Moving games to another drive on Windows 11 can save space on your primary drive and improve performance. It involves copying the game files and telling the system where they are now located. It’s a straightforward process that can be done using built-in Windows tools or game launcher settings.
How to Move Games to Another Drive on Windows 11
This guide will show you how to move games to another drive on Windows 11. Follow these steps to free up space on your main drive and keep your games running smoothly.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, go to the Start menu and open Settings.
In Settings, you’ll find all the configurations for your system. It’s like the control room of your PC. Navigate there to get started.
Step 2: Go to “Apps”
Navigate to the “Apps” section in the Settings menu.
The “Apps” section is where you’ll find all your installed applications. It’s the place to manage, move, or uninstall apps.
Step 3: Select “Apps & features”
Click on “Apps & features.”
This area lists all the apps and games installed on your system. You’ll be able to modify or move them from here.
Step 4: Find the Game You Want to Move
Scroll through the list to find the game you want to move.
Look for the game by name. If you have many games installed, you might need to do a bit of scrolling.
Step 5: Click on the Game and Select “Move”
Click on the game, and then click the “Move” button.
The “Move” button allows you to transfer the game files to another drive without reinstalling the game.
Step 6: Choose the New Drive
Select the new drive where you want the game to be moved.
When you select the new drive, the system will start transferring the files. This might take a few minutes.
Step 7: Wait for the Transfer
Wait while the game files are moved to the new drive.
Be patient. The duration of the transfer depends on the size of the game and the speed of your drives.
After completing these steps, your game will be located on the new drive. You won’t lose any progress, and your game should run just as well, if not better, than before.
Tips for Moving Games to Another Drive on Windows 11
Here are some additional tips to make the process smoother:
- Backup First: Always backup your game saves before moving files, just in case something goes wrong.
- Check Drive Space: Ensure the new drive has enough space before starting the transfer.
- Stable Power: Avoid moving files during power fluctuations to prevent corruption.
- Update Paths: Some games might require you to update the file path in their settings.
- Use Game Launchers: Sometimes using the game launcher’s built-in move option is more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move any game to another drive?
Yes, most games can be moved, but some older titles might not support this feature.
Will moving the game affect its performance?
It can improve performance if the new drive is faster or has more space.
Do I need to reinstall the game after moving it?
No, you don’t need to reinstall it. Just ensure the game launcher knows the new location.
What happens if the move fails?
If the move fails, your game files should remain intact on the original drive. Try again or check for errors.
Can I move multiple games at once?
You can move games one at a time. Trying to move multiple games simultaneously might cause issues.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to “Apps”.
- Select “Apps & features”.
- Find the game.
- Click “Move”.
- Choose the new drive.
- Wait for the transfer.
Conclusion
Moving games to another drive on Windows 11 can help you manage your storage more effectively and keep your system running smoothly. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily transfer your games without losing any data. Remember to keep your drives organized and regularly check for updates that might improve performance. If you encounter any problems, consult the FAQs or seek additional help online. Happy gaming!
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.