How To Move Steam Games To Another Hard Drive: A Simple Guide

If you are a PC gamer, you know how quickly your storage can fill up with games. Steam, one of the most popular platforms for gaming, offers an easy way to move your games from one hard drive to another. Whether you are running out of space or upgrading to a faster drive, this guide will help you move your Steam games without having to reinstall them.

Why Move Steam Games to Another Hard Drive?

Moving Steam games to another hard drive can be necessary for several reasons:

1. Running Out of Space: Games can take up a lot of storage. If your primary drive is getting full, moving games to another drive can free up space.
2. Upgrading to a Faster Drive: If you’ve purchased a new SSD (Solid State Drive) or a faster hard drive, moving your games can improve loading times and overall performance.
3. Better Organization: Keeping your games on a separate drive can help you organize your files better and manage your storage more efficiently.

Preparing to Move Your Steam Games

Before you start the process, there are a few things you need to prepare:

1. Ensure Enough Space: Make sure the new hard drive has enough space to store your games. Check the size of the games you plan to move.
2. Backup Your Data: Although the process is generally safe, it’s a good idea to back up your game data to avoid any accidental loss.
3. Update Steam: Ensure that your Steam client is up to date. This will help avoid any potential issues during the transfer process.

Method 1: Moving Games Using Steam’s Built-in Feature

Steam has a built-in feature that allows you to move games to another drive. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Create a New Library Folder

1. Open the Steam client on your PC.
2. Go to Steam in the top-left corner and click on Settings.
3. In the settings menu, click on Downloads.
4. Under Content Libraries, click on Steam Library Folders.
5. Click on Add Library Folder and select the new hard drive where you want to move your games. This creates a new Steam library on that drive.

Step 2: Move Your Games

1. Go to your Steam Library.
2. Right-click on the game you want to move and select Properties.
3. In the properties window, click on the Installed Files tab.
4. Click on Move Install Folder.
5. Select the new library folder you created on the other hard drive.
6. Click Move Folder to begin the transfer.

The game will now be moved to the new location. This process may take some time depending on the size of the game and the speed of your drives.

Method 2: Moving Games Manually

If you prefer to move your games manually, you can do so by following these steps:

Step 1: Locate the Game Files

1. Open the Steam client and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on the game you want to move and select Properties.
3. In the properties window, click on the Installed Files tab.
4. Click on Browse Local Files to open the game’s installation folder.

Step 2: Move the Files to the New Drive

1. Copy the entire game folder from the original location.
2. Paste the copied folder to the new Steam library folder on the other hard drive.
3. Once the transfer is complete, go back to the original game folder and delete it.

Step 3: Reinstall the Game

1. Go back to your Steam Library.
2. Right-click on the game and select Uninstall.
3. Once uninstalled, click Install.
4. When prompted, choose the new location on the other hard drive where you moved the game files.
5. Steam will detect the existing files and quickly complete the installation process.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

• Patience: The time it takes to move a game depends on its size and the speed of your drives. Larger games will take longer to transfer.
• Check Your Drive Health: If you are moving games to an older hard drive, make sure it’s in good condition. A failing drive can cause data loss.
• Regular Backups: Keep regular backups of your game data, especially if you frequently move files between drives.

Conclusion

Moving Steam games to another hard drive is a straightforward process, thanks to Steam’s built-in feature and manual methods. Whether you need more space, want to upgrade to a faster drive, or simply want better organization, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you move your games without hassle.

Remember to always check the available space on your new drive and back up your data before starting the transfer. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth and safe transition for your valuable games.

Enjoy your gaming experience on your new drive, and may your load times be faster and your storage worries a thing of the past!

Also Read:

• How to Play Steam Games on Your Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Steam Deck: Troubleshooting Common Issues and Getting Back to Gaming
• Slow Steam Downloads? Fix Them Fast with These Easy Steps