How to move Steam games to another drive

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To move Steam games to another drive, you can utilize Steam's built-in feature to change the installation folder or manually transfer the files. This ensures that your games are accessible from a different drive without needing to re-download them.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before moving your Steam games, ensure you have the following:
  • •A secondary drive with sufficient space to accommodate the games you wish to move.
  • •Administrative access to your computer to modify file locations.
  • •Steam client installed and updated to the latest version.
  • •Backup of game save files if necessary, especially for games that do not sync with Steam Cloud.

Method 1: Using Steam's Built-in Feature

This method is the easiest and most reliable way to move games between drives using Steam's own functionality.
  • •Step 1: Open the Steam client and log in to your account.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Steam' in the top left corner, then select 'Settings'.
  • •Step 3: In the Settings window, select 'Downloads' from the left sidebar.
  • •Step 4: Click on 'Steam Library Folders'.
  • •Step 5: Click on 'Add Library Folder' and choose the new drive where you want to move your games.
  • •Step 6: After adding the new library folder, close the settings window.
  • •Step 7: Go to your Library, right-click on the game you want to move, and select 'Properties'.
  • •Step 8: In the Properties window, go to the 'Local Files' tab and click on 'Move Install Folder'.
  • •Step 9: Select the new library folder you created and click 'Move Folder'.
  • •Step 10: Wait for the process to complete, then verify the game is functional by launching it.

For Windows 11

Follow these additional steps specific to Windows 11:
  • •Ensure that Windows 11 is fully updated to avoid compatibility issues.
  • •Use the new 'Settings' app interface by right-clicking the Start button and selecting 'Settings' instead of the classic Control Panel.

For Windows 10

Follow these additional steps specific to Windows 10:
  • •Make sure to check for Windows updates by navigating to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Windows Update'.
  • •Use the classic Control Panel if you prefer, but the steps remain the same in the Steam client.

Method 2: Manual File Transfer

This method is useful if you encounter issues with Steam's built-in feature or prefer a manual approach.
  • •Step 1: Close the Steam client completely.
  • •Step 2: Navigate to the Steam installation folder (usually located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam).
  • •Step 3: Open the 'steamapps' folder, then the 'common' folder.
  • •Step 4: Copy the folder of the game you want to move.
  • •Step 5: Paste the game folder into the new drive's Steam library folder (create a new folder named 'steamapps' if it doesn't exist).
  • •Step 6: Reopen the Steam client and go to 'Steam' > 'Settings' > 'Downloads' > 'Steam Library Folders'.
  • •Step 7: Add the new library folder if not done previously.
  • •Step 8: Right-click on the game in your Library and select 'Install'. Steam will detect the existing files and verify them.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while moving your games, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Game files are missing' - Solution: Verify the integrity of game files by right-clicking the game in your Library, selecting 'Properties', then 'Local Files', and clicking 'Verify Integrity of Game Files'.
  • •Issue: 'Insufficient disk space' - Fix: Ensure that the target drive has enough space. You can check this by right-clicking the drive in File Explorer and selecting 'Properties'.
  • •Problem: 'Steam not recognizing the game' - Workaround: Ensure the game folder is correctly placed in the new library folder and that Steam is updated.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these power user tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Opens Task Manager quickly to check if Steam is running.
  • •Command line: steam://install/APP_ID - Replace APP_ID with the game's ID to initiate installation directly.
  • •Hidden feature: Steam Cloud - Enable this feature in game settings to automatically back up your save files.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Using Steam's built-in features is the most reliable method for moving games, as it ensures all necessary files and configurations are preserved.