Moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 11 can free up bloody space on your main SSD or HDD, which is often the bottle-neck. But, fair dinkum, it’s not always as simple as flicking a switch. On some setups, the “Move” option in Apps & Features just isn’t there, or it bugs out. No worries, though — there are ways to get around it without wiping and reinstalling everything from scratch.
How to shift installed programs to another drive in Windows 11
This is mainly to help you avoid the hassle of uninstalling and then reinstalling, especially for the big apps you use heaps. When it works, it’s bonza — quick, tidy, and keeps your drive from getting cluttered. But sometimes Windows throws a wobbly. Here’s what usually helps:
Method 1: Use the built-in move option (if it’s there)
First up, head to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find the program you want to move. If you spot a Move button, give it a click. Then pick the drive you want it on and hit confirm. Easy as! Well—sometimes it’s not that straightforward.
Why this works? Because Windows can move some UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps this way — mostly apps installed via Microsoft Store or some system apps that are built to be shifted around. It saves time and faff.
When to give it a go: Things like Mail, Calendar, or some Store games. Don’t expect it to work for all traditional Win32 programs or apps with complex setups.
What to expect: The app should move and keep ticking over normally. Usually quick — unless it bugs out, which can happen after updates. A quick restart might do the trick.
Pro tip: On some setups, the move button’s greyed out or just not there. If that’s the case, better try the other methods below, because Windows has made this feature a bit flaky over time.
Method 2: Change default install drive & move manually (a bit more involved)
If Windows won’t play ball, you can set your new drive as the default install spot, then reinstall the programs you want. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
- Change the drive to your secondary (say, D:) as the default for new apps and programs.
- Reinstall the app you’re after, choosing the new drive as the install location.
This is a bit of a sledgehammer approach but it guarantees the app lands where you want from the get-go. Not the sexiest method if you’ve got heaps of programs, but sometimes it’s the easiest fix.
Why it’s handy: It puts the program files straight onto the right drive from the start, skipping all the tricky moving business.
When to give it a nudge: If the app won’t support moving via Settings, or if it’s acting up after a failed move attempt.
What you’ll get: Less faffing with file paths and registry hiccups. Yeah, you’ll need to reinstall, but at least it keeps things tidy.
Heads up: On some PCs, changing the default location isn’t enough. You might have to update shortcuts or edit some settings files manually, but that’s leaning into a bit of advanced territory.
Method 3: Use third-party tools (if all else fails)
This is the backup plan. Software like Steam Mover, PCmover, or similar can help you shift stuff around. They basically create a symbolic link from the old spot to the new drive — sneaky, but it works a treat. Just install the tool, select the folder to move, and let it do its thing.
Why it’s good: It bypasses Windows’ restrictions, letting you move stubborn programs that won’t budge with normal methods.
When to use it: If the built-in move button’s MIA or it doesn’t do the trick, or if you’ve got apps that won’t shift any other way.
What to expect: A pretty seamless move with minimal fuss. Just be sure to double-check if the app runs okay after. Sometimes moving folders manually or renaming them can break shortcuts or configs, so back up before you start.
FYI: Always download trusted tools and run ‘em with admin rights. And backup your data — Windows and third-party apps aren’t perfect, mate.
Extra tip: Some programs, especially those that install deep into system folders or register tightly, will never move cleanly. For those, it’s best to uninstall and install fresh on the new drive.
That’s pretty much it. Moving programs isn’t always as simple as clicking a button, but these methods give you options depending on what you’re dealing with.
Tips for moving your programs to another drive in Windows 11
- Check if the app supports relocation in Settings before you try third-party tools.
- Back up your important files first — Windows can be a bit finicky, after all.
- Make sure your new drive has plenty of space, especially for larger apps or future updates.
- If move options keep failing, it’s often easier to uninstall and then reinstall on the new drive. Not ideal, but it usually works.
- Label your drives clearly — keeps things straightforward when moving a bunch of files or apps.
FAQs about shifting programs to another drive
Can all programs be moved to another drive?
Nah, not really. Some programs are tightly wired into Windows system folders or register themselves so deeply that moving them breaks everything. Stick to apps that explicitly say they can be relocated or UWP apps.
Will moving programs stuff them up?
Most should be fine, but stuff like games or apps with custom settings might need a quick check after the move. If things go haywire, a reinstall is usually the easiest fix.
Is third-party software safe for moving programs?
Generally, yeah — just stick to reputable tools and back up first. Windows isn’t always predictable, after all.
How do I pick which programs to move?
Focus on big apps, ones you don’t use every day, or those that are taking up heaps of space. Big games or design software are prime candidates.
What if a program doesn’t work after the move?
Reinstall it on the new drive or revert to the old one if you can. Sometimes cleaning the registry or fixing shortcuts can help, but reinstallation’s usually pa easiest fix.
Summary
- If available, try the built-in move option.
- Set your new default install location and reinstall if necessary.
- Use trusted third-party tools as a last resort.
- Always back up your files first — Windows can be a bit unpredictable.
- Remember, not all programs can be moved easily — some are better off reinstalled fresh.
Hope this helps save someone a few hours. Moving apps can be a pain, but with the right method and a bit of prep, it’s doable. Good luck, mate!