Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsUse Steam’s built-in move feature: add a Steam library on the external SSD, then move the installed game to that library from Steam’s Storage settings or the game’s Installed Files settings. Steam supports moving existing game files between library locations without requiring a fresh download. External-drive use has important caveats: Steam warns about possible performance problems and disconnections, so keep the SSD connected while Steam is running and the game is in use.
Move the game with Steam Storage
- Connect the external SSD. Make sure your computer has mounted it, and keep it connected while Steam is running and while you use the game.
- Add a Steam library on the SSD. In Steam, open Settings → Storage, use the add-location control, and create a library location on the external drive. Steam needs a separate destination library before it can move the game. See Steam Support’s guide to moving a Steam installation and games.
- Select and move the game. In Settings → Storage, select the drive containing the game, select the game, and choose Move. Choose the new library on the external SSD if Steam prompts you to select a destination.
- Wait for Steam to finish. Do not disconnect the SSD or shut down Steam during the move. When the operation completes, launch the game from your Library to confirm Steam can access it.
Alternative: move it from the game’s properties
In Steam’s Library, open the game’s Properties → Installed Files → Move Install Folder… and select the library on the SSD. Steam documents this route as a way to move an installation without downloading the game again. The menu wording may vary slightly with Steam’s interface updates. See Steam Support’s download and update guidance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What to know before using an external SSD
Steam’s move feature can target another library location, but that does not mean Steam guarantees or recommends gaming from an external drive. Steam Support says, “External hard drives are not recommended for use with Steam or Steam’s games,” citing the possibility of disconnections at inconvenient times. Steam also warns of potential performance issues with installing Steam on an external drive. Its guidance does not give an SSD-specific performance guarantee, nor does it establish that an SSD avoids the connection risks.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If you choose to use the external SSD, leave it connected and mounted whenever Steam needs to access the game. A drive that is disconnected or unavailable can make Steam show the game as uninstalled or prevent it from launching. Steam’s caveats are explained in its pages on games appearing as uninstalled and moving a Steam installation and games.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
If Steam does not recognize the game after moving it
- Check the library location. Open Settings → Storage and make sure the SSD’s Steam library is listed. If it is missing, add the existing library folder through Steam’s storage management. Steam’s uninstalled-games troubleshooting guide covers adding an existing library.
- Check the connection. Confirm that the SSD is connected and mounted, then restart Steam if necessary and check the Library again.
- Repair or verify if Steam reports file problems. Steam’s installation troubleshooting includes repairing a library folder and verifying the integrity of local game files. Follow the steps in Steam Support’s Update & Installation Issues guide.
- Reinstall only if recovery fails. Steam’s troubleshooting guidance recommends reinstalling the game if adding the library and other recovery steps do not restore recognition.
Check saves separately
Do not assume that moving a game’s installation also moves or protects its save files. Save locations depend on the game, and third-party games that do not use Steam Cloud may store saves outside the Steam library. Check the game’s save-location and cloud-save information before moving it, and back up important saves. Steam’s save-location guidance, in its context of moving an entire Steam installation, notes that many Windows games use DocumentsMy Games but that developers choose where saves are stored. See Steam’s moving and backup guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #4
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
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.
