How do I install Steam on a different SSD?

How Do I Install Steam on a Different SSD?

Are you looking to free up space on your primary SSD by moving Steam to a different drive? Or maybe you want to upgrade to a faster SSD and don’t want to reinstall your entire Steam library. Whatever the reason, installing Steam on a different SSD is a relatively simple process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to get Steam up and running on a different SSD.

Step 1: Prepare Your Drives

Before you start, make sure you have two drives set up:

• Main Drive: This is the drive where you want to install Steam and store your main files.
• SSD: This is the drive you want to move Steam to.

Why Move Steam to a Different SSD?

Moving Steam to a different SSD can have several benefits:

• Free up space: If you’re running low on space on your primary SSD, moving Steam to a different drive can help free up space.
• Upgrade to a faster SSD: If you want to upgrade to a faster SSD, you can install Steam on the new drive and keep your old drive as a backup.
• Separate storage: You can store your Steam games on a different drive, separating them from your main files and programs.

Step 2: Create a New Steam Library Folder

To create a new Steam library folder, follow these steps:

• Launch Steam: Open Steam on your Main Drive.
• Settings: Click on the Steam icon in the top left corner and select Settings.
• Downloads: Click on the Downloads tab and select Add Library Folder.
• Choose your SSD: Select the SSD you want to move Steam to.

Step 3: Move Your Games to the New Library Folder

Once you’ve created the new library folder, you can move your games to the new drive:

• Right-click a game: Right-click on a game in your Steam library and select Move Game Folder.
• Select the new library folder: Select the new library folder you created in Step 2.

Step 4: Install Steam on the New Drive

Now that you’ve moved your games to the new library folder, you can install Steam on the new drive:

• Download the Steam installer: Download the Steam installer from the Steam website.
• Install Steam: Run the installer and follow the prompts to install Steam on the new drive.

Step 5: Update Your Steam Settings

Finally, you need to update your Steam settings to reflect the new library folder:

• Launch Steam: Open Steam on the new drive.
• Settings: Click on the Steam icon in the top left corner and select Settings.
• Library: Click on the Library tab and select the new library folder you created.

Tips and Tricks

• Back up your files: Make sure to back up your Steam files before moving them to the new drive.
• Use a third-party software: You can use third-party software to clone your Steam library and move it to the new drive.
• Be patient: Moving a large Steam library can take a while, so be patient and let the process complete.

Conclusion

Moving Steam to a different SSD is a relatively simple process that can help free up space on your primary drive or upgrade to a faster SSD. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily install Steam on a different SSD and enjoy the benefits of separate storage and faster load times.