How do I move the program files (x86) folder from my C drive to my D drive

Question

I'm on windows 10, and I need to move that folder to my D drive. I have been told that copy pasting it won't work, and I will need to delete and redownload it. This is a probelm because the file is over 36 GB. Is there any other way to do this?

Answer 1

Hi Derrick. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

You can't move the Program Files, nor should you move apps or Programs off the C drive because they write registry keys to Windows that integrate them into the OS until they are uninstalled.

If it's an SSD they also benefit most from the faster speeds, while files do not. So I would move Files off following this tutorial: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1964-move-u...

There are tips here for managing smaller drives including 32gb drives:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/...

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3040404/windows...

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/maximize-stora...

There are ways to block Updates here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

If you want you can set a Metered Connection per the above tutorial, then when ready turn it off to install Updates. You can even wait until the twice-yearly Version Updates to run manually from Media Creation Tool which is a more stable method than Windows Update and includes all previous updates rolled into it. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

Another option is to do the the best possible Clean Install in this link which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki....

This will give you back all but 15gb of the drive so you can slowly reinstall programs to see how they affect performance, move your files to another drive if possible or offline into OneDrive in the cloud with On-demand access to them only: https://www.pcworld.com/article/3233488/windows....

There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved

Answer 2

You didn't say it is Steam games, which are different. See here: https://www.howtogeek.com/257472/how-to-painles...

Again, it's always best to have programs on the C drive for many reasons. What can be moved more easily are User folders which I provided the most authoritative tutorial you ignored.

When you said you wanted to move Program files because they were 36gb there was no indication you had 100gb drive because eveyrone else who asks about this issue have much smaller drives. You can afford to keep program files on C and use D for storage, moving User files as space is needed, and saving a System Image backup of C so you never need to reintsall if Windows becomes irreparable but can restore C from the stored image in 20 minutes - this is the modern way to reintsall. https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-re...

Answer 3

Hi Derrick, honestly there is no way to move that folder without causing serious problems to your system.

You will see fixes on the web, most will brick your system . . .

This would have to be done just after Windows is installed and before any software was installed to be done correctly!

Is there nothing else on your C drive that could be moved to your D Drive to provide more space on your C drive?

Answer 4

I have a 1 TB computer, and most of the 36GB that is taking up my C drive is my steam games, which I don't think need to be on my C drive. I also don't want to be just using the 100 GB on my C drive while I let my 1 TB D drive stay empty. So if I am understanding you correctly, I need to basically reinstall windows if I want to use my D drive. Would there be any way to move my games and stuff off of my Program files?