How to Move Files from SSD to HDD in Windows 11/10: 6 Easy Ways

Why Move Files from SSD to HDD?

Although SSDs offer faster speeds than HDDs, they usually have less storage capacity and cost more per gigabyte. By transferring large or less frequently used files to an HDD, you can free up SSD storage space, improve system performance, and make better use of available SSD storage capacity.

What Files Should You Move from SSD to HDD?

You should move large files and less frequently used data from your SSD to your HDD to free up space while keeping important system files and frequently used programs on the faster SSD.

Files that should be moved to the HDD include videos and movies, photos and RAW image files, downloads folder, documents and archives, game installers and backups, as well as old projects and work files.

How to Move Files from SSD to HDD

If you just want to transfer files from SSD to HDD, you can try the following 2 methods.

Method 1. Move Files Using Copy and Paste

This is the easiest method if you’re moving personal files. Here is the guide:

1. Open File Explorer and go to your SSD (usually the C: drive) to find the files you want to transfer.
2. Highlight the files or folders you want to move.
3. Right-click the selected files and click Cut (or press Ctrl + X) to completely remove them from the SSD, or Copy (or press Ctrl + C) if you want to keep a backup on the SSD.
4. Navigate to your HDD (usually the D: or E: drive), right-click an empty area in the folder, and select Paste. Then wait until Windows finishes transferring the files.

Method 2. Move User Folders to the HDD

Windows allows you to permanently relocate your default user folders (Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos) to your HDD. This will move the existing contents of these folders to the HDD, and subsequent files will also be automatically saved to the HDD.

To move user folders to the HDD, the steps are as follows:

1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users\[Your Username].
2. Right-click on a default library folder (e.g., Documents, Downloads, Pictures) and select Properties.
3. Click on the Location tab.
4. Click Move.., navigate to a folder on your HDD, and click Select Folder.
5. Click Apply and OK. Windows will ask if you want to move all existing files from the SSD to the HDD; select Yes.

How to Move Games from SSD to HDD

In general, the game launcher provides measures to help you move games from SSD to HDD. Taking Steam games as an example, the process should be as follows.

1. Open Steam.
2. Go to Settings > Storage.
3. Click the Add Drive button to create a library folder on the HDD.
4. Use the built-in transfer tool to move installed games.

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How to Move Apps from SSD to HDD

How to move program files from SSD to HDD? You can try the following 3 methods.

Method 1. Move Microsoft Store Apps

For apps downloaded via Microsoft Store, you can change their installation location in Settings. Here is the guide.

1. Open your Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Click the three dots next to the app.
3. Click Move and select your HDD.

Method 2. Copy the Partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard

Partition cloning creates an exact copy of the original partition, including its file structure, boot information, etc. As long as the drive letter remains unchanged after cloning, software will run just as it did on the original disk.

Therefore, if your software is installed on a specific partition, you can directly copy that entire partition to the HDD using MiniTool Partition Wizard. Here is the guide.

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1. Right-click a partition on the SSD and choose Copy.
2. Choose a target location where the partition is copied to and click the Next
3. Adjust the size and location of the new partition by dragging it and click Finish.
4. Preview the new partition and click the Apply button if it’s OK.

Afterwards, change the drive letter of the original partition, and then change the drive letter of the partition on the HDD to the original drive letter.

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Method 3. Move Files by Creating a Junction Link

Advanced users who understand Windows file paths can relocate certain application folders and create a directory junction using the mklink /J command.

This technique preserves the original path while storing the files on the HDD, but it should only be used when the software supports this approach and after creating a backup.

To move files from an SSD to an HDD using mklink, physically cut and paste the folder to the HDD, then create a symbolic link back to the original SSD location. This tricks Windows into thinking the data remains on the SSD, saving space.

Here is the guide:

1. Move the files: Copy or cut your folder from your SSD (e.g., C:\OriginalFolder) and paste it to your HDD (e.g., D:\MovedFolder).
2. Delete the original: Ensure the folder is entirely deleted from its original location on the SSD.
3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Windows Key, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
4. Run the mklink command: Use the following syntax, ensuring you include the /d flag for folders and wrap your paths in quotation marks:
   mklink /d “C:\OriginalFolder” “D:\MovedFolder”

After that, create a new shortcut of the program on the desktop.

1. Delete the original shortcut of the program.
2. Open the file folder and find the program icon.
3. Right-click on it and select Send to Desktop.

Further reading: To set the default drive or folder for new apps, documents, and pictures across your PC:

1. Right-click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Click on System and then select Storage.
3. Click on Advanced storage settings and select Where new content is saved.
4. Use the drop-down menus to select the drive or location you prefer for each file category (e.g., your D: drive), then click Apply.

This can ensure new files are stored on the HDD, preventing the SSD from filling up again.

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How to Move Files from SSD to HDD FAQ

Bottom Line

If your SSD is running out of space, moving files to an HDD is one of the easiest ways to reclaim storage while maintaining system performance.

Personal files such as videos, photos, downloads, and archived documents are excellent candidates for relocation, while Windows and frequently used applications should remain on the SSD for the best speed.

For any problems or suggestions when using MiniTool Partition Wizard, you can also email to [email protected] for help. We will reply you as soon as possible.