As gaming libraries grow, managing disk space becomes a critical task for Windows 11 users. Whether you’re running out of storage on your primary drive or simply want to organize your games more efficiently, moving installed games to another drive is a practical solution. This guide will walk you through the process using Windows settings, Steam, Xbox app, and other popular game launchers.
Why Move Games to Another Drive?
Modern games often require significant storage space, sometimes exceeding 100GB per title. Storing all your games on a single drive can quickly lead to disk space optimization issues, slowing down your system and limiting your ability to install new games. By moving games to another drive, you can free up space on your primary drive, improve system performance, and ensure a smoother gaming experience.
Additionally, using a secondary drive for games can help you better organize your files and reduce the risk of data loss. If your primary drive fails, your games will remain safe on the secondary drive, allowing you to reinstall your operating system without losing your game progress.
Moving Games Using Windows Settings
Windows 11 offers a built-in feature that allows you to move installed apps, including games, to another drive. To do this, open Settings and navigate to Apps > Installed Apps. Locate the game you want to move, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select Move. Choose the destination drive from the dropdown menu and confirm your selection.
This method is particularly useful for games installed via the Microsoft Store or Xbox app. However, it may not work for all games, especially those installed through third-party launchers like Steam or Epic Games Store. In such cases, you’ll need to use the launcher’s built-in tools to move your games.
Moving Games in Steam
Steam, one of the most popular game launchers, provides a straightforward way to move games to another drive. First, open Steam and go to Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders. Click Add Library Folder and select the destination drive. Once the new library folder is created, right-click the game you want to move in your Steam library, select Properties > Local Files, and click Move Install Folder.
This process ensures that all game files are transferred correctly, and Steam will automatically update its directory structure to reflect the new location. It’s a reliable method for game storage management and can be used for multiple games simultaneously.
Moving Games in the Xbox App
The Xbox app on Windows 11 also allows you to move games to another drive. Open the app, go to Settings > General, and under Game Install Options, select the new drive as the default installation location. To move an already installed game, click on the game in your library, select Manage, and then choose Move.
This method is particularly useful for Game Pass subscribers, as it ensures that all future game installations are directed to the desired drive. It also simplifies the process of moving existing games, making it easier to manage your storage space.
Moving Games in Other Launchers
Other game launchers, such as the Epic Games Store and GOG Galaxy, also offer options for moving games. In the Epic Games Store, for example, you can create a new library folder on another drive and move games by selecting the game in your library, clicking the three-dot menu, and choosing Move. Similarly, GOG Galaxy allows you to change the installation directory for each game individually.
These methods are essential for disk space optimization and ensure that your games are stored in a location that best suits your needs. Always check the launcher’s documentation for specific instructions, as the process may vary slightly between platforms.
Tips for Effective Game Storage Management
To make the most of your storage space, consider organizing your games by type or frequency of use. For example, you might store frequently played games on a faster SSD for quicker load times, while less frequently played games can be moved to a larger HDD. Regularly review your game library and uninstall games you no longer play to free up space.