Moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 11 can really help clear up space on the main SSD or HDD, which is often a bottleneck. But, truth be told, it’s not always as straightforward as clicking a button. On some setups, the “Move” option in Apps & Features just isn’t there, or it bugs out. Still, there are ways to make it work without reinstalling everything from scratch.
How to move installed programs to another drive in Windows 11
This process is meant to help you avoid uninstalling and re-installing, especially for large apps you use often. When it works, it’s kinda nice—it’s quick, clean, and keeps your drive less cluttered. But sometimes Windows just doesn’t want to cooperate. Here’s what usually helps:
Method 1: Use the built-in move option (if it’s there)
First off, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find the program you want to move. If you see a Move button, give it a click. Then pick the drive you want it on and hit confirm. Easy, right? Well—sometimes it’s not.
Why this helps? Because Windows can move some UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps this way, which are basically the apps installed via Microsoft Store or system apps that are designed to be relocatable. It saves time and fuss.
When it applies: If you’re moving apps like Mail, Calendar, or some games from the Microsoft Store, this can work. Don’t expect it to work for all traditional Win32 programs or software with complex dependencies.
What to expect: The app will be moved, and should work normally. The process is usually quick—unless it bugs out, which occasionally happens on some machines after updates. Sometimes a quick restart helps.
Real-world tip: On some setups, the move button is greyed out or missing. If that happens, it’s time to try the other methods below, because Windows kinda made this feature less reliable over time.
Method 2: Change default installation drive & move manually (more involved)
Because Windows doesn’t always let you move programs easily, you can set your new drive as the default install location, then reinstall problematic programs. Here’s how:
- Open Settings > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
- Set your secondary drive (say, D:) as where new apps and programs are saved.
- Reinstall the app you want to move, selecting the new drive as the install location.
This is kinda a nuke-it-from-orbit approach but kinda guarantees that the program lands where you want. Not super elegant if you have tons of stuff installed, but it works better in some cases.
Why this helps: It ensures the program files are put directly onto the new drive from the start, avoiding tricky move operations.
When to try this: If the program isn’t supportive of being moved through Settings, or if it’s behaving weird after attempting a move without reinstalling.
What to expect: Less hassle with file paths and registry shenanigans. You’ll need to reinstall, but at least it’s clean and tidy.
Pro tip: On some machines, changing the default location isn’t enough. You might then need to transfer shortcuts or change some config files manually, but that’s getting into more advanced territory.
Method 3: Use third-party software (if all else fails)
This is the fallback. Apps like Steam Mover, PCmover, or even more generic tools can help. They basically create a symbolic link from the old location to the new drive, sneaky but effective. Just install the software, choose the folder to move, and let it do its thing.
Why it helps: It circumvents Windows’ restrictions, letting you move anything—even stubborn programs that refuse to be relocated using standard methods.
When to use: When the built-in move button is missing or doesn’t work, or if you have quirky apps that just won’t budge.
What to expect: A virtually seamless move with minimal fuss. But always check afterward if the app runs properly. Sometimes renaming or moving folders manually can break app configs or shortcuts, so restoring from a backup isn’t a bad idea beforehand.
Head’s up: Make sure to download reputable tools, and run them with admin rights. And, of course, backup your data, because Windows and third-party tools aren’t perfect.
Extra tip: Be aware that some programs, especially those that install deep into system directories or register themselves tightly, will never move cleanly. For those, uninstall and reinstall on the new drive is usually cleaner.
And that’s basically it. Moving programs isn’t always as smooth as clicking a button, but these methods give options depending on what you’re dealing with.
Tips for Moving Installed Programs to Another Drive in Windows 11
- Double-check if the program supports relocation in Settings before trying third-party tools.
- Backup important stuff before messing around—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Make sure your new drive has enough space, especially for bigger apps or future updates.
- If move options fail repeatedly, uninstall and reinstall on the new drive. It’s a pain, but mostly works.
- Organize your drives with clear labels—helps prevent confusion when moving a bunch of files or programs.
FAQs on Moving Installed Programs to Another Drive
Can all programs be moved to another drive?
Not really. Some programs are tight to Windows system folders or register themselves too deep to move without breaking. Stick to the ones that explicitly support relocation or examples like UWP apps.
Will moving programs affect their functionality?
Most should be fine, but stuff like games or apps with custom settings might need a quick check afterward. A reinstall is safer if things go sideways.
Is it safe to use third-party software for moving programs?
Generally yes, but stick with reputable tools and back up first—because Windows isn’t always predictable.
How can I choose which programs to move?
Look for large apps, ones you don’t access every day, or those that are hogging your main drive space. Good candidates are big games or design software.
What to do if a program doesn’t work after moving?
Reinstall it on the new drive or revert to the old one if possible. Sometimes a registry clean-up or shortcut fix is needed, but reinstalling is usually simplest.
Summary
- Try the built-in move if available.
- Set new default install location and reinstall if needed.
- Use trusted third-party tools as a last resort.
- Always back up first, because Windows will mess with your files sometimes.
- Be aware not all programs are moveable—some need fresh installs.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Moving apps can be a pain, but it’s doable if you pick the right method and backup first. Good luck!