Why games fill drives so quickly
A single modern game can take tens of gigabytes, and some take considerably more. Updates, optional high-resolution packs and downloadable extras add to that. A library of a dozen titles can easily overwhelm a small drive, especially one that also holds your operating system and personal files.
A nearly full drive causes more than inconvenience. Updates may fail, the system can slow down, and the operating system may struggle to find space for temporary files. It is sensible to leave a healthy amount of free space, commonly cited as around a tenth or more of the drive, though there is no exact rule.
Know what you have
Before moving anything, check which drives your computer has and how much room each one holds. Many computers have a single drive, while others combine a smaller, faster one with a larger, slower one. Our overview of storage basics explains the terms, and the question of memory and storage needs is worth revisiting if you are always short on space.
Most game launchers and the operating system can show how much space each installed game uses. Sorting by size quickly shows where the space is going. Often a few games account for most of it.
Where games should live
There is no single right answer, but some general principles help.
Fast drive for games you play now. Solid-state drives typically load games and levels faster than traditional hard drives. Put the games you play most often, particularly large ones with long loading screens, on the faster drive if you have one. A speed difference is mostly felt as shorter loading times, though some games that stream data while you play can also benefit.
Larger, slower drive for the rest. Games you play occasionally are fine on a bigger, cheaper hard drive. They will load more slowly, but they will still run.
Keep the system drive uncrowded. Your operating system benefits from room to work in. Putting every game on the same drive as the system can leave it cramped.
External drives for archives. An external drive can hold games you rarely play, but running games from one can be slower and less reliable, especially over a slow connection or from a drive that is unplugged mid-session. If you do it, make sure the drive is suited to the task, and never unplug it while a game is running or updating.
Choosing install locations
Most launchers let you add several library folders on different drives and choose where each game installs. Setting this up early saves effort later. A sensible approach is to create one library folder on each drive and decide, game by game, where it should live.
Check the launcher’s own help for the current steps, since menus change between versions.
Moving an existing install
Many launchers offer a built-in way to move a game to another library folder. This is generally safer than manually copying folders, because the launcher keeps track of the new location. A general outline:
- Make sure the destination has enough free space, with some to spare.
- Close the game and let any updates finish.
- Use the launcher’s move or relocate option if it has one.
- Launch the game and check that it works, and that your saved games are still present, before deleting anything.
If a game does not support moving, the usual alternative is to uninstall it and install it again on the other drive. Be careful: some games keep saved data inside the install folder, so uninstalling could remove it. Back up your saves first. Knowing where each game stores its saves is a good habit, and the game’s documentation or support pages usually say.
Some launchers also keep saves in the cloud, which is convenient, but treat that as a bonus and not a replacement for your own copy. Cloud backups differ in what they cover, and a sync problem can leave you without the version you wanted.
Freeing space safely
When you need room, work from the safest options to the more drastic:
- Uninstall games you no longer play. Your purchases are normally kept in your account, so you can often download them again later. Check the store’s terms if you are unsure.
- Remove optional extras. Some games offer separate downloads, such as language packs or high-resolution texture packs. Removing ones you do not use can free space.
- Clear launcher caches and leftover installers. Some launchers keep downloaded files after installation. Look in their settings for cleanup options.
- Check for old mods and duplicate copies. Old downloads accumulate.
- Use general cleanup habits. Our guide to freeing up disk space safely explains how to find large files and avoid deleting something important.
Before deleting anything you do not recognize, stop. Folders with unfamiliar names may belong to the operating system or other programs. If in doubt, leave it alone.
Keeping things tidy over time
- Review your library every few months and remove games you have finished.
- Install only what you intend to play soon. Downloads are often quick enough that keeping every game installed is unnecessary.
- Watch update sizes. Some games release updates of many gigabytes, and need extra temporary space while installing.
- Keep an eye on drive health. Basic knowledge of drive health can help, and unusual noises, errors or sudden slowness are reasons to back up and investigate.
When it is time to add storage
If you keep running out of room, a larger or additional drive may be the long-term answer. Compatibility varies, so check what your computer supports and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Back up everything important before opening the case or changing drives, because mistakes during hardware changes can cause data loss. For a broader view, see our discussion of the storage upgrade question.