As applications and games continue to grow in size, it is common for the primary Windows drive (usually the C: drive) to run out of storage space. When this happens, Windows 11 may become slower, updates may fail to install, and you may not have enough room for new applications or files. Fortunately, Windows 11 provides several ways to move installed programs to another drive without necessarily uninstalling and reinstalling everything from scratch.
Moving applications to another drive can free up valuable space on your system SSD while keeping your programs fully functional. Depending on how the software was installed, you may be able to use built-in Windows settings, move Microsoft Store apps directly, change application locations through launchers, or use specialized migration tools. Some traditional desktop applications may require reinstallation, while others can be transferred safely using dedicated software.
This guide explains the best methods to transfer installed programs to another drive in Windows 11. Follow the method that matches the type of application you want to move.
Method 1: Move Microsoft Store Apps Using Windows Settings
Windows 11 includes a built-in option for moving many Microsoft Store applications to another drive.
To move a Store app:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Click Installed Apps.
- Locate the application you want to move.
- Click the three-dot menu beside the app.
- Select Move.
- Choose the destination drive.
- Click Move again.
Windows will transfer the application files automatically.
After the process completes:
- Launch the application normally.
- Verify that everything works correctly.
This is the easiest and safest method when the Move button is available.
Method 2: Change the Default Installation Drive for Future Apps
If you frequently install large applications, changing the default app location can prevent storage problems later.
To change the default location:
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Click Storage.
- Open Advanced Storage Settings.
- Select Where New Content Is Saved.
- Under New apps will save to, choose another drive.
- Click Apply.
Future Microsoft Store applications will install to the selected drive automatically.
Existing applications will remain unchanged until moved separately.
Method 3: Move Xbox and Microsoft Store Games
Large Xbox Game Pass games often occupy hundreds of gigabytes and can be moved directly through Windows.
To move installed games:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Find the game.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Move.
- Choose the destination drive.
- Click Move.
You can also use the Xbox app:
- Open the Xbox application.
- Select the installed game.
- Open Manage.
- Choose Files.
- Select Change Drive.
- Pick the new location.
- Confirm the transfer.
The Xbox app handles the migration automatically while preserving game files.
Method 4: Change Steam Game Installation Location
Steam allows users to move installed games between drives without downloading them again.
Create a New Steam Library
- Open Steam.
- Click Steam > Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Click Add Drive.
- Choose another drive.
- Create a new Steam library folder.
Move Installed Games
- In Steam Storage Manager, select the game.
- Click Move.
- Choose the new library.
- Confirm the transfer.
Steam relocates the game while maintaining all settings and save files.
This method works for most modern Steam titles.
Method 5: Move Epic Games Launcher Games
Epic Games does not offer a direct move button for every game, but you can relocate installations using the launcher.
A common process includes:
- Backing up the game folder.
- Starting a new installation on the target drive.
- Pausing the download.
- Replacing the new folder with the existing game files.
- Resuming installation verification.
Epic Games Launcher will verify existing files instead of downloading the entire game again.
This approach can save significant time and bandwidth for large games.
Method 6: Move Programs Using Application-Specific Settings
Many modern applications allow changing storage locations through their own settings.
Examples include:
- Creative software
- Video editing applications
- Game launchers
- Development environments
- Cloud synchronization tools
Open the application’s settings and look for options such as:
- Installation Location
- Data Directory
- Storage Path
- Library Folder
- Download Location
Some applications can relocate data without requiring reinstallation.
Always follow the software vendor’s recommended procedure when available.
Method 7: Use Program Migration Software
Third-party migration tools can move traditional desktop applications to another drive while maintaining functionality.
Popular migration utilities include:
- EaseUS Todo PCTrans
- AOMEI Partition Assistant
- MiniTool Partition Wizard
These tools typically:
- Analyze installed programs.
- Move application files.
- Update registry entries.
- Adjust shortcuts automatically.
General process:
- Install the migration tool.
- Select App Migration or Move Applications.
- Choose the program.
- Select the destination drive.
- Start the transfer process.
- Restart the computer if requested.
This is often the safest solution for large desktop applications that cannot be moved through Windows settings.
Method 8: Reinstall the Program on Another Drive
Many traditional Win32 applications cannot be moved directly because they depend on registry entries and fixed installation paths.
In these cases, reinstalling is often the most reliable solution.
Uninstall the Program
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Locate the application.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Uninstall.
Reinstall to Another Drive
- Run the installer.
- Choose Custom Installation if available.
- Select a folder on another drive.
- Complete installation.
This ensures all files and registry entries are configured correctly.
Although it takes longer, it eliminates compatibility issues.
Method 9: Move Large Data Folders Instead of the Entire Program
Sometimes application files are relatively small while user data consumes most storage space.
Examples include:
- Video projects
- Photo libraries
- Download folders
- Backup files
- Game recordings
- Cache folders
Many programs allow moving only their data directory.
To do so:
- Create a folder on another drive.
- Open the application’s settings.
- Change the storage path.
- Move existing files.
- Confirm the new location.
This can free significant disk space without relocating the actual application.
Method 10: Use Symbolic Links to Redirect Program Data
Advanced users can use symbolic links to redirect folders to another drive.
A symbolic link makes Windows believe files still exist in the original location while actually storing them elsewhere.
General process:
- Move the target folder.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Create a symbolic link using the mklink command.
Example:
mklink /D "C:\ProgramData\AppFolder" "D:\AppFolder"Windows accesses files through the original path while data remains on the secondary drive.
This method should only be used by experienced users because mistakes can cause application issues.
Method 11: Move OneDrive, Dropbox, and Cloud Storage Folders
Cloud storage applications often consume large amounts of local disk space.
OneDrive
- Open OneDrive settings.
- Select Account.
- Click Unlink This PC.
- Sign in again.
- Choose a new sync location.
Dropbox
- Open Dropbox preferences.
- Navigate to Sync settings.
- Change folder location.
- Complete migration.
Google Drive
- Open Drive settings.
- Choose Preferences.
- Change local storage path.
- Save changes.
Moving cloud storage folders can free dozens or even hundreds of gigabytes.
Method 12: Transfer Installed Programs to an External SSD
External SSDs offer fast storage and are useful for large applications and games.
To use an external SSD:
- Connect the SSD.
- Format it using NTFS if necessary.
- Move compatible applications through built-in migration tools.
- Reinstall programs to the external drive when needed.
Keep in mind:
- The SSD must remain connected.
- Removing the drive may prevent applications from launching.
- Performance depends on USB speed.
For portable software and games, external SSDs work particularly well.
Which Programs Can Be Moved Easily?
Programs that usually support relocation include:
- Microsoft Store apps
- Xbox Game Pass games
- Steam games
- Epic Games titles
- Battle.net games
- Cloud storage applications
- Large media libraries
Programs that often require reinstallation include:
- Older desktop software
- Antivirus applications
- Drivers and hardware utilities
- Security software
- Legacy enterprise applications
Checking the application’s documentation can help determine whether direct migration is supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I simply cut and paste a program folder to another drive?
No. Most desktop applications rely on registry entries, services, shortcuts, and configuration files. Simply moving the folder usually breaks the program.
Why is the Move button missing in Windows 11?
The Move option only appears for applications that support relocation. Many traditional desktop programs do not support direct moving through Windows Settings.
Will moving a program affect my files and settings?
Usually no, especially when using built-in migration tools. However, creating a backup before transferring important applications is recommended.
Can I move games without reinstalling them?
Yes. Steam, Xbox, and several game launchers include built-in tools that transfer installed games between drives without downloading them again.
Is an SSD better than an HDD for installed programs?
Yes. SSDs provide significantly faster loading times, quicker launches, and better overall responsiveness than traditional hard drives.
Can I move Adobe or Microsoft Office to another drive?
In most cases, reinstalling these applications on the desired drive is the safest approach because they use numerous system components and registry entries.
Final Thoughts
Moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 11 is an excellent way to free space on your primary drive and improve storage management. The easiest method depends on the type of software involved. Microsoft Store apps, Xbox games, and Steam titles can usually be transferred directly through built-in tools, while many traditional desktop applications require reinstallation or specialized migration software. For users dealing with large game libraries, creative projects, or cloud storage folders, relocating data to a secondary SSD can dramatically increase available space without sacrificing performance.
By following the methods in this guide, you can safely transfer compatible programs, games, and application data to another drive while keeping Windows 11 organized and running efficiently. Before making major changes, create a backup of important files and verify that each application works correctly after the transfer is complete.
