How to Move Installed Programs to Another Drive Windows 10?

Moving programs to a different drive on Windows 10 is a great way to free up space on your hard drive and keep your computer running smoothly. Whether you’re an experienced user or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the steps of how to move installed programs to another drive in Windows 10. From understanding the process to the best practices for a successful transfer, you’ll learn how to free up storage and organize your programs. Let’s get started!

How to Move Installed Programs to Another Drive on Windows 10?

In this age of digital downloading, many of us are running out of space on our primary drive. When disk space gets tight, it’s time to move our installed programs to another drive. Although Windows 10 does not have a built-in feature for moving installed programs, there are a few methods that you can use to move your programs. In this article, we will discuss how to move installed programs to another drive on Windows 10.

Using Symbolic Links

Symbolic links (also known as symlinks) are a type of link that points to another file or directory on your computer. Symlinks can be used to create shortcuts to other files and folders, or to move an entire folder to another drive. To use this method, you will need to create a symbolic link for the program that you want to move. To do this, open the command prompt and type the following command:

`mklink /D “C:\Program Files\ProgramName” “D:\Program Files\ProgramName”`

This command will create a symbolic link between your original program folder and the new one on the other drive. This will allow the program to remain installed on the original drive, while also being accessible from the new drive.

Using Windows Migration Tool

The Windows Migration Tool is a free tool that can be used to move installed programs to another drive. To use this tool, simply download the tool from the Microsoft website and follow the onscreen instructions. The tool will guide you through the process of selecting which programs to move and where to move them to. Once the process is complete, your programs will be moved to the new drive.

Using Third-Party Tools

If you don’t want to use the Windows Migration Tool, there are a number of third-party tools that can be used to move installed programs to another drive. These tools will allow you to select which programs to move and where to move them to. Some of the more popular tools include AppMover, Easy Migrator, and PC Mover.

Using Backup and Restore

If you have a backup of your system, you can use the backup and restore feature to move installed programs to another drive. To do this, simply open the Backup and Restore utility, select the program that you want to move, and then select the new drive as the destination. The program will then be moved to the new drive.

Using File Explorer

Finally, you can also use File Explorer to move installed programs to another drive. To do this, simply open File Explorer, navigate to the program folder that you want to move, and then drag and drop the folder to the new drive. The program will then be moved to the new drive.

Conclusion

Moving installed programs to another drive on Windows 10 is easy with the right tools. Whether you use the Windows Migration Tool, third-party tools, or File Explorer, you can easily move your programs to free up space on your primary drive.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the process of moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10?

Answer: The process of moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10 involves several steps. First, create a backup of the programs using a third-party application or a system image. This ensures that all of the data associated with the program is preserved. Then, uninstall the program from its current location. Third, locate the program’s folder in the new drive and copy it there. Fourth, re-install the program in the new drive. Finally, restore the data from the backup to the program. This process should be done for each program you want to move.

Q2. What are the benefits of moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10?

Answer: Moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10 can provide several benefits. First, it can free up disk space on the primary drive, allowing for more storage of data. Second, it can improve performance by allowing programs to access data more quickly. Third, it can reduce fragmentation of the hard drive, which can improve system stability. Finally, it can allow programs to be installed and stored in more secure locations.

Q3. What precautions should be taken when moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10?

Answer: When moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10, several precautions should be taken. First, always create a backup of the programs before uninstalling them. This ensures that all of the data associated with the program is preserved. Second, make sure that the new drive has enough space to store the program. Third, carefully follow all of the steps in the process to avoid any errors or issues. Finally, use a reliable third-party application or system image to create the backup.

Q4. What is the best method to move installed programs to a new drive in Windows 10?

Answer: The best method to move installed programs to a new drive in Windows 10 is to use a reliable third-party application or a system image to create a backup of the programs. Once the backup is created, uninstall the program from its current location. Then locate the program’s folder in the new drive and copy it there. Finally, re-install the program in the new drive and restore the data from the backup.

Q5. Is it possible to move installed programs to a different partition in Windows 10?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to move installed programs to a different partition in Windows 10. The process is similar to moving the programs to a new drive. First, create a backup of the programs using a third-party application or a system image. Then, uninstall the program from its current location. Locate the program’s folder in the new partition and copy it there. Re-install the program in the new partition and restore the data from the backup.

Q6. What are the risks of moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10?

Answer: There are several risks associated with moving installed programs to another drive in Windows 10. First, there is a risk of data loss if the backup is not properly created. Second, there is a risk of errors or issues occurring during the process if the steps are not carefully followed. Third, there is a risk that the program may not operate properly in the new drive. Finally, there is a risk of system instability if the new drive is not properly configured.

Move installed software / Game to another drive in Windows 10/11

In conclusion, moving programs from one drive to another on Windows 10 can be done easily and quickly, allowing you to free up space on the original drive, or just to have a better organization of your programs. With the steps provided above, you can now easily move installed programs to any drive you want, whether an internal drive or an external hard drive.