Can You Move Games from Internal to External?
Are you tired of using up your internal storage for your games? Do you have an external hard drive just gathering dust? Worry not, for there is a solution! Yes, you can move games from internal to external. In this article, we’ll explore how to do just that.
Method 1: Copy and Paste
Internal Drive: Open the File Explorer and navigate to the game’s installation directory (usually located in C:Program Files(x86) or C:Program Files). Copy the game folder and paste it onto your external drive. This method is the most straightforward, but keep in mind that any mods or custom files won’t be transferred.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Navigate to game’s installation directory |
| 2 | Copy the game folder |
| 3 | Navigate to external drive |
| 4 | Paste the game folder |
Method 2: Transfer Game Using Game Manager
Many game management software, like Steam or Origin, offer an option to transfer your games to an external drive. This method is usually easier and more convenient. For example:
- In Steam, go to "Steam Settings" > " Downloads" > "Save Steam games to" > "Specify a different save directory". Then, simply create a new folder on your external drive and change the directory to that.
Method 3: Copy Files Manually (Recommended)
This method involves copying individual files, not just the game folder. It’s more manual but ensures you keep all files, including mods and custom files. Make sure to copy both the game’s executable files (.exe) and supporting files (.ini, .cfg, .zip, etc.).
- Locate the game’s directory using a search tool (like File Explorer’s search function) or by manually exploring your system.
- Open a new window on your external drive and create a new folder for the game.
- Copy the
.exefile and relevant supporting files into the new folder.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Backup your external drive regularly to ensure you don’t lose any game data.
- Verify the integrity of the game files to avoid corrupted data.
- Test the game before uninstalling it from the internal drive.
DON’T:
- Uninstall the game from the internal drive without verifying the integrity of the game files. This may cause missing game files or corrupted data.
- Copy entire user folders, as these can contain sensitive data or config files.
FAQs
- How long does it take to move a game? Transfer speed depends on the file size, drive speed, and other factors. Expect speeds around 100-500 Mbps (depending on the hardware).
- Will transferring a game affect its performance? In most cases, the game’s performance shouldn’t be affected.
- Can I still access the game from internal drive? Yes, as long as you copied the entire game folder.
In conclusion, moving games from internal to external can be a simple process using one of the methods described above. Remember to take precautions to ensure game data integrity and backup your external drive regularly. Now you can free up space on your internal drive and take advantage of faster external storage for your games.
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