How to Easily Transfer a Steam Game to Another Drive

by Frank 3 years ago

written by Frank Published: March 6, 2022Last Updated on June 22, 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction

Steam has several library directories, and when you download games, you may choose where you want them to be installed. And, owing to an update, you can quickly transfer a game after downloading it without having to re-download the whole thing.

This method may spare you from having to download tens or even hundreds of gigabytes of game data all over again just because you have a new SSD and want to relocate a few games.

Unlike relocating a complete Steam library folder, which transfers every single game inside it, the following technique allows you to move simply a few games rather than the whole library.

Step 1: Make a Second Steam Folder

First, if you haven’t already, create a Steam library folder on the second disk.

To do so on Steam, go to Steam > Settings. Click the “Steam Library Folders” button after selecting the “Downloads” category.

Select the + sign towards the top of the screen.

Choose the disk where you wish to create the library folder and click “Add.” On the selected disk, a new folder called “SteamLibrary” will be created.

Select the drive you want, then click "Add."

The new folder you established will now display alongside your existing steam folder at the top.

Both original and new steam folders visible at the top

Step 2: Transfer the Game Files to the Second Library.

There are two methods for moving an installed game.

The Storage Manager Screen

The first employs the Storage Manager window, in which we have just established a new library folder. Choose the drive where the game is installed, check the box next to the game you wish to relocate, and then click “Move” in the bottom right.

Select the drive with the games, click the check box next to the game, and then click "Move."

Select the drive containing your new steam folder in the dialog that opens, and then click “Move.”

Click "Move."

Be prepared to wait – games may take up dozens or hundreds of terabytes, and transferring them can take a long time.

The List of Games

To reposition a game in your collection, right-click it and choose “Properties.”

Right click the game you want to move, then click "Properties."

Then, on the “Local Files” page, choose the “Move Install Folder” option.

Click "Local Files", then click "Move Install Folder."

Choose the Steam library to which you wish to transfer the game and press the “Move” button.

Click "Move."

You’re finished. Steam will transfer the game’s files to the alternate library location. Simply repeat this method to relocate additional games.

In the future, when installing a game, Steam will ask which library you wish to install it to, although you should be able to transfer your games at any moment.

Select which steam library folder you'd like to use.

Frank

Hi, I'm Frank, a self-taught programmer and the founder of Navhow. My coding journey began in 2008, and since then I've become proficient in a variety of programming languages, including PHP, Java, JS, and Objective-C. With a degree in marketing from Northeastern University, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to my work. I've had the pleasure of launching a website that grew to over one million monthly visitors, and I'm always looking for new ways to innovate and create solutions that improve people's lives. Thanks for visiting my website, and feel free to get in touch!