How to Move Steam from SSD to Hard Drive

Transitioning your Steam games from an SSD to a hard drive is a common practice for those managing limited storage space or reallocating their setup. While it may seem daunting at first, it’s easier than it might appear. This guide will walk you through the process, not only for Steam but for other major gaming platforms. We’ll cover platform-specific instructions, including creating symbolic links if needed, ensuring your gaming library is efficiently organized without sacrificing performance.

FAQs:

Before diving into the specific processes of moving games, let’s address some frequently asked questions. Gamers often wonder if moving games will affect performance. Generally, games on an SSD run faster due to quicker load times compared to a hard drive. However, if space is a limiting factor, transferring non-essential games to a hard drive can be a viable option.

Another common question involves the potential for data loss. Rest assured, if you follow the steps correctly outlined in this guide, you’ll move your Steam games without losing data. Make sure to back up important files as a precautionary measure.

Steam: Add a New Library Folder

To move your Steam games, start by opening the Steam client. Navigate to ‘Settings’ under the Steam menu. From there, select the ‘Downloads’ tab and click on ‘Steam Library Folders’. You can add a new library folder on your hard drive here. This will allow you to move future game downloads directly to the new location.

Next, shift your existing games by going to your Library, right-click on the game, and select ‘Properties’. In the ‘Local Files’ tab, click ‘Move Install Folder’ and choose the desired location. Steam handles the rest, ensuring all the necessary files are relocated seamlessly.

GOG Galaxy: Move the Folder and Reinstall

Moving games in GOG Galaxy involves manually transferring the game folder and performing a reinstall. First, navigate to the game’s installation directory, commonly found in the ‘GOG Games’ folder. Cut and paste the game folder to your preferred hard drive location.

After moving the files, open GOG Galaxy, locate the game in your library, click the cogwheel icon, and select ‘Manage Installation’. Then, opt for ‘Reinstall’. GOG Galaxy will scan the new location, verifying the move without needing to redownload the files.

EA: Move the Folder and Reinstall

For EA games, the process resembles that of GOG Galaxy. Manually transfer the game to the desired hard drive location, generally by cutting and pasting from the original folder in ‘Origin Games’.

To finalize, open the EA Desktop app, go to ‘My Game Library’, right-click the game, and choose ‘Repair’. EA will detect the new location and configure the installation accordingly, saving time and bandwidth.

Epic Games: Trick the Store Into Resuming a Finished Download

Epic Games has a slightly different method. Begin by moving your game folder to the new location. Then, in the Epic Games Launcher, uninstall the game – don’t worry, this doesn’t delete the moved files.

After the uninstallation prompt, start a reinstall. Once it begins, pause the download and close the launcher. Copy the moved files back into the newly created download folder. When you resume the download, the Epic Games Launcher will verify the files instead of redownloading them.

Blizzard Battle.net: Move the Files, Then Redirect the Launcher

Blizzard’s Battle.net client requires a straightforward copy and paste. Transfer the game to the new location, typically cut from ‘Program Files’ in your system drive.

Once moved, open the Battle.net app, go to the game you moved, click on the settings icon next to the play button, and locate the new path by choosing ‘Locate the game’. This action directs the client to the relocated game files, confirming the transition.

Ubisoft Connect: Move the Files, Then Redirect the Launcher

Ubisoft Connect follows the paradigm of moving files and redirecting the client. Begin by cutting and pasting the game directory to your hard drive.

In the Ubisoft Connect client, find the moved game in your library, and click ‘Locate Installed Game’ from the game’s menu options. Select the new folder path, and Ubisoft Connect will register the files at the new location.

Xbox App: Tell the Launcher to Move the Game

The Xbox App on PC offers a built-in move feature. Open the app, navigate to ‘My Library’, and find your game. Click the options button and select ‘Manage’, then ‘Move’, and choose your hard drive as the new location.

This process is seamless and user-friendly, ensuring all necessary files are relocated with minimal intervention from the user, ensuring your Xbox App retains functionality.

Microsoft Store: Move Games From Windows’ Settings

Games installed via the Microsoft Store can be moved through Windows settings. Open ‘Settings’, navigate to ‘Apps’, and select the game you wish to move.

Click ‘Move’ and choose the new drive. This method is ideal for apps and smaller games and is embedded deeply into the Windows OS for stability and ease of use.

No Other Options Exist? Create a Symbolic Link

If the above methods seem daunting or unsupported by your client, creating a symbolic link via the Command Prompt might be the answer. This advanced method involves using the ‘mklink /d
‘ command structure.

This approach tricks your operating system into believing the game files reside in multiple locations, thereby maintaining direct paths from your PC to the gaming application.

Platform	Steps
Steam	Create a new library folder and move the game folder via Properties.
GOG Galaxy	Move folder, then reinstall via GOG Galaxy’s manage tools.
EA	Move folder, then perform a repair in the EA Desktop app.
Epic Games	Trick download with a paused state, utilize existing files.
Blizzard Battle.net	Move files, then locate them using the client’s settings.
Ubisoft Connect	Transfer files and redirect through ‘Locate Installed Game’.
Xbox App	Use built-in ‘Move’ feature to change game location.
Microsoft Store	Move via Windows App Settings.
Symbolic Link	Create a link between the original and new directory.