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By default, the C drive on your Windows PC contains essential program files and data to maintain the functionality of your PC. However, when this drive gets completely full, you may need to transfer programs from the C drive to drive D.
So how do you move programs from C drive to D drive? Whether youāre just organizing your drives or freeing up space in your C drive, you may be wondering how to transfer files from C to D drive. Read on to find out how to move programs from C drive to D drive in Windows.
TL;DR: Move Programs from C Drive to D Drive Effortlessly
- Use Windows Settings to Move Apps.
- Use a Third-Party Tool (download link).
- Change the Storage Path in Windows Registry.
Continue reading to find step-by-step guides on all of these methods.
Is It Possible to Move Programs from C Drive to D Drive?
Most of the Win32 apps on your PC are stored on the C drive. Since this drive contains system files with their entries added to the registry, moving them to another drive can be difficult and may even cause additional problems, in some instances.
However, it is totally possible to move programs from C drive to D drive. Read on to learn how you can effectively transfer programs from C drive to D drive without running into any problems.
Note: Instead of moving programs to another drive, we recommend reinstalling them to ensure the best performance.
Also: see here if your āDā drive is missing.
How to Move Programs From C Drive to D Drive?
[2 Beginner-Friendly Methods]
Before we try any advanced methods like tweaking the registry, letās first take a look at the easiest ways to transfer programs from C drive to D drive.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings to Move Apps and Programs
You can use Windows Settings to move programs from drive C to drive D. However, this option only works for universal apps.
- On your PC, click on āStartā > āSettingsā.
- Now go to the āAppsā section and click on āApps & Featuresā.
- Next, click on the three dots next to the app that you want to transfer.
- Select āMoveā.
- Now choose the new destination drive (D) to move your app to.
- Confirm the selection by clicking on āMoveā.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Tool
There are tons of third-party tools on the internet that allow you to move programs from drive C to drive D, such as the āEaseUS Todo PCTransā.
- Download and install any of these apps.
- Launch the program.
- Find and select the option that allows you to move the installed apps from one drive to another.
- Follow the on-screen instructions until the apps have been transferred.
However, do note that this method may not work for all programs.
How to Move Programs From āCā to āDā Drive?
[1 Advanced Method]
If both of the above-mentioned methods fail, you can try changing the storage path in Windows Registry. However, do note that you cannot afford to make any mistakes when applying this method as it can crash your system.
Method 3: Changing the Storage Path in Windows Registry
- Create a new folder in āC driveā and name it āProgram Files (86)ā.
- Now go to the search box and search for āCMDā to copy and paste the Programs folder to your desired location.
- Run āCMDā as administrator.
- Once the Command Prompt window pops up, type and āEnterā the following command:
Robocopy" Cļ¼\ Program Files" " Dļ¼\ Program Files" / mirRobocopy" Cļ¼\ Program Filesļ¼x86ļ¼" " Dļ¼\ Program Filesļ¼x86ļ¼" / mir - Now press āWin + Rā to run āregeditā.
- Now locate the following folder path:
āHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Wow6432Node \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersionā
- Find and double-click on the āProgramFilesDir (86)ā in the right panel.
- Now change the value to your desired drive, such as āD:\Softwaresā.
The storage path for programs will be changed in Windows Registry and they will be transferred to your desired location.
Good luck!
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