Open Steam’s Settings > Storage to inspect your library locations and manage installed games. To move a game without uninstalling it, create or select a destination Steam Library, then use Steam’s Move option. Moving a game is different from moving the Steam client itself: the latter needs extra care, including a backup of steamapps.
Check Steam game storage and library locations
Steam’s Storage page is the built-in place to review installation drives and manage Steam Library locations. The available drives and library paths are the useful starting point when you need to decide where a game can go. Steam’s interface can change as the client updates, so follow the labels visible in your installed version. Steam’s guide to moving an installation and games describes this Storage workflow.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Open the Steam client and select Steam > Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Review the listed installation drive and library locations. Select a drive to work with the games installed there.
- To add a library location on another drive, use the plus control in Storage and choose or create the destination path. Once added, the location can be selected for future installations as well as game moves.
Steam’s support guide gives C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon as the default Windows game folder. Treat this as Steam’s cited Windows example, not a universal location: a library on another drive, a changed installation setup, or a different operating system can use a different path.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Storage is also where you begin when you want to choose which drive’s installed games to manage. If your goal is to free space on one drive, identify the games associated with that drive and move selected installations to a library with room. Steam’s support instructions do not establish a universal amount of free space required for a move; the destination needs enough capacity for the selected installation.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
It helps to distinguish checking where games are installed from deciding whether a move is necessary. Storage lets you see the libraries Steam knows about and select a drive to manage its installed games. If you are trying to reclaim room, first identify which games are on the drive you want to free up, then select only the installations you intend to relocate. A move changes the location of an installation; it is not the same as removing the game from your account or uninstalling it.
Do not assume that the Windows default path applies to every game or every Steam setup. If you previously added a library on another drive, the game may be under that library’s path instead. The relevant location is the one shown for the library in Steam, not necessarily the default folder in the support example.
Prepare a destination Steam Library
A destination folder is not enough by itself: it needs to be a Steam Library location recognized by the client. Add the alternate library in Settings > Storage before attempting a move. The plus control is also the recovery route if Steam no longer lists a library that already exists on a drive: add that existing alternate library through Storage so Steam can recognize it. Steam’s update and installation troubleshooting guidance covers adding an existing library and repairing installation issues.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Choose a drive and path that are available to the computer whenever you expect to launch games installed there.
- Check the destination’s available capacity against the games you plan to move; do not assume that every installation will fit.
- If you intend to use an external hard drive, account for Steam’s warning that external drives are not recommended for Steam installations because of potential performance issues. This is a caution, not a quantified performance comparison or a guarantee that every external setup will fail. Steam’s installation guide states the warning.
Adding a library is useful for both an immediate move and later installs. Once the alternate location exists in Steam, you can choose it as the destination for a game move and direct future installations there. Adding the path does not itself move any existing game; you still need to select the installation and start a move.
Before choosing a location, consider what will remain available to the computer. A library on a drive that is disconnected or unavailable cannot serve the same everyday purpose as one on a drive that stays connected. Steam specifically cautions against installing on external hard drives because of possible performance issues, so weigh that warning rather than treating an external drive as interchangeable with an internal one.
There is no universal capacity figure in Steam’s instructions for every game or move. The practical requirement is that the destination have enough free room for the selected installation or installations. If you plan to move multiple games, consider the set you selected as a whole instead of assuming each one will fit simply because the drive is listed. The support guidance does not give a fixed buffer or a method for estimating one.
Move one or more installed games with Storage
Steam’s Storage move feature transfers selected existing game installations to another library without requiring you to uninstall them first. Set up the destination library before starting.
- Open Steam > Settings > Storage.
- Select the drive that currently contains the game installations.
- Select the game or games you want to move.
- Choose Move, then select the destination Steam Library.
- Let Steam complete the move before closing the client or disconnecting the destination drive. When the move finishes, check that the games appear in Steam’s Library and start as expected.
The first four steps follow Steam’s documented process. The move is for the selected game installations, not a relocation of the Steam client program itself. It avoids the uninstall-and-reinstall route, but it does not replace checking local save files when your situation involves a new computer or a client reinstall.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
The Storage route is convenient when you want to act on more than one title or start from the drive you are trying to clear. Take a moment to confirm the source drive and the selected games before choosing Move. The destination must be a library Steam recognizes; if it is missing from the destination list, go back to Storage and add the library rather than selecting an arbitrary folder elsewhere on the drive.
Moving rather than uninstalling is the appropriate choice when you want the installed game to remain available in Steam from another location. You do not need to remove the game first and then download it again as part of Steam’s documented move process. Afterward, check the Library entry so you know Steam still lists the title. If the files or library do not behave as expected, use the troubleshooting options below rather than repeatedly moving or deleting folders.
For a planned space cleanup, a good sequence is to identify the source drive, choose the games you want to relocate, confirm that the destination is an added Steam Library with enough room, and then start the move. If there is no suitable destination, Steam’s move option cannot create capacity on its own; you will need another library location with adequate free space or a different space-management choice.
Move a single game from its Library page
If you only need to move one title, Steam also offers a per-game route. An alternate Library folder must already be configured before the destination appears as an option. Steam’s download and update management instructions describe this route.
- Open Library and right-click the game.
- Select Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Select Move Install Folder.
- Choose the destination Steam Library and confirm the move.
Use this path when you are acting on one game from its Library entry. Use Storage when you want to work from a particular drive and select multiple games. Both are Steam-supported ways to move game installations; neither is the procedure for moving the Steam client itself.
If the destination is not offered in Move Install Folder, the first thing to check is whether an alternate Library folder has already been set up. This route does not bypass the library requirement: add the desired location in Settings > Storage, then return to the game’s Installed Files page. The Storage and per-game methods differ in where you begin and whether you are selecting one title or working with a drive’s list, not in the need for a recognized destination.
For one title, the Library-page method can be simpler because it begins with the game you already have in mind. If you are not sure which games are installed on a particular drive, or want to move several at once, start in Storage instead. In either case, verify the destination before confirming so that you do not send the game to an unintended library.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Game move or Steam client move: choose the right operation
These operations affect different things. Moving a game changes where one or more game installations live. Moving the Steam client means relocating the client installation and its associated folders, which is a more involved change. Steam’s support guide specifically recommends backing up steamapps before attempting to move the client. If the client move fails and you have no backup, Steam warns that games may need to be reinstalled. Steam’s client-move guidance explains this risk.
Rank #3
- World’s First 6TB 2.5” Portable Hard Drive
- Up to 6TB[1] that can hold up to 150 games[3], so that you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles.
- Portable form factor with sleek metal top covering that provides fast access to your growing game library
- Speeds up to 130MB/s[2] to push your console or PC to new levels
- Compatible with Xbox Series X|S (play and store Xbox One games / archive Xbox Series X|S games) and PlayStation 5 (play and store PS4 games/archive PS5 games) consoles
| Action | What moves | Preparation | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move from Storage | One or more selected game installations | Add a destination Steam Library in Settings > Storage | Steam’s move feature transfers games without uninstalling them first. |
| Move from a game’s Properties | One game installation | Set up an alternate Library folder | Use Library > game Properties > Installed Files > Move Install Folder. |
| Move the Steam client | The client installation and its associated folders | Back up steamapps before proceeding |
A failed move without a backup can mean reinstalling games; this is not the same as moving a game to another library. |
If you are only short on room for games, moving game installations to another Steam Library is the narrower operation. Do not start a client relocation just to move a title or clear space from one library.
Think about the scope before starting. A Storage move or a move from a game’s Properties is intended for game installations; it does not relocate the Steam client itself. A client move is a broader change, so the backup recommendation matters. The two tasks should not be treated as interchangeable merely because both involve Steam folders and drives.
For a client move, first make the recommended backup of steamapps. Steam’s warning is specific: if the client move fails without a backup, games may need to be reinstalled. Also consider the game data that might not be inside that folder, especially local saves for third-party titles without Steam Cloud. Moving the client or installing Steam again is not a substitute for checking the save location of a particular game.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIf your goal is simply to make room on one drive, use the game-move workflow and leave the client installation alone. If you actually need to relocate the client, treat that as a separate maintenance task and prepare for its greater consequences. This distinction helps avoid taking on an unnecessary client move when a supported game-library move addresses the space problem.
Protect local saves when changing computers or reinstalling
A game installation and its save data are not necessarily stored in the same place. Steam notes that many third-party games that do not use Steam Cloud may store saves or profiles under C:Users[Windows user name]DocumentsMy Games. That is a location to check, not a guaranteed save folder: each developer determines where a game keeps its data. Steam’s installation troubleshooting page discusses save locations.
Before moving to another computer or reinstalling the client, check the specific game’s save location and backup requirements. Do not assume that moving the game folder also moves every local profile or save, or that every title uses Steam Cloud. The Windows path above is only a place to look for some games; the game’s own documentation or support can identify its actual location.
This warning is most relevant when the task involves more than changing the location of installed files on the same computer. Moving an installation between two Steam Libraries is not, by itself, proof that local save data has been copied or protected. If you are changing computers, reinstalling the client, or preparing for a broader relocation, check the game’s save arrangements before you begin.
Recommended Free Tools
Steam Cloud use varies by game. For a game that does not use it, do not assume a cloud copy will restore a local save later. Look up the particular title’s save location and backup instructions; the DocumentsMy Games path is a useful possible location on Windows, not a promise that every developer uses it. Save-file handling is game-specific.
Rank #4
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Troubleshoot a missing library or a game that will not work
If Steam does not recognize an existing alternate library, add it through the plus control in Settings > Storage. If a recognized library or its game files have problems, Steam documents two different checks: Repair Folder for a library and Verify Integrity of Game Files for a particular game. Steam’s troubleshooting guidance covers these options.
Repair a library folder
- Open Steam > Settings > Storage.
- Select the affected library or drive.
- Use the library’s repair option, labeled Repair Folder.
Verify one game’s files
- In Library, right-click the affected game and select Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Select Verify Integrity of Game Files and allow Steam to complete its check.
Steam says damaged files can result from hardware problems, crashes, power surges, or other causes. A single file error does not by itself identify a failing drive; use the repair or verification steps for the relevant library or game rather than drawing a hardware diagnosis from one symptom.
Choose the check that matches the problem. If Steam is not listing a library that already exists, add that existing library through Storage. If the library is recognized but needs attention, use Repair Folder. If the concern is with one game’s files, use Verify Integrity of Game Files from that game’s Installed Files page. These options address different scopes, so one should not be treated as a replacement for the other.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
File problems can have several causes, including hardware problems, crashes, and power surges. Steam’s troubleshooting guidance does not say that one damaged-file report proves the drive is failing. Start with the relevant Steam repair or verification action; do not infer a hardware diagnosis from a single error message.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need to buy another drive?
No purchase is required to use Steam’s move feature if you already have a suitable drive with enough room and can add a Steam Library there. If your existing drives cannot accommodate another library, a compatible internal drive may be one option, but the available support guidance does not compare drive types, specify a capacity or interface, or identify a compatible model. Check your computer’s physical and connection compatibility before buying hardware. An external hard drive is not Steam’s recommended installation choice because of potential performance issues; Steam does not quantify that effect or compare particular devices.
Capacity and compatibility are the key purchase checks supported here: the drive needs room for the installations you plan to move, and it must physically and electrically suit your computer. The exact capacity, interface, price, and model depend on the computer and the games involved; Steam’s guidance does not provide a universal recommendation. A new drive is an optional solution when existing space is insufficient, not a prerequisite for moving games.
If you compare internal and external storage, do not read Steam’s caution as a measured performance ranking of specific hardware. Steam warns that external hard drives can cause potential performance issues for Steam installations, but does not publish a figure or device comparison in the guidance. Consider that caution along with whether the drive will remain connected and whether it is compatible with your setup. There is no supported basis here to name a model or promise a particular speed improvement.
There is also no price quote or specific merchant recommendation in Steam’s instructions. Check current prices and your computer’s compatibility independently if you decide a purchase is necessary. If an existing drive already has adequate capacity and is a suitable location, creating another Steam Library there may solve the problem without buying anything.
Best Value
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check where my Steam games are installed?
Open Steam > Settings > Storage and review the listed drives and library locations. Select a drive to manage the games installed there. The Windows default cited by Steam is C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon, but other libraries, setups, and operating systems can use different paths.
Can I move a Steam game without uninstalling it?
Yes. Add or select a destination Steam Library in Settings > Storage, choose the source drive and game or games, then select Move and choose the destination. Steam also offers a one-game route through Library > game Properties > Installed Files > Move Install Folder.
Why can’t I select another drive as the destination?
The destination needs to be set up as a Steam Library first. Add the path using the plus control in Settings > Storage. If a library already exists but Steam no longer lists it, add that existing alternate library there.
Is moving the Steam client the same as moving a game?
No. Steam’s game-move feature relocates selected game installations. Moving the client is a separate, broader operation; Steam recommends backing up steamapps first and warns that a failed move without a backup may mean reinstalling games.
Will moving a game move its save files too?
Do not assume so, particularly when changing computers or reinstalling. Steam says some third-party games without Steam Cloud may store saves or profiles in C:Users[Windows user name]DocumentsMy Games, but each developer chooses the save location. Check the specific game’s backup requirements.
Can I install Steam games on an external hard drive?
Steam cautions that external hard drives are not recommended for Steam installations because of potential performance issues. The warning is not a quantified comparison and does not mean every external setup will fail. Check that the drive is available when you want to play.
What should I do if a Steam library or game files have a problem?
If a library is missing, add the existing path through Settings > Storage. For a recognized library, use Repair Folder. For an individual game, open Properties > Installed Files and choose Verify Integrity of Game Files. Steam notes that damaged files can have several causes, so a single error does not prove the drive is failing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDo I need to buy a new drive to move Steam games?
No, not if you already have a suitable drive with enough free capacity and can add a Steam Library there. If you need more storage, check the computer’s compatibility and the capacity required for the games you plan to move. Steam does not identify a specific model, interface, price, or capacity recommendation.
The Bottom Line
Use Settings > Storage to review Steam libraries, add a destination, and move one or more games without uninstalling them. For one title, use Properties > Installed Files > Move Install Folder. Treat moving the Steam client as a separate task: back up steamapps, check local save requirements, and use Steam’s repair or verification options if a library or game file has trouble.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
