C: and D: drive question * Answered*

[ok_cpu]

Last edited Mon Apr 18, 2022, 06:34 AM - Edit history (1)

My Windows 10 Pro computer has C: (OS) and D: (Data) drives. I'm not sure if these are physical drives or just partitions, but anyway...

The C: drive is about 1/10 of the size of the D: drive and I assume now is meant for system and boot stuff. I just realized the hard way when installing a program that I missed changing my default install location, everything is on the C:, and at only 100 GB or so it's just about maxed out. I've gone through the "Apps and Features" and it doesn't seem like I can move any of the big offenders through those settings.

I believe I can move the "Users" folder, but that would have almost no impact as I sync OneDrive and keep very few files on the machine.

Is there a way to switch locations for programs? Or do I change the default going forward and let the existing stuff ride? Or start un / reinstalling stuff?

Thank you!

[Eko]

1. Uninstall the program

and reinstall on D. then do a disk clean up on Drive C.

[ok_cpu]

6. Thank you. I appreciate it.

[PoliticAverse]

2. First find out whether they are physical drives or just partitions on the same drive.

If they are just partitions on the same drive (probably not but possible) you can use a partition program to change the size of the partitions (expanding C and shrinking D)

If it turns out they are different drives, just uninstalling reinstalling on drive D: is probably the easiest method for most programs
but there are also some utility programs you can get that will move some installed programs from the C to D drive for you.

It may be possible for the operating system to move the program for you, for example on Windows 10 see:
https://recoverit.wondershare.com/harddrive-errors/move-programs-from-c-drive-to-d-drive-windows-10.html

[canetoad]

4. Yep, as PoliticAverse said above

You'll need to become familiar with Windows Administrative Tools in the start menu.

First go to Computer Management then on the left, Disk Management and give it a moment to populate the list. You'll find out how many physical disks you have and what partitions they contain.

It is possible, using inbuilt Windows tools to shrink or extend partitions on the same disk. Post a screenshot of your Disk Management window if unsure.

[ok_cpu]

7. Thanks. Appreciate the link.

[Tetrachloride]

3. Do backups before messing with partitions

or you might end up on the wrong side of zero

[canetoad]

5. Another thought

I wouldn't be bothering about trying to move programs around. This will play hell with your registry and believe me, it's not worth it. Just un / reinstall in the right place when you have the partitions worked out.

[ok_cpu]

8. I think that's safest for me.

Other than maybe booting a second or two slower, it's running well and I don't want to wreck anything. Appreciate the advice!