Are you running out of space on your hard drive but don’t want to re-download your favorite PC games? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll show you how to transfer installed PC games between hard drives effortlessly. Say goodbye to storage limitations and hello to more gaming fun!
Why Transfer PC Games Between Hard Drives?
As games continue to get bigger in size (we’re looking at you, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare), storage space can quickly become an issue. If you’re using a smaller-sized SSD, you might find yourself having to constantly juggle game installations to make room for new ones. Transferring installed PC games to a secondary hard drive with more space is the perfect solution to this problem.
The Step-by-Step Process
There are a few ways you can transfer your installed PC games between hard drives, depending on the game launcher you’re using. Below, we’ll outline the manual method that works for most platforms, as well as an alternative method using a handy tool called Steam Mover.
The Manual Method
Whether you’re using Steam, Origin, or Uplay, you can transfer your installed games without any third-party software. Here’s how:
- Navigate to the game installation directory on your current hard drive. For Steam games, make sure it’s in the “steamapps/common” folder.
- Cut and paste the game folder to the desired location on your new hard drive.
- Uninstall the game using your game launcher (e.g., Steam, Origin, Uplay).
- In your game launcher’s settings, add the directory where you relocated the game as a library folder.
- Close the settings, go to your game library, and reinstall the game. The launcher will detect the game files and skip the download process, installing the game on the new drive.
Remember to adapt these steps to the specific launcher you’re using, but the general idea remains the same: move the game folder, uninstall the game, add the new location as a library folder, and reinstall the game without re-downloading it.
Using Steam Mover
If you prefer a more automated approach, you can use a tool called Steam Mover. Here’s how:
- Download and install Steam Mover (you can find it online).
- Open Steam Mover and let it detect your Steam games automatically. If needed, you can manually locate your Steam library on your hard drive.
- Select the location on your new hard drive where you want to move your games.
- Choose the games you want to transfer and click the arrow button to begin moving them. Steam Mover will create symbolic links that allow you to launch the games from their new location while keeping the original files intact.
Steam Mover can also be used with other game launchers like Origin, Uplay, and GOG, as well as any other programs and files you want to move.
Common Questions
- Q: Can I transfer my games between different PC systems?
- Q: Is it safe to delete the original game files after moving them?
A: Unfortunately, transferring installed games between different PC systems is not recommended. Games often require specific system configurations and dependencies, so it’s best to reinstall them on the new system.
A: No, it is not recommended to delete the original game files after moving them. Deleting the files may cause issues with the game launcher’s ability to find and verify the game files.
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Transferring installed PC games between hard drives is just one of the many ways you can optimize your gaming experience. Stay up to date with the latest gaming news, tech updates, and interesting facts by following our blog. Happy gaming!
We hope this guide has helped you in transferring your installed PC games between hard drives. Now you can enjoy your favorite games without worrying about storage space limitations. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us! Game on!
