Storage space can fill up quickly on a Windows 11 computer, especially if your device uses a smaller SSD as the primary drive. Applications, games, creative software, productivity tools, and other programs often consume significant amounts of storage over time. As the system drive becomes crowded, Windows may have less space available for updates, temporary files, and daily operations, potentially affecting performance and usability.
Fortunately, Windows 11 provides several ways to move installed apps to another drive. Depending on the type of application, you may be able to move it directly through the Settings app, relocate Microsoft Store apps, change default installation locations, or reinstall traditional desktop programs onto a different drive. These methods can help free space on your primary drive while keeping applications accessible and functional.
Moving apps to another drive is particularly useful for users with multiple SSDs, large hard drives, or external storage devices. It allows you to better organize software, manage storage more efficiently, and extend the usable life of your primary drive without immediately upgrading hardware.
In this guide, you will learn how to move installed apps to another drive in Windows 11, understand which apps can be moved, configure default installation locations, and troubleshoot common issues that may occur during the process.
What Happens When You Move Apps To Another Drive?
When an application is moved, Windows transfers its files from one storage location to another while maintaining functionality.
Benefits include:
- Freeing space on the system drive
- Better storage organization
- More room for Windows updates
- Improved management of large applications
- Better use of secondary drives
However, not every application supports being moved directly.
Microsoft Store apps generally support app relocation more easily than traditional desktop applications.
Understanding these limitations helps you choose the correct method.
Method 1: Move Microsoft Store Apps Using Settings
Windows 11 allows many Microsoft Store apps to be moved without reinstalling them.
Steps
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Click Installed Apps.
- Locate the app you want to move.
- Click the three-dot menu beside the app.
- Select Move.
If the Move option is available:
- Choose the destination drive.
- Click Move.
- Wait for the transfer to complete.
The time required depends on the application’s size.
Large applications may take several minutes to move.
This is the easiest and safest method for supported apps.
Method 2: Check Whether an App Supports Moving
Not all applications include a Move option.
Steps
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Locate the desired application.
- Open the app menu.
Possible outcomes include:
- Move option available
- Modify option available
- Uninstall option only
If the Move button is unavailable, the application likely cannot be relocated using Windows Settings.
In such cases, alternative methods may be required.
Understanding app limitations prevents unnecessary troubleshooting.
Method 3: Change Default App Installation Location
If you frequently install large applications, changing the default installation drive can help avoid storage problems.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Click Storage.
- Choose Advanced Storage Settings.
- Select Where New Content Is Saved.
- Locate New Apps Will Save To.
- Choose your preferred drive.
Future Microsoft Store apps will install to the selected location.
This method does not move existing applications but helps manage storage going forward.
It is especially useful when adding a new SSD or secondary drive.
Method 4: Move Xbox Games To Another Drive
Games often consume the largest amount of storage.
Many Xbox and Microsoft Store games can be moved directly.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Select the game.
- Click Move.
- Choose the destination drive.
- Confirm the transfer.
Alternatively:
- Open the Xbox app.
- Locate the installed game.
- Access game settings.
- Choose the move option if available.
Moving large games can free substantial storage on the system drive.
Method 5: Reinstall Traditional Desktop Applications
Many Win32 desktop programs cannot be moved using the built-in Move feature.
In these cases, reinstalling may be necessary.
Steps
- Back up important program data if needed.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Uninstall the application.
- Download the installer.
- Run the setup process.
- Select a location on the new drive.
- Complete installation.
Although this method takes longer, it often provides the most reliable results.
Many desktop applications were not designed for post-installation relocation.
Method 6: Move Apps Using Built-In Program Options
Some software includes its own relocation tools.
Applications such as games, launchers, and creative software may support moving installation folders.
Steps
- Open the application.
- Access Settings or Preferences.
- Locate storage or installation settings.
- Choose a new drive.
- Follow the relocation instructions.
Many game launchers support moving installed content without requiring a full reinstall.
Always follow the software developer’s instructions.
Method 7: Move Steam Games To Another Drive
Steam includes built-in storage management tools.
Steps
- Open Steam.
- Click Steam > Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Add a new library folder.
- Select installed games.
- Choose Move.
- Select the new library location.
Steam handles the file transfer automatically.
This method is significantly faster than reinstalling large games.
It also preserves save data and settings in most cases.
Method 8: Move Epic Games To Another Drive
Epic Games users can relocate game files using supported methods.
Steps
- Open Epic Games Launcher.
- Check available storage settings.
- Follow relocation instructions if supported.
Some games may require partial reinstallation depending on launcher capabilities.
Large game libraries often benefit greatly from storage reorganization.
A secondary SSD can significantly improve storage flexibility.
Method 9: Verify Apps After Moving
After relocating applications, always test them.
Steps
- Launch the moved application.
- Verify normal operation.
- Check settings and saved data.
- Confirm shortcuts still function.
If problems occur:
- Restart Windows.
- Recreate shortcuts.
- Verify application files if supported.
- Reinstall the application if necessary.
Testing immediately helps identify issues before important work is interrupted.
Method 10: Free Up Additional Space After Moving Apps
After moving applications, consider additional storage optimization.
Steps
- Run Storage Sense.
- Delete temporary files.
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
- Remove unused applications.
- Review Downloads folder contents.
These tasks can further increase available storage.
Combining app relocation with general storage maintenance often provides the best results.
Which Apps Can Be Moved?
Generally, the following apps are more likely to support moving:
- Microsoft Store apps
- Xbox games
- UWP applications
- Some modern Windows apps
Apps that often require reinstallation include:
- Traditional desktop software
- Older applications
- Programs with custom installation paths
- Certain security software
Support varies by developer and application design.
Benefits Of Moving Apps To Another Drive
Moving apps offers several advantages.
These include:
- More free space on the system drive
- Better storage organization
- Improved update flexibility
- Reduced storage warnings
- Better use of secondary SSDs
- Easier management of large applications
- Additional room for Windows updates
Users with smaller system drives often benefit the most.
Common Problems When Moving Apps
You may encounter:
- Missing Move option
- Insufficient storage space
- Application launch errors
- Broken shortcuts
- Unsupported programs
Most issues can be resolved by reinstalling the application on the desired drive.
Keeping backups of important data before making changes is always recommended.
Final Thoughts
Moving installed apps to another drive in Windows 11 is an effective way to free storage space and improve storage organization. Whether you are using a secondary SSD, a large hard drive, or an upgraded storage device, relocating applications can help prevent your primary drive from becoming overcrowded.
For Microsoft Store apps and supported games, the built-in Move feature provides a quick and convenient solution. Traditional desktop applications may require reinstallation, while platforms such as Steam offer their own tools for relocating game libraries. By understanding which applications support moving and which require alternative approaches, you can manage storage more efficiently without losing access to important software.
Regularly reviewing installed apps, monitoring storage usage, and relocating large programs when necessary can help maintain a cleaner and more efficient Windows 11 system for years to come.
FAQs
1. Can all apps be moved to another drive in Windows 11?
No. Microsoft Store apps often support moving, but many traditional desktop applications require reinstallation.
2. Why is the Move button missing?
Some applications do not support relocation through Windows Settings, so only Modify or Uninstall options may appear.
3. Will moving an app delete my data?
Normally, moving a supported app preserves its data. However, it is always wise to back up important information before making changes.
4. Is moving apps better than uninstalling them?
Moving apps is useful when you want to keep the software while freeing space on the primary drive. Uninstalling is better if the application is no longer needed.
