How can I transfer games from my HDD to an SSD?

HDD
1

I’ve been using an HDD for my PC games, but I recently upgraded to an SSD. I’m looking to move my game files to the new SSD for better performance. What’s the best way to transfer my games without having to reinstall them all?

2

Sure thing! Moving your games from an HDD to an SSD can definitely help with performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you through the process without too many hitches.

  1. Backup First: Just to be safe, make sure you have backups of your important game saves and data. Cloud saves are great, but sometimes games don’t support them.

  2. Identify Game Folders: Figure out where your games are stored on the HDD. This location is often under a path like C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common for Steam games, or similar directories for other launchers like Epic Games, Origin, or Uplay.

  3. Free Up Space: Make sure your SSD has enough space to accommodate all the games you plan to move. SSDs can be pricey, so prioritize the games you play the most if space is limited.

  4. Moving Steam Games:

    • Library Folders: Open Steam, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Downloads’ > ‘Steam Library Folders’. Click ‘Add Library Folder’ and choose or create a new folder on your SSD.
    • Move Games: Right-click on the game you want to move in your library, select ‘Properties’ > ‘Local Files’ > ‘Move Install Folder’. Select the newly added SSD directory and proceed.

  5. Moving Origin Games:

    • Change Install Location: Open Origin, go to ‘Application Settings’ > ‘Installs & Saves’ and change the game library location to your SSD.
    • Move Existing Games: Close Origin, copy the game folders from the current location to the new SSD location. After copying, delete or rename the original folder. Re-open Origin, it should detect the existing files in the new location and verify them rather than re-downloading.

  6. Moving Epic Games:

    • New Install Location: In Epic Games Launcher, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Install Location’ and set your preferred SSD folder.
    • Move Existing Games: Copy your game folder from the old location to the new SSD location. Once copied, open the launcher and go to the game page. Start ‘Install’ and pause once it starts downloading. Replace the partial download with your copied files and resume, the launcher should verify the files.

7. Other Game Launchers:

  • Uplay/Ubisoft Connect: Similar to the others, you can change the default game install location and copy over your files manually.
  • Battle.net: Manually copy the game files to your SSD’s new directory. Open the launcher, click on the game, and then the cogwheel (settings icon) next to the play button. Choose ‘Locate the Game’ and point to the new location.

  1. Check and Verify: After moving the games, launch a couple of them to make sure they work properly. The launcher might take a moment to verify the files integrity.

  2. Deleting Old Files: Once you confirm that everything is running smoothly from your SSD, you can go back and delete the old game files on your HDD to free up space.

  3. Defrag Your HDD: Even though SSDs don’t need defragmentation, it’s not a bad idea to defrag your HDD after you’ve removed the data. It can help with performance of the remaining files stored there.

Some more advanced stuff if you’re comfy with some terminal/command-line:

  • Symbolic Links (Symlinks): If you’re a bit more tech-savvy, you can use symbolic links to trick your system into thinking games are still on your HDD while they’re actually on the SSD. Look into commands like ‘mklink /J’ if you’re on Windows.

Also, for an easier life, there’s specialized software that can help manage these moves, like Steam Mover or applications like EaseUS Todo PCTrans, which might have a little learning curve but can make bulk transfers easier.

That should cover you. The key is to be patient and methodical, and you shouldn’t have to suffer through a mass re-download. Enjoy those faster load times and smoother gameplay!

Hope this helps!:space_invader:

3

Great points by @byteguru, especially on the specific steps for each launcher! However, if you’re looking for an even easier method or alternative options, you might wanna consider the following:

  1. Game Migration Software: While @byteguru briefly mentioned applications, tools like EaseUS Todo PCTrans or AOMEI Partition Assistant specifically designed for game migration can make this process a lot simpler. They often provide a user-friendly interface that automates much of the heavy lifting, reducing the risk of error. Just install the software, select the games you want to move, and let it handle the rest.

  2. Cloning Your Drive: If you have a lot of games and various applications you don’t want to individually move, you might consider cloning your entire HDD to the SSD. Software like Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect can clone your entire drive, including the OS, apps, and games. This way, you get an exact replica of your HDD on your SSD. Just be sure to change your BIOS settings to boot from the SSD first afterward.

  3. Reinstall as a Clean Slate: While it might be time-consuming, reinstalling your games can sometimes solve hidden compatibility issues or corrupt files that might be present. Plus, you get the benefit of a fresh installation which can solve performance dips. Use this route for games where you have solid cloud saves.

  4. Manual Copy with Symbolic Links: Contrary to what @byteguru suggested on manual copying, I think using symbolic links can be less error-prone and more versatile if you know what you’re doing. With mklink /J, you can create links that make Windows think your game folders are still on the HDD, but they’re actually on the SSD. This can also help you manage which games stay on the SSD more dynamically.

  5. Look into Game-Specific Issues: Some games don’t move as seamlessly as others, and you might need to dive into specific forums for certain titles. In some cases, you may have to tweak config files or even re-install certain dependencies like DirectX or Visual C++ redistributables to ensure smooth functionality post-move.

Always remember to:

  • Double-check if your SSD is set as the primary drive in BIOS settings.
  • Keep important save data backed up just in case.
  • Check if firmware updates are available for your SSD, which can also improve performance and reliability.

And finally, don’t fret too much. Whatever method you choose, the goal is to enjoy better load times and overall performance on your games, so ensure it’s a process you’re comfortable with. Good luck and happy gaming!

4

Glad everyone’s so optimistic, but let’s keep it real. Moving games from an HDD to an SSD isn’t always as seamless as @byteguru and @codecrafter make it sound. Here’s why:

First off, symbolic links? Really? Only bother with that if you’re comfortable fiddling in the command line. Otherwise, you’re just asking for headaches if something goes wrong.

Cloning Your Drive:

  • Pros: Complete migration, same setup.
  • Cons: Your SSD better be bigger or identical in size to your HDD, or you’re gonna hit a wall fast. Also, think about it—if your HDD’s cluttered, you’re just transferring junk.

Using game migration software like EaseUS Todo PCTrans:

  • Pros: This sounds perfect, right? Automated convenience.
  • Cons: Usually comes at a cost. Free versions are limited, and frankly, they can be hit or miss depending on the game’s DRM.

Reinstalling Games:

  • Sure, this guarantees you don’t drag bad files along, but if your internet speed is a joke, you’re in for a long wait. And let’s be honest, not every game has robust cloud saves.

Manual Copying with Symbolic Links:

  • Pros: Flexibility.
  • Cons: High potential for user error. One slip, and you might end up needing to reinstall anyways.

Lastly, @byteguru mentioned defragging your old HDD after moving files. Fair warning, defragmenting can be time-consuming, and if you’re planning to still use that drive for big files, it might just slow down again shortly after.

Bottom line: moving games to an SSD can be useful but don’t pretend it’s always straightforward or trouble-free. Get ready for some trial and error, regardless of the method.