Do you have a gaming SSD that is running out of space? Well, it’s time to free up some room by moving games from your SSD to your HDD in Windows. This will not only save you storage space but also increase the lifespan of your SSD. It’s frustrating when you have to delete games just to install new ones.
With limited space, it’s a common issue many gamers face. But, fear no more, as moving games to your HDD is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. With our guide, we will walk you through the process of moving games from your SSD to HDD in Windows.
We will also provide you with tips on how to organize your game library efficiently to ensure quick and easy access to your favorite games. So, let’s begin freeing up space without compromising the quality of your gaming experience. Follow along with us on our journey to learn how to move your games to HDD and optimize your gaming setup.
Step 1: Locate game files on your SSD
Moving games from an SSD to an HDD can help free up space and improve the performance of your computer. The first step in this process is to locate the game files on your SSD. Many games will default to being installed on the SSD, so you’ll need to find the game’s installation folder.
This can usually be found in the “Program Files” folder or the “Program Files (x86)” if you’re on a 64-bit system. Once you’ve located the game files, you can then move them to your HDD. Simply copy the files to the desired location on your HDD and then delete the original files from your SSD to free up space.
However, it’s important to note that some games may require certain files to remain on the SSD in order to function properly, so it’s best to research your specific game before making any changes. Overall, moving games to an HDD is a simple process that can greatly improve the performance of your computer.
Use file explorer or Steam to find game files
If you’re looking to locate game files on your SSD, there are a few ways to do it. One way is to use your file explorer to search for the game files. Simply navigate to the folder where your games are stored and look for the game you want to find.
If you’re a Steam user, you can also use the Steam client to find your game files. Just open Steam, navigate to your library, and right-click on the game you want to locate. Then select “Properties” from the drop-down menu and navigate to the “Local Files” tab.
From there, you’ll be able to find the directory where your game files are stored. With these simple steps, you can easily locate and access your game files on your SSD.
Step 2: Copy game files to HDD
Now that you have your HDD ready, it’s time to move your games. Start by copying the files from your SSD to the HDD. This process can take some time, so be patient and make sure you have enough space on your HDD before you begin.
To do this, simply open the folder where your game is installed, select all the files, and copy them over to the new location on your HDD. You may also want to create a new folder on your HDD specifically for your games to keep them organized and easy to find later. Remember, transferring the game files may not be enough to move your saves and settings, so make sure to check the game’s documentation or online support to ensure you don’t accidentally lose any progress.
Once you’ve moved all your games to the HDD, you can uninstall them from the SSD to save space and improve your computer’s performance. Overall, moving your games to an HDD can be a time-consuming process, but it’s well worth it to free up space on your SSD and improve your computer’s speed and functionality.
Use drag-and-drop or copy-paste methods
When it comes to copying game files to your HDD, there are two easy methods you can choose from – drag-and-drop or copy-paste. Both of these methods are incredibly user-friendly and don’t require any technical skills. With drag-and-drop, you can simply open up two separate windows – one for your HDD storage and one for your source storage (CD, DVD, or external drive).
Navigate to your game files in the source storage, click and hold on the file, and drag it over to the HDD window. Once you’ve placed the file in the correct directory, you’re done! Alternatively, copy-pasting is just as simple and doesn’t require any fancy maneuvers. Find the game files you want to transfer, right-click on them and select “copy.
” Then navigate to the correct folder on your HDD and right-click again, this time selecting “paste.” You can repeat this process for all the files until everything you need has been transferred over to your HDD. Remember to take your time during this step to ensure everything is done correctly.
Rushing may lead to missing files or making mistakes that could cause issues later on. By using these easy drag-and-drop or copy-paste methods, transferring game files to your HDD has never been easier. Now, sit back, relax, and let the copying process begin!
Step 3: Delete game files from SSD
Moving games from SSD to HDD is a great way to free up space on your faster storage drive and keep your gaming library organized. Once you’ve transferred your games to your HDD, you’ll want to delete the game files from your SSD to avoid taking up unnecessary space. To do this, you can simply navigate to the folder where your game files are stored on your SSD and delete them.
It’s important to note that you’ll want to double-check that you’re deleting the correct files, as you don’t want to accidentally delete important system files. If you’re not sure which files to delete, you can always consult online resources or seek the guidance of a tech-savvy friend. With a little bit of know-how, transferring and deleting game files can be a breeze.
So go ahead and clear out some space on your SSD, your hard drive (and your wallet) will thank you for it!
Free up space on your SSD
To free up space on your SSD, one effective step to take is to delete unnecessary game files. These files can take up a significant amount of space and contribute to slower performance on your system. Deleting game files may seem daunting, especially if you have invested a lot of time and effort into a game, but it is a necessary step to keep your SSD running smoothly.
Consider deleting games that you have completed or no longer play frequently. You can also move game files to an external hard drive if you wish to keep them for future use. By removing redundant game files, you’ll be surprised by how much space you can free up on your SSD, giving your system a much-needed boost in performance and storage capacity.
Step 4: Create a symbolic link
After transferring your games to your HDD, the next step is to create a symbolic link between the original game files on your SSD and the new location on your HDD. This will allow your computer to access the game files from your HDD as if they were still on your SSD, even though they are physically stored elsewhere. To do this, you will need to use the Command Prompt.
First, open Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, type “mklink /D [path to SSD game folder] [path to HDD game folder]” and press enter. This will create a symbolic link from your SSD game folder to your new HDD game folder.
Once this is done, you can test if it works by running the game from the new location on your HDD. This process may take some time, but it will save you a lot of storage space on your SSD and keep your computer running smoothly.
Trick your computer into thinking games are still on SSD
Now that we’ve identified the games that need to be moved back to the SSD and moved them there, it’s time to trick our computer into thinking they are still on the HDD. This is where symbolic links come in handy. Symbolic links are a way to create a shortcut in one directory that points to another directory.
By creating a symbolic link from the original game folder on the HDD to the new game folder on the SSD, your computer will still be able to find all the necessary files and run the game smoothly. This tricking of the computer into thinking the games are still on the HDD is essential because some games store critical information in the install directory, and if the game is not where it thinks it is, it may not run correctly. Creating a symbolic link is straightforward, and there are many online tutorials available to guide you through the process.
Once you’ve created the symbolic link, you can check that everything is working smoothly by running the game and ensuring that there are no error messages or significant performance issues. With this step completed, you can finally enjoy seamless gaming from your SSD without losing any installed games from your HDD.
Step 5: Start the game from your HDD
If you wish to save some space on your SSD, then you can definitely move games from your SSD to your HDD. To start off, you need to first check if you have enough space on your HDD. Once you ensure that the HDD has enough free space to accommodate the game, you can easily move the game from your SSD to your HDD.
You would need to navigate to the game folder in your SSD and then copy and paste it to the desired location on your HDD. After the transfer is complete, you can simply start the game from your HDD by locating the game application on your new destination. Follow these simple steps and enjoy your game from your HDD without compromising on your SSD space.
Enjoy faster loading times on your HDD
Once you’ve installed your game on your external HDD, it’s important to start the game from the HDD rather than your system’s internal drive. This is because your HDD has faster loading times, which means you’ll be able to play your game without any annoying lags or delays. Starting your game from your internal drive will defeat the purpose of installing it on your external HDD in the first place.
Simply navigate to your game on your external HDD, click on it, and enjoy faster loading times and smoother gameplay. It might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your overall gaming experience. Trust us, you’ll notice the difference right away!
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’re now a pro at moving games from SSD to HDD! With this newfound knowledge, you’ll have plenty of space on your SSD for all your favorite games, and still be able to keep your computer running as fast as ever. So, go forth and enjoy your games, without any worries about storage space or lag. And remember, transferring games is as easy as 1-2-3: locate your game files, cut and paste them onto your HDD, and create a shortcut to your desktop.
It’s like playing a game – once you know the rules, you’ll never lose!”
FAQs
What is the benefit of moving games from SSD to HDD?
Moving games from SSD to HDD can free up valuable SSD space, allowing for faster overall system performance. It also allows for larger game libraries to be stored on a single hard drive.
Can all games be moved from SSD to HDD?
Yes, but the process may differ depending on the platform on which the game is installed. Most popular game clients, such as Steam and Origin, have built-in features for transferring game files between drives.
How do I move a game from SSD to HDD on Steam?
To move a game from SSD to HDD on Steam, right-click on the game in your library and select Properties. Go to the Local Files tab and click on Move Install Folder. Select the destination drive and click on Move Folder.
What precautions should I take before moving games from SSD to HDD?
It is recommended to back up your game files before moving them to a different drive. Also, make sure that the destination drive has enough storage space to accommodate the game files. It is also advisable to close any running games before initiating the transfer.