How do I move my Origin games folder?
Moving your Origin games folder to a new location can be a daunting task, but with the right steps, it can be done easily. In this article, we will guide you through the process of moving your Origin games folder to a new location, and provide some helpful tips and tricks along the way.
Step 1: Close Origin and the EA Background Service
Before you start moving your Origin games folder, make sure to close Origin and the EA Background Service. You can do this by right-clicking on the Origin icon in the system tray and selecting "Exit". Then, open Task Manager and look for the "EA Background Service" process and end it.
Step 2: Move the Games Folder
The next step is to move the games folder to its new location. To do this, you’ll need to navigate to the games folder and move it to the new location. The default location for Origin games is usually "C:Program FilesEA Games", but you can move it to any location you prefer.
Step 3: Update the Game Library Location
Once you’ve moved the games folder, you’ll need to update the Game Library Location in Origin. To do this, follow these steps:
- Launch Origin and go to the "Settings" menu.
- Select "Application Settings" from the drop-down menu.
- Click on the "Game Library" tab.
- Click on the "Browse" button next to the "Game Library Location" field.
- Navigate to the new location of the games folder and select it.
- Click "Save" to save the changes.
Step 4: Verify the Move
After you’ve moved the games folder and updated the Game Library Location, verify that the move was successful. To do this, follow these steps:
- Launch Origin and go to the "My Game Library" tab.
- Verify that all of your games are listed and that they are installed correctly.
Benefits of Moving Your Origin Games Folder
Moving your Origin games folder to a new location can have several benefits, including:
- Faster Load Times: By moving your games to a faster storage device, you can reduce the load times for your games.
- More Storage Space: By moving your games to a new location, you can free up storage space on your primary drive.
- Improved Performance: By moving your games to a new location, you can improve the overall performance of your system.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while moving your Origin games folder, don’t worry! Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Issue: You can’t find the games folder.
- Solution: Check the default location of the games folder and make sure it’s not hidden.
- Issue: You get an error message when trying to launch a game.
- Solution: Make sure the game is installed correctly and that the Game Library Location is updated.
Conclusion
Moving your Origin games folder to a new location can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right steps and a little patience, you can do it easily. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can move your games to a new location and enjoy faster load times, more storage space, and improved performance. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise and you’ll be playing your favorite games in no time!
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use an SSD: If you have the option, consider moving your games to an SSD (solid-state drive) for faster load times.
- Use a separate partition: Consider creating a separate partition for your games to keep them organized and separate from your other files.
- Back up your games: Before moving your games, make sure to back them up in case something goes wrong during the move.
FAQs
- Q: Can I move my Origin games folder to an external hard drive?
- A: Yes, you can move your Origin games folder to an external hard drive, but make sure it’s compatible with Origin and that you have enough storage space.
- Q: Can I move my Origin games folder to a different drive on my computer?
- A: Yes, you can move your Origin games folder to a different drive on your computer, but make sure it’s compatible with Origin and that you have enough storage space.
- Q: How do I know if I need to move my Origin games folder?
- A: If you’re running low on storage space, experiencing slow load times, or want to keep your games organized, you may need to move your Origin games folder.