements and organize the transfer process.

Checking Drive Compatibility

Not all drives work equally well for gaming. Check that your target drive has enough free space for all the games you want to move.

SSD drives provide faster load times than traditional HDDs. If moving games to improve performance, choose an SSD with at least the same capacity as your total game files.

Check the drive format. Windows generally uses NTFS, while external drives might use FAT32 or exFAT. FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit, making it unsuitable for many modern games.

Confirm the connection type and speed. USB 3.0 or newer connections provide faster data transfer rates than older USB 2.0 ports. For internal drives, SATA III or NVMe connections offer the best performance.

Test the new drive for errors using Windows’ built-in disk checking tools before starting any transfers. This prevents moving games to a faulty drive.

Steps to Move Games to Another Drive on Windows

Moving games to another drive can save space and improve performance. This process differs depending on what tools you use and which gaming platform you have.

Using Windows Built-in Tools

Windows offers several ways to move your games without reinstalling them. The simplest method is to use the Settings app in Windows 10 or 11.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
2. Find your game in the list and select it
3. Click Move if available (not all games support this feature)
4. Choose your target drive from the dropdown menu
5. Click Move to begin the transfer process

For Microsoft Store games, you can also change your default installation location. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved and select your preferred drive for new games.

Many games won’t show a move option. For these, you might need to uninstall and reinstall them to your new location.

Leveraging Third-Party Software

Third-party tools can make moving games easier, especially for games without built-in move options.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a popular option that can transfer installed applications between drives. It automatically handles registry entries and keeps your games working properly after the move.

Steps for using EaseUS Todo PCTrans:

1. Install and launch the program
2. Select “App Migration”
3. Choose the game you want to move
4. Select your target drive
5. Click “Transfer” to begin

Other helpful tools include Steam Mover and GameSave Manager. These programs create symbolic links, telling Windows where to find moved files without breaking functionality.

Relocating Steam Games Manually

Steam makes moving games relatively simple compared to other platforms.

To move Steam games:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders
2. Click Add Library Folder and select your target drive
3. Exit this menu and go to your Library
4. Right-click the game you want to move
5. Select Properties > Local Files > Move Install Folder
6. Choose your new drive location and click Move

Steam will transfer all game files while maintaining your save data and settings. This process may take time for larger games.

You can also move games by backing up and restoring. Right-click the game, select Properties > Local Files > Backup Game Files, then restore to a new location.

Transferring Games from HDD to SSD

Moving games from a hard disk drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD) can boost loading times and improve overall gaming performance. The transfer process is straightforward when you know the right steps to follow.

Optimizing SSD for Games

Before transferring games, prepare your SSD for optimal performance. Make sure you have enough free space—games can take up significant storage. A good rule is to keep 10-15% of your SSD empty for best performance.

Check that your SSD firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve speed and reliability.

Turn on TRIM support in your operating system to maintain SSD health. This helps the drive manage deleted data efficiently.

Consider disabling hibernation if you’re short on space, as the hibernation file can use several gigabytes. You can do this by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing:

powercfg /hibernate off

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

There are several methods to move games between drives. The easiest approach depends on your game launcher.

For Steam games:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings
2. Select Downloads, then STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS
3. Click “+” to add your SSD as a new location
4. Right-click on the game you want to move and select Properties
5. Click the LOCAL FILES tab, then MOVE INSTALL FOLDER
6. Choose your SSD destination and click MOVE

For games on other platforms, you can:

• Use the platform’s built-in transfer tool if available
• Create a backup of the game files, then restore to the new location
• Use third-party tools designed for game migration

Some launchers like Epic Games and Origin also offer similar functions in their settings menus.

Verifying Game Functionality Post-Migration

After moving your games, verify they work correctly on the SSD. Launch each game to ensure it starts without errors. Check that save files and game progress carried over properly.

If a game won’t launch, try these fixes:

• Verify game files through the launcher
• Update any shortcuts to point to the new location
• Reinstall the launcher if it can’t find the game

Run a simple performance test. Compare loading times before and after the transfer. Most games should load noticeably faster from an SSD—sometimes 2-4 times quicker than from an HDD.

Monitor your SSD temperature during gameplay. While SSDs run cooler than HDDs, intense gaming sessions can generate heat. Normal operating temperatures typically range from 30-50°C.

Migrating Specific Gaming Platforms

Different gaming platforms have their own processes for moving games to another drive. Each method is designed to maintain your game data while freeing up space on your primary storage.

Moving Steam Games to Another Drive

Steam offers a straightforward process for relocating games. First, open your Steam client and navigate to Settings. Click on the Storage tab to see your current installation drives and add new locations.

To move games:

1. Create a new Steam library folder on your target drive
2. Right-click on the game you want to move in your library
3. Select “Properties” from the dropdown menu
4. Click on the “Local Files” tab
5. Select “Move Install Folder”
6. Choose your new drive location
7. Click “Move” to begin the transfer

Steam will handle the entire process without requiring reinstallation. Your game saves remain intact since they’re typically stored in the cloud. This method works for any game in your Steam library.

Transferring Blizzard Games

Blizzard games like World of Warcraft and Heroes of the Storm can be moved without reinstallation. The Battle.net launcher makes this process simple.

To transfer Blizzard games:

1. Close the Battle.net launcher completely
2. Copy your game folder to the new drive location
3. Open Battle.net and click on the game you moved
4. Click on “Options” and select “Game Settings”
5. Click “Use a Different Folder”
6. Browse to the new location and select the game folder

The launcher will recognize the existing files and update its records. This saves download time and preserves your game progress. Your addons and custom settings will remain intact.

Relocating Microsoft Store Games

Microsoft Store games require a different approach since they use a protected file system.

To move Microsoft Store games:

1. Go to Windows Settings (press Win+I)
2. Select “Apps” from the menu
3. Find your game in the apps list
4. Click on the game and select “Move”
5. Choose your destination drive
6. Click “Move” to begin the transfer

This built-in Windows feature handles the complex file structures of Microsoft Store games. The process preserves all game data and saves. For large games, the transfer might take several minutes depending on your drive speeds.

Advantages of Moving Games to a Different Drive

Moving your games to a separate drive offers several benefits that can improve your computing experience and gaming performance. This practice helps manage storage more effectively while potentially boosting how well your games run.

Increased System Performance

Moving games to a different drive can speed up your entire computer. When your operating system and games share the same drive, they compete for resources. This competition can slow down both your system and games.

By separating them, your computer can read game files from one drive while handling system tasks on another. This separation reduces bottlenecks and improves loading times.

For best results, keep your operating system on an SSD (Solid State Drive) and move games to either another SSD or a traditional hard drive. Many gamers report faster boot times and more responsive systems after moving game libraries to separate drives.

Tests show that computers with separate drives for the OS and games can run up to 20% faster in some situations. This improvement is especially noticeable when running resource-heavy applications alongside games.

Extended Lifespan for SSDs

SSDs wear out after a certain number of write operations. Games frequently update and save data, which contributes to this wear.

Moving games to a separate drive, especially a traditional HDD, can extend your primary SSD’s life. HDDs don’t have the same write limitations as SSDs, making them better suited for frequently changing files.

Many modern games require 50-100GB of storage space. These large installs put significant stress on drives. By spreading this load across multiple drives, you reduce wear on any single drive.

This approach is especially helpful for laptop users with limited upgrade options. You can connect an external drive to store games while preserving your internal SSD for system operations.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

A dedicated game drive can deliver smoother gameplay with fewer stutters and hitches. When games have their own drive, they don’t compete with background processes for read/write access.

Loading screens become shorter, especially when using an SSD as your game drive. Some players report up to 60% faster loading times when moving from a shared drive setup to a dedicated game drive.

Open-world games benefit the most from this arrangement. These games constantly load new areas as you explore, and a dedicated drive handles these requests more efficiently.

You’ll also experience fewer frame rate drops during intense gaming moments. When your system needs to load new textures or game assets, having them on a separate drive means this process won’t interrupt other operations.

For competitive games where every millisecond matters, this separation can give you a small but meaningful advantage.

Managing Game Libraries Post-Migration

After moving your Steam games to a new drive, proper management ensures everything continues to run smoothly. Keeping your library organized helps prevent issues with game access and saves.

Updating Library Paths

Steam needs to know where your games are located after moving them. Open Steam and go to “Settings,” then select the “Storage” tab. Here you’ll see all your current library folders. If you moved games using Steam’s built-in tool, the paths should update automatically.

For manually moved games, click “Add Library Folder” and browse to the new location. Steam will scan and recognize your games in the new folder.

Sometimes Steam might not recognize games right away. In this case, try the “Verify integrity of game files” option by right-clicking the game and selecting “Properties” > “Local Files.” This forces Steam to check the new location and rebuild necessary files.

Maintaining Game Saves and Settings

Game saves don’t always move with the game files. Many games store saves in different locations:

• Steam Cloud: Saves stored online (check if enabled in game properties)
• Documents folder: Many games save here regardless of installation location
• AppData folder: Some games store saves in this hidden Windows folder

Back up your save files before moving games. You can find game save locations by searching online for “[game name] save location windows.”

For game settings, most titles store configurations in the game directory. These usually transfer automatically when moving the game. If your settings reset after moving, check the original game folder for leftover configuration files.

Run each game after migration to ensure it launches properly. Some games might need to rebuild shader caches or update file paths on first launch.

Transfer Games to a New Computer

Moving games to a new computer saves you from having to download them again. This can save time, especially if you have many large games or a slow internet connection.

Complete Data Transfer Solutions

When moving games to a new computer, you have several options to make the process smooth. Using an external drive is often the easiest method. Simply copy the entire game folder from your old computer to the external drive, then copy it to the new computer.

For Steam games, you can back up your games through the Steam client. Right-click on a game, select Properties, then Local Files, and click “Backup Game Files.” On your new PC, open Steam and choose “Restore a Backup.”

Programs like EaseUS Todo PCTrans can automate the process. This software transfers not just games but also settings and save files between computers.

For Epic Games, make sure to close the launcher completely before transferring. Copy the game folders to your new PC, then locate the manifests folder and copy those files too.

Retaining User Accounts and Configurations

Game progress often saves in different locations than the game files. For Steam games, you can transfer your save data by copying the “userdata” folder from the Steam directory.

Many games use cloud saves through platforms like Steam, Epic, and Origin. Sign in to your account on the new computer, and your saves should download automatically.

For games without cloud saves, look for save folders in:

• Documents folder
• AppData folder (C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData)
• The game’s installation directory

Game settings are typically stored in configuration files. These are often in the same locations as save files. Transferring these files maintains your preferences on the new computer.

Remember to install the same game launcher (Steam, Epic, etc.) on your new PC before trying to run transferred games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving games to another drive requires specific steps depending on your platform or gaming service. Each platform has its own method for relocating game files without losing progress or requiring a fresh download.

What are the steps to transfer League of Legends to a different drive?

To transfer League of Legends to another drive, you need to create a copy of the game files first. Copy the entire League of Legends folder from its current location to the new drive.

After copying, run the game launcher from the new location to make sure it points to the correct files. If the game starts correctly, you can delete the original installation to free up space on your first drive.

Always make sure to close the game and launcher completely before starting the transfer process.

Can you move installed Steam games to another drive without redownloading them?

Yes, Steam has a built-in feature for moving games without redownloading. Open your Steam client and go to Settings. Select the “Storage” tab where you can see your current drives.

Find the game you want to move in your library. Right-click it and select “Properties,” then “Local Files,” and click “Move Install Folder.” Steam will display available drives where you can transfer the game.

This process preserves all game data including save files and configurations.

What is the method for relocating games on Windows 10 to a new drive?

Windows 10 allows moving games through the Settings app. Open Settings and go to “Apps.” Find your game in the installed apps list and click on it.

If the game supports moving, you’ll see a “Move” button. Click it and select your destination drive. Windows will transfer all necessary files to the new location.

Not all games support this feature, especially those not installed through the Microsoft Store.

How do you change the install location for games on an Xbox console?

Xbox consoles allow you to install games on external drives. Connect a compatible USB 3.0 external hard drive to your Xbox. The console will detect and prompt you to format it for game storage.

To change the default installation location, go to Settings, then “System,” and select “Storage.” Choose your preferred drive as the default install location for new games.

You can also move already installed games by selecting them in “My games & apps,” pressing the menu button, and selecting “Manage game & add-ons.”

What process is involved in moving PS5 games from one drive to another?

PS5 games can be moved between the internal SSD and external storage. From the home screen, go to Settings and select “Storage.” Choose “Console Storage” or your external drive, depending on where your game is currently stored.

Select “Games and Apps,” then choose the titles you want to move. Press the “Move” button and follow the on-screen instructions. The transfer speed depends on the game size and your external drive speed.

Remember that PS5 games can only be played from the internal SSD or an official PS5 expansion SSD.

How can I migrate games from Blizzard’s Battle.net launcher to another drive?

To move games from Battle.net to another drive, first locate the game folder in your current installation directory. Close the Battle.net launcher completely before starting the process.

Move the game’s folder to your desired location on the new drive. Open Battle.net and click on the game you moved. Select “Locate Game” and browse to the new location.

The launcher will verify the files and update its records to point to the new location. This prevents having to download the entire game again.