Moving apps to an external hard drive on Windows 11 can free up some much-needed space on your computer’s internal drive. It’s a straightforward process involving changing the storage settings and moving the apps. First, connect your external hard drive to your PC. Then, head to the Settings menu, where you’ll find the options to move installed apps. Select the apps you want to move and choose the external drive as the new location. Voila! Your apps will be transferred to your external storage, making room on your device.
Moving Apps to External Hard Drive in Windows 11
Moving your apps to an external hard drive can help you manage your storage efficiently. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Step 1: Connect Your External Hard Drive
Plug your external hard drive into your computer.
Ensure your external hard drive is properly connected and recognized by your computer. You might see a notification pop-up in the lower-right corner when the system detects it. If not, open File Explorer to see if the drive is listed.
Step 2: Open Windows Settings
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu.
Alternatively, you can click on the Start menu and select the gear icon for Settings. This menu is your central hub for managing your computer’s preferences and apps.
Step 3: Go to Apps
Within Settings, click on “Apps” to open the app settings.
Once you’re in the Apps section, you’ll find options to manage installed applications, including moving them to different storage locations.
Step 4: Select Apps & Features
Under Apps, click on “Apps & Features.”
This page lists all the apps installed on your computer. From here, you can manage, uninstall, or move apps to a new location.
Step 5: Choose an App to Move
Select the app you want to move, then click “Move.”
Not every app can be transferred, but most that you’ve downloaded from the Microsoft Store should be movable. If the “Move” option is grayed out, it means the app can’t be relocated.
Step 6: Choose New Location
Select your external hard drive as the destination and confirm the move.
Your app will begin transferring to the external drive. This might take a few moments, depending on the size of the app and the speed of your external hard drive.
After successfully moving your apps, they’ll now run from the external hard drive. You’ll have more space on your internal drive, which can improve your PC’s performance. Just make sure to keep your external drive connected when you want to use those apps.
Tips for Moving Apps to External Hard Drive in Windows 11
- Ensure your external hard drive has enough space for the apps you want to move.
- Regularly back up your external hard drive to prevent data loss.
- Keep the external drive connected when using the moved apps.
- If an app doesn’t give you the option to move, it might be system-integrated or essential for Windows.
- Consider the speed of your external hard drive, as slower drives might impact app performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move all apps to an external hard drive?
Not all apps can be moved. System-integrated apps or those crucial for Windows operation generally can’t be transferred.
What happens if I disconnect the external drive?
If the external drive is disconnected, any apps stored on it won’t run until the drive is reconnected.
Is there a risk of data loss when moving apps?
The risk is low, but it’s always wise to back up important data before making significant changes like moving apps.
Will moving apps affect their performance?
Performance might vary. Apps on slower external drives could run slower than on internal SSDs.
How do I move apps back to the internal drive?
You can follow the same process but choose your internal drive as the destination.
Summary of Steps
- Connect your external hard drive.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Go to Apps & Features.
- Choose an app to move.
- Select the new location on the external drive.
Conclusion
Moving apps to an external hard drive on Windows 11 is a practical solution for managing your computer’s limited storage space. By simply adjusting a few settings, you can keep your internal drive tidy and efficient. Just remember to keep your external drive handy when you plan to use these apps. This process doesn’t just declutter your system; it also gives you the flexibility to carry your apps wherever you go, much like carrying a backpack with all your essentials neatly packed.
As technology advances, managing digital storage wisely is becoming more important than ever. Whether you’re a gamer needing space for large files, a professional juggling multiple software, or just someone managing everyday applications, this guide helps bridge the gap between limited internal storage and the ever-growing need for more space.
For a deeper dive into mastering Windows 11’s features, explore our other articles and empower yourself with knowledge. So, why not try out this app-moving technique and see how much smoother your PC can run?
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.