Safe Ways to Move Windows Program Files to Another Hard Drive

Are you running out of space on your main drive or looking to improve your computer's performance? One of the decisions that can make a difference is move the Program Files folder from Windows to another hard driveAlthough it may seem like a delicate operation, there are safe and reliable methods to do it, while respecting the integrity of the system and your applications.

In this article we are going to break down all the existing options to move Program Files in Windows from one partition or disk to another., whether you are looking to free up space or prefer to have your applications in a SSD or a different HDD. We'll analyze the risks, tools, steps to follow, and recommended precautions so you can complete this task smoothly and with complete confidence.

Why move the Program Files folder in Windows

The Program Files folder (and its version (x86)) is usually located by default on the C drive:, which is usually also the partition where the operating system is installed. Over time and with the installation of programs, this drive tends to fill up and can cause slowness, performance issues, storage and constant messages with little space.

The main reasons for moving the Program Files folder to another hard drive or partition include:

• Free up space on the C: drive preventing the system from running out of storage for the correct functioning of Windows and new updates.
• Optimize performance: distributing programs and data between different hard drives or SSDs to minimize bottlenecks.
• Take advantage of larger capacity disks: especially if you have a small SSD for the operating system and a large HDD for data and applications.
• Make it easier to reinstall Windows: leaving the installed programs on a separate partition that is not formatted in the event of reinstallation, whenever possible.

First of all, it is essential to warn Moving the Program Files folder incorrectly can cause some programs to stop working and cause system errors. Therefore, it's necessary to follow the proper procedures and it's highly recommended to back up your system beforehand.

Methods to move Program Files to another disk

There are several ways to move the Program Files folder to another drive in Windows. These vary in difficulty and risk. Let's look at them in detail:

1. Change the location using Registry Editor

One of the most advanced and direct ways is to modify the Windows registry so that new program installations point to a different folder. This method requires precise changes, but allows programs to be installed directly to the new location from then on.

Step by step to change the default path in the registry:

1. Create two new folders on the destination drive (e.g. D:) called “Program Files” and “Program Files (x86)”.
2. Copy the contents of the original folders from C:\ to the new locations in D:\.
3. Open the symbol of the system as administrator: You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the start menu, right-clicking, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
4. Use the Robocopy command to reliably copy all folders and files:
   • Robocopy «C:\Program Files» «D:\Program Files» /mir
   • Robocopy «C:\Program Files (x86)» «D:\Program Files (x86)» /mir
5. press Win + R, writes regedit and accept to open the Registry Editor.
6. Depending on your version of Windows, navigate to:
   • Windows 10 / 11: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
   • Windows 7/8/8.1: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion
7. Look for the keys called ProgramFilesDir y ProgramFilesDir (x86), double-click, and in the value field change “C:” to “D:” (or whatever letter your new drive is).
8. Save the changes and restart the computer.

Keep in mind: If you don't manage the registry properly, you can cause some programs to fail to start or the system to display errors. Always make a backup before making changes and consult the official documentation if you have any questions.

2. Use symbolic links (mklink) to redirect the folder

The symbolic link method is ideal for redirecting the Program Files folder to another location without touching the registry.This is done using mklink, a command-line tool. commands Windows that creates symbolic links similar to shortcuts, but at the system level.

¿Cómo hacerlo?

1. Move the “Program Files” and “Program Files (x86)” folders to the new drive.
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Run the following commands (adjusting the paths to your locations):
   • mklink /J «C:\Program Files» «D:\Program Files»
   • mklink /J «C:\Program Files (x86)» «D:\Program Files (x86)»

Since then, When the system or any program tries to access the original folder, it will be automatically redirected to the new location.It's a very effective and reversible method; if something goes wrong, you can delete the symbolic link and restore the original folder.

Caution: Do not delete the original folders before establishing symbolic links, as you may lose access to the data.

3. Third-party tools to move programs and folders

For those who prefer to avoid the risks of editing the registry or running manual commands, there are specialized programs to safely move applications and system foldersThe most recognized are EaseUS Todo PCTrans and AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, both with specific functions to relocate applications and system folders.

Advantages of these tools:

• They allow you to easily transfer applications, games, and files between different partitions or physical disks.
• Automatically update system paths and references so that programs continue to work after the move.
• They minimize the risk of human error and failures Boot by incorrect routes.
• Some tools, like Move icons in Windows 11, include utilities to manage changes in the storage structure.

Typical step by step using AOMEI Partition Assistant:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Access the “Move App” feature from the partition management menu.
3. Select the apps you want to move and the destination partition.
4. Confirm the closure of the programs to complete the transfer.
5. Finish the process and check that everything is working correctly.

These tools are usually paid or have limited functionality in their free versions, but they are the most recommended option for less experienced users or those who want to minimize risks.

4. Manual option from Windows settings (only for some applications)

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a function to Move apps from the Settings menuHowever, it is limited to apps installed from the Microsoft Store and some compatible programs.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Select the app you want to move and tap “Move.”
3. Choose the new destination drive.

If the "Move" option is grayed out, it means that the app doesn't allow moving using this method, and you'll need to use the options mentioned above.

5. Make a backup before moving Program Files

Like any operation that involves changing system paths or moving installed programs, It is essential to make a prior backup of your computerThis way, in the event of any eventuality, you can restore the system without losing your data or programs.

How to make a backup:

• Use Windows-specific tools, such as File History or Backup and Restore.
• Try specialized solutions like backup programs whether you want to schedule regular backups or backup your entire system, not just your documents.
• Save the backup image to an external drive or a different partition than the one you plan to modify.