In Windows 10, the C Drive is typically where the operating system is installed, along with many default program files. Over time, this can fill up, causing your system to slow down or run out of space. Moving programs from your C Drive to another drive (such as the D Drive) can help free up space and optimize system performance. In this article, we’ll walk you through different methods to move programs from the C Drive to the D Drive in Windows 10.
1. Move Installed Programs Using Built-in Windows 10 Features
Windows 10 provides a built-in feature that allows you to move some installed apps from the C Drive to another drive like D Drive. However, this feature works only for Microsoft Store apps and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps.
Steps to move apps using Windows Settings:
- Open Settings:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps:
- Select Apps > Apps & Features.
- Select the App to Move:
- Scroll down the list of apps until you find the program you want to move. Click on it to open the options.
- Click on Move:
- If the app supports moving, you’ll see a Move button. Click it.
- Select Destination Drive (D Drive):
- Choose D Drive (or another drive if available) from the drop-down menu, and then click Move.
- Wait for the Process to Complete:
- Windows will move the app from the C Drive to the D Drive. This can take a few moments, depending on the size of the app.
Note: This method only works for apps installed from the Microsoft Store or UWP apps, not traditional desktop applications.
2. Manually Move Programs (for Traditional Desktop Apps)
For traditional desktop programs (e.g., those installed through EXE files or from third-party sources), the process is more complicated. Moving these programs manually may cause them to stop working properly, as they are usually registered with Windows during installation. However, you can try the following method:
Option 1: Uninstall and Reinstall the Program to the D Drive
The most straightforward method to move desktop programs is to uninstall the program from the C Drive and reinstall it directly on the D Drive.
Steps to uninstall and reinstall programs:
- Uninstall the Program:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Find the program you want to move, click on it, and select Uninstall.
- Reinstall the Program:
- When reinstalling the program, make sure to select the D Drive as the destination directory during the installation process (if the installer allows this option). If the installer does not provide a custom installation path, you can try choosing an alternate directory on the D Drive.
Option 2: Use a Symbolic Link (Advanced)
Another option is to create a symbolic link, which allows you to move the program folder to the D Drive while tricking Windows into thinking it’s still on the C Drive.
Steps to create a symbolic link:
- Move the Program Folder:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the C Drive where your program is installed (usually in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)).
- Copy the program folder to the D Drive (e.g., D:\Program Files).
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Create the Symbolic Link:
- In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
mklink /D "C:\Program Files\ProgramName" "D:\Program Files\ProgramName"Replace ProgramName with the name of the folder.
- In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
- Test the Program:
- After creating the symbolic link, test the program by launching it from the Start menu or desktop shortcut. Windows should now use the program from the D Drive, while still referencing the original folder location on the C Drive.
3. Use Third-Party Tools to Move Programs
There are several third-party tools designed to move programs from one drive to another without causing issues. These tools often work by modifying the program’s registry settings and creating symbolic links automatically.
Popular third-party tools include:
- Steam Mover:
- Originally designed for moving Steam games, Steam Mover can also move other programs by creating symbolic links.
- EaseUS Todo PCTrans:
- A paid program that can transfer apps between drives while maintaining the necessary system configurations.
- PCmover:
- A paid tool that can transfer apps and files between different drives or even PCs.
4. Changing Default Install Location for Future Programs
To prevent future programs from automatically installing on the C Drive, you can change the default installation path for new apps.
Steps to change the default install location:
- Open Settings:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to System:
- Select System > Storage.
- Change Where New Content is Saved:
- Scroll down and click Change where new content is saved.
- Under New apps will save to, choose D Drive (or another drive).
- Save the Changes:
- Click Apply to save the changes. Future apps installed will now default to the D Drive.
5. Important Considerations
- Registry Settings: Moving programs manually or using symbolic links can sometimes cause issues with the program’s registry entries or shortcuts. Always back up your system or important files before attempting these methods.
- Program Compatibility: Some programs, especially those with complex installation processes or that deeply integrate with Windows, may not work correctly if moved. Always test the program after moving it.
- Performance: Programs installed on the C Drive often perform better due to faster read/write speeds. Moving programs to a slower drive (like D) may slightly impact performance, though this is generally minimal for most applications.
Conclusion
Moving programs from the C Drive to the D Drive in Windows 10 can help you free up valuable space on your system drive. For Microsoft Store apps, the built-in feature in Windows 10 makes this process easy. For traditional desktop apps, you can either reinstall the programs on the D Drive or use advanced methods like symbolic links or third-party tools. Always make sure to test the programs after moving them and be cautious when modifying system settings.