Moving installed programs to another drive on Windows 10 isn’t always straightforward, but it can really free up space on your main SSD or C: drive, especially if you’ve got a massive collection of programs or games. The thing is, not every app is designed to just be dragged and dropped somewhere else. Some are tied to registry entries or system paths, so you gotta be a bit clever. This guide covers both built-in Windows options (for some apps) and third-party tools that help automate or simplify the process. The end goal is to free up space without breaking anything — which can be tricky, because of course, Windows likes to make it harder than necessary sometimes. Hopefully, this cuts down on the headache and gets your software relocated smoothly, so your PC runs a little cleaner and faster.
How to Move Installed Programs to Another Drive on Windows 10
Check Available Space on the Target Drive
First, make sure the drive you plan to move stuff to actually has enough free space. No point starting a move if your new drive is full or nearly full. Open File Explorer (the folder icon on the taskbar), then click on This PC in the left pane. Take a peek at the free space on the target drive (say D: or E:).You want more free GB than what you’re planning to move—that way, nothing gets cut off or weird. Trust me, it’s frustrating when you move stuff only to find out there’s no space left.
On some setups, you might need to check whether the drive is formatted properly or if it’s an external drive with some weird permissions — that can trip you up later.
Use Windows Settings for Moving Certain Apps
This is kinda the easiest route if you’re dealing with Windows Store apps or some Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. Head into Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Scroll through the list and look for apps that support moving. Hit on the app, and if the option is there, you’ll see a Move button. Pick your destination drive and hit okay. This works pretty well for apps installed from the Microsoft Store, but not all desktop programs will support this. Sometimes, the button just isn’t there even if you think it should be.
Note: On some Windows 10 versions or with certain apps, this feature may be limited or flaky — so don’t bother holding your breath if it doesn’t work for a particular program.
Use Third-Party Tools for Non-Store Apps
Here’s where things get a bit more complicated. You’ll probably need a tool like Winhance, Steam Mover, or FreeMove. These utilities work by creating symbolic links — basically, Windows thinks the app lives where it used to, but it’s actually on the new drive. The process usually involves selecting the application folder (like in C:\Program Files) and choosing a new location. The app then handles the link creation automatically.
Keep in mind: some programs can be a pain to move, especially if they’re deeply integrated with Windows or have complex dependencies. But on the whole, this method saves re-installing or reconfiguring stuff.
Backup Important Data First
This might go without saying, but backing up important files before messing around is a good idea. You never know when something might go sideways, especially if a program refuses to run after being moved. Use Windows’ built-in Backup and Restore (found under Settings > Update & Security > Backup) or copy critical files onto an external drive just to be safe. Better safe than sorry, right?
Some folks even clone their OS drive before trying this, just to be extra cautious. Because of course, Windows has to make this a little more complicated than it should be.
Execute the Move and Verify
Once your tools are ready and backups are done, follow the specific tool’s prompts to move your apps. You’ll select what to move and where to put it. After the transfer, check if the programs launch correctly. Sometimes, you might need to run an app as administrator or reconfigure some settings if the move breaks dependencies.
On some machines, you might see a little hiccup at first — applications might throw errors or refuse to run. Don’t panic; usually a quick reboot or re-launch fixes it. On others, you might find that some programs just don’t want to move at all, which is normal. Not everything plays nicely.
Tips for Moving Installed Programs to Another Drive on Windows 10
- Make sure the app supports moving; check vendor documentation or forums first.
- Move large apps first — like games or big software suites — that’ll free up tons of space fast.
- Keep third-party tools updated — bugs happen, and updates fix them.
- Monitor your drives occasionally to prevent performance drops or errors.
- Browse forums or Reddit for tips about specific programs; sometimes people have sneaky tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all programs be moved to another drive?
Nope, not really. Store apps and some portable apps are usually okay, but traditional desktop software often ties into Windows tightly. Sometimes, you’ll need special tools or a reinstallation.
Is moving programs safe?
If you follow the steps—backups, compatible apps, cautious moving—it’s generally safe. Still, there’s always a small risk of something breaking, especially with complex software.
Do I need admin rights?
Absolutely. Moving installed programs usually requires administrator permissions because system files and registry entries are involved.
What if a program won’t work after moving?
Try moving it back or reinstalling on the new drive. Sometimes, moving apps messes up registry paths or dependencies, leading to errors.
Does moving programs make my PC faster?
Sort of. It mainly helps free up space, which can boost overall speed if your main drive was almost full. But it’s not a magic fix for performance issues, just a space-saver move.
Summary
- Check if the target drive has enough free space.
- Use Windows Settings to move store-installed apps when possible.
- Try third-party tools for more complex desktop apps.
- Backup everything before you jump in.
- Follow instructions carefully and test the programs afterward.
Wrap-up
This whole process isn’t perfect, and not every program will move without a fuss. Still, with a bit of patience and some tools, it’s totally doable. It can really help clear up space and make your system feel a little snappier, especially if your main drive is feeling cramped. Just be prepared for some trial and error on tricky apps, and always back things up first. Good luck, and fingers crossed this shaves a few hours off the cleanup time!