Guide to Transferring Installed Apps to a Different Drive on Windows

Key Notes

  • Use the built-in “Move” option to transfer apps between drives.
  • Both Windows 10 and 11 support moving apps without reinstallation.
  • Not all applications can be moved; check app compatibility first.

Maximize Storage by Moving Installed Apps on Windows 10 and 11

Are you struggling with limited storage on your Windows device? This guide walks you through moving installed applications to external drives seamlessly. Learn the steps tailored for both Windows 10 and 11 users.

Step-by-Step Guide to Move Installed Apps on Windows 11

Follow these steps to move your installed apps to a new drive on Windows 11:

  1. Open Settings on your device.

  2. Navigate to Apps.

  3. Select Installed apps.

  4. Locate the app, click on its menu, and choose the Move option.

  5. Pick the new drive location for the app.

  6. Confirm by clicking the Move button.

After completing these steps, the selected app will now reside in your chosen drive location.

Step-by-Step Guide to Move Installed Apps on Windows 10

To transfer installed applications on Windows 10, adhere to these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Apps.

  3. Go to Apps & features.

  4. Select the app that you wish to move.

  5. Click the Move button.

  6. Choose the destination drive for the app.

  7. Finalize by clicking the Move button.

Upon completion, the selected app will have moved to your designated drive.

When relocating apps, it’s advisable to use a dedicated drive that stays connected. Disconnecting the drive can cause app accessibility issues, necessitating reconnection to use the app. If an app doesn’t offer the move option, you can change the default install location or uninstall and then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store to position it in the desired location.

This feature is particularly beneficial for users with laptops or tablets having restricted disk space, or gamers wanting to move their games to a secondary location.

Always remember that certain apps, like native applications or legacy desktop software, can’t be moved using these guidelines.

Extra Tips for Moving Installed Apps

  • Make sure the new drive is formatted correctly to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Regularly check your storage space to plan future moves efficiently.
  • Reinstall apps instead of moving if they don’t support this feature to ensure smoother operations.

Summary

In this guide, we explored how to move installed apps on Windows 10 and 11 to free up precious storage space. Utilizing the built-in features, users can effectively transfer applications to external drives, optimizing their device’s performance and organization.

Final Thoughts

Efficiently managing your installed apps can significantly enhance your device’s storage and performance. Take control of your app installations by utilizing the steps mentioned above and ensure optimal organization. Happy organizing!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can any app be moved to another drive?

No, not all apps support the move feature. Built-in and traditional desktop applications usually cannot be moved.

What happens if I disconnect the drive where my app is moved?

If you disconnect the drive, the apps will not function until you reconnect it. It’s advised to use a drive that stays connected.