How to install games on an external SSD

Prerequisites & Requirements

• •A compatible external SSD with sufficient storage capacity (at least 256GB recommended).
• •USB 3.0 or higher port for optimal performance.
• •Administrative access to your computer.
• •Latest version of the gaming platform (Steam, Epic Games, etc.) installed.
• •Backup any important data on the SSD to avoid loss during formatting.

Method 1: Installing Games via Steam

• •Step 1: Connect your external SSD to your computer via a USB port.
• •Step 2: Open the Steam client and navigate to 'Steam' in the top left corner, then select 'Settings'.
• •Step 3: In the Settings menu, click on 'Downloads', then 'Steam Library Folders'.
• •Step 4: Click on 'Add Library Folder', select your external SSD, and create a new folder (e.g., 'SteamLibrary').
• •Step 5: To install a game, go to your Library, select the game, click 'Install', and choose the newly created library folder on your external SSD.
• •Step 6: Verify the installation by checking the game files in the external SSD folder.
• •Step 7: If the game fails to install, ensure the SSD is formatted correctly (NTFS for Windows, exFAT for cross-platform compatibility).

For Windows 11

• •Ensure your SSD is formatted as NTFS by right-clicking the SSD in 'File Explorer', selecting 'Format', and choosing NTFS.
• •Use the 'Settings' app to manage storage settings by going to 'System' > 'Storage' > 'Advanced storage settings' > 'Where new content is saved' to set the external SSD as the default location for new apps.

For Windows 10

• •Format the SSD as NTFS by right-clicking on the drive in 'This PC', selecting 'Format', and choosing NTFS.
• •In the 'Settings' app, navigate to 'System' > 'Storage' > 'Change where new content is saved' to set the external SSD as the default location for new apps.

Method 2: Installing Games via Epic Games Launcher

• •Step 1: Connect your external SSD to your computer.
• •Step 2: Open the Epic Games Launcher and log in to your account.
• •Step 3: Click on your profile icon in the bottom left corner and select 'Settings'.
• •Step 4: Scroll down to 'Install Location' and click 'Browse' to select your external SSD.
• •Step 5: To install a game, go to the Library, select the game, and click 'Install'. The game will be installed on the external SSD.
• •Step 6: Confirm the installation by checking the game files on the external SSD.
• •Step 7: If installation fails, check for sufficient space on the SSD and ensure it is formatted correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• •Error: 'Installation Failed' - Solution: Check if the SSD is properly connected and formatted as NTFS or exFAT.
• •Issue: 'Game not launching' - Fix: Ensure the game is installed correctly by verifying the game files through the respective launcher.
• •Problem: 'Drive not recognized' - Workaround: Try connecting the SSD to a different USB port or restarting your computer.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

• •Keyboard shortcut: 'Windows + E' - Opens File Explorer quickly to access your external SSD.
• •Command line: 'diskpart' - Use this command to manage disk partitions and formats if needed.
• •Hidden feature: 'Storage Sense' - Access this feature in Windows Settings to automatically free up space on your SSD.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expert Tips