Running out of storage? Try these tips to free up space on Windows 10

6. Free up space moving files, apps, games to external drive

If you’re still running low on storage, you should set up an external drive to move and store your current and future files. Also, you can even configure Windows 10 to save files in the new location automatically for future data.

Moving local files to new drive

To move existing files to a new drive, connect the external drive to your device, and use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Browse to the folder with the content you want to move.
3. Select the items.
4. Click the Home tab.

5. Click the Move to button.

   

   

   Source: Windows Central

6. Select the Choose location option.
7. Select the new destination.

8. Click the Move button.

   

   

   Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the instructions to move additional files and folders to a new location as necessary to reduce the storage usage in the drive running out of space.

Saving future files to new drive automatically

To configure Windows 10 to save files, and install apps on the new location automatically, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.

4. Under the “More storage settings” section, click the Change where new content is saved option.

   

   

   Source: Windows Central

5. Use the drop-down menus, select the new drive location to save files automatically for each content type.

   

   

   Source: Windows Central

6. Click the Apply button.

Once you complete the steps, new files and apps you download from the Microsoft Store will save in the new location by default.

Moving apps and games to new drive

Windows 10 lets you move many Microsoft Store apps and games already installed on your device to an external storage without reinstallation, which can help to reduce the storage usage on a drive.

To move apps and games to another location, connect a new drive, and use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click on Apps & features.
4. Use the “Sort by” filter and select the Size view to quickly identify the apps and games using the most space.
5. Select the app or game that you want to migrate.
6. Click the Move button.

7. Use the drop-down menu to select the location.

   

   

   Source: Windows Central

8. Click the Move button again.

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the same instructions to move additional apps or games to the new location.

When using this feature, you must keep the external drive always connected to your computer. Otherwise, you won’t be able to launch the apps or play those games you moved to the new location.