Move Xbox and Microsoft Store Games to a Faster SSD in Windows 10/11
Difficulty: Beginner | Time Required: 10 minutesIf your Xbox app or Microsoft Store games are installed on a slower hard drive, moving them to a faster SSD can reduce loading times, improve texture streaming, and free up valuable space on your Windows system drive. The good news is that many Xbox and Microsoft Store games can be moved without uninstalling or redownloading the entire game.
This tutorial walks you through the safest beginner-friendly ways to move installed Xbox and Microsoft Store games to a faster SSD in Windows 10 and Windows 11. You will also learn how to set the SSD as the default location for future game installs.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have:- A working SSD installed or connected
- Internal NVMe or SATA SSDs are best for gaming.
- External USB SSDs can work, but performance depends on the USB port and enclosure.
- Enough free space on the SSD
- Check the game’s installed size before moving it.
- Leave extra free space for updates, save data, and temporary files.
- Your game closed
- Exit the game completely before moving it.
- If needed, restart your PC first to make sure no game files are still in use.
- The Xbox app and Microsoft Store updated
- Open Microsoft Store, go to Library, and install available updates.
- This can help avoid installation or Gaming Services issues.
Step 1: Confirm Your SSD Is Ready
- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Select This PC from the left sidebar.
- Look for your SSD under Devices and drives.
- Confirm that it has enough free space for the game you want to move.
Step 2: Move a Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Using Windows Settings
This is the easiest method for many Microsoft Store and Xbox app games.On Windows 11
- Click Start.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Select Installed apps.
- Find the game you want to move.
- Click the three-dot menu next to the game.
- If available, select Move.
- Choose your faster SSD from the drive list.
- Click Move again.
- Wait for Windows to finish transferring the game.
On Windows 10
- Click Start.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Open Apps & features.
- Find the game in the list.
- Click the game.
- Select Move if the option appears.
- Choose the SSD as the destination.
- Click Move.
- Wait for the process to complete.
Step 3: Move a Game Using the Xbox App
Some Xbox app games are easier to manage directly from the Xbox app, especially newer PC Game Pass titles.- Open the Xbox app.
- Select My Library or Installed.
- Choose the game you want to move.
- Select the More options button, usually shown as three dots, or open the game’s management page.
- Choose Manage.
- Look for a tab or section such as Files, Installation, or Manage installation.
- Select Change drive, Move, or a similar option.
- Choose your faster SSD.
- Confirm the move.
- Wait for the Xbox app to complete the transfer.
Step 4: Set the SSD as the Default Location for Future Games
After moving your current games, it is a good idea to tell Windows and the Xbox app to install future games on the SSD automatically.Set the default app location in Windows 11
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Storage.
- Expand Advanced storage settings.
- Select Where new content is saved.
- Find New apps will save to.
- Choose your SSD.
- Click Apply.
Set the default app location in Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Storage.
- Under More storage settings, select Change where new content is saved.
- Find New apps will save to.
- Choose your SSD.
- Click Apply.
Step 5: Set the Install Location in the Xbox App
You should also check the Xbox app’s own install settings.- Open the Xbox app.
- Click your profile picture.
- Open Settings.
- Select Installation options or General, depending on your app version.
- Choose your SSD as the default install drive or folder.
- If available, enable the option to ask for install options each time you install a game.
Step 6: Test the Game After Moving
Once the move is complete:- Open the Xbox app or Start menu.
- Launch the game.
- Let the game check for updates if prompted.
- Load into a save file, menu, or benchmark area to confirm everything works.
Tips and Troubleshooting
The Move button is missing
If there is no Move option, the game may not support being moved through Windows Settings. Try the Xbox app. If that also does not work, uninstall and reinstall the game to the SSD.The Xbox app still installs to the old drive
Check both locations:- Windows Settings > System > Storage > Where new content is saved
- Xbox app > Settings > Installation options
The game will not launch after moving
Try these fixes:- Restart your PC.
- Open Microsoft Store and update all apps.
- Open the Xbox app and check for updates.
- Repair the game from Settings > Apps > the game > Advanced options, if available.
- If repair does not work, uninstall and reinstall the game to the SSD.
The SSD does not appear as an option
Make sure the drive is connected and visible in File Explorer. If it is a new drive, it may need to be initialized, formatted, or assigned a drive letter in Disk Management.Should I manually drag the game folder?
No. Do not manually move Xbox or Microsoft Store game folders using File Explorer. These games use managed app packages and permissions. Moving folders manually can break the installation, cause launch errors, or force a full reinstall.Conclusion
Moving Xbox and Microsoft Store games to a faster SSD is one of the easiest gaming upgrades you can make in Windows 10 or Windows 11. In many cases, you can move games directly through Windows Settings or the Xbox app without redownloading them. Once your games are on an SSD, you should see faster loading, smoother asset streaming, and better use of your storage space.Key Takeaways:
- Moving games to an SSD can reduce load times and improve overall game responsiveness.
- Use Windows Settings or the Xbox app instead of manually moving game folders.
- Set your SSD as the default location for future Microsoft Store and Xbox app installs.
- If a game cannot be moved, reinstall it directly to the SSD.
- Keep the Microsoft Store, Xbox app, and Gaming Services updated for the best experience.
This tutorial was generated to help WindowsForum.com users get the most out of their Windows experience.
References for editorial review
- Microsoft Support confirms that Windows users can change where new content is saved, including new apps, through Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved. (support.microsoft.com)
- Microsoft Support documents the Windows 11 installed apps path as Settings > Apps > Installed apps. (support.microsoft.com)
- Microsoft Support notes that Microsoft Store apps and games can be installed through the Store and are updated automatically. (support.microsoft.com)
- Microsoft Learn states that newer Xbox PC game installation handling allows users to select install directories and move games across drives through the Xbox app for supported PC games.
- Microsoft Support states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. (support.microsoft.com)
References
- Official source: support.microsoft.com
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