How to move the Epic Games library to another drive

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

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

Quick Answer

To move the Epic Games library to another drive, you can either change the installation path during the installation of new games or manually move the existing library and update the Epic Games Launcher settings. This process allows you to free up space on your primary drive and manage your game installations more effectively.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before moving your Epic Games library, ensure you have the following:
  • •A secondary drive with sufficient free space to accommodate your game library.
  • •Administrator permissions on your computer to modify file paths and settings.
  • •The Epic Games Launcher installed on your system.
  • •Backup of your game saves and settings, especially if you are moving files manually.

Method 1: Changing Installation Path for New Games

This method is ideal for users who want to set a new default installation location for future game downloads.
  • •Step 1: Open the Epic Games Launcher. Click on the 'Library' tab on the left sidebar.
  • •Step 2: Click on the 'Settings' gear icon located at the bottom left corner.
  • •Step 3: Scroll down to the 'Install Location' section. Click on 'Browse' to select your new drive and folder.
  • •Step 4: Click 'Save' to confirm the new installation path.
  • •Step 5: To verify, install a new game and check that it installs to the selected location.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 specific steps may include additional interface elements.
  • •Step 1: Ensure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version for optimal performance.
  • •Step 2: Use the new 'Start' menu to quickly access the Epic Games Launcher.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users will follow similar steps but may notice slight differences in the UI.
  • •Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select 'Run', then type 'EpicGamesLauncher' to open the launcher quickly.
  • •Step 2: Ensure your Windows 10 is updated to avoid compatibility issues.

Method 2: Manually Moving the Library

Use this method if you want to move existing games to a new drive.
  • •Step 1: Close the Epic Games Launcher completely.
  • •Step 2: Navigate to your current Epic Games library folder, typically located at 'C:\Program Files\Epic Games'.
  • •Step 3: Copy the entire 'Epic Games' folder to your new drive (e.g., 'D:\Epic Games').
  • •Step 4: Open the Epic Games Launcher, go to 'Settings', and scroll down to 'Install Location'. Click 'Browse' to select the new folder.
  • •Step 5: Click 'Save', then verify by launching a game from the new location.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while moving your Epic Games library, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Game not found' - Solution: Ensure the game files are correctly copied to the new location and the path is updated in the launcher settings.
  • •Issue: 'Insufficient space' - Fix: Check the new drive for available space and ensure you are not trying to install to a full drive.
  • •Problem: 'Launcher won't recognize new library' - Workaround: Restart the Epic Games Launcher and check the settings again.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users looking to optimize their experience:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: 'Ctrl + Shift + Esc' - Opens Task Manager to quickly close the Epic Games Launcher if needed.
  • •Command line: 'mklink /D' - Create a symbolic link if you want to keep the original folder structure while pointing to a new location.
  • •Hidden feature: Use the 'Verify' option in the Epic Games Launcher to check for missing files after moving your library.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, always ensure your Epic Games Launcher is up to date and consider using an SSD for faster load times.