Safe way to transfer or move programs from c to drive on Windows 11/10?

How to transfer installed applications, programs, software, and even games from C drive to another drive in Windows 11/10/8/7:

https://www.reddiite.com/transfer-programs-from-c-to-d-drive

If you want a safe and fast way to transfer programs from C drive to D, then a dedicated app migration tool is more helpful.  Third-party application migration tools are software specifically designed to help users migrate installed programs, files, and settings from the system drive (usually C drive) to other storage devices (e.g. D drive, SSD). These tools simplify the migration process by automating scripting, file copying, and registry modifications to avoid the complexity and risk of manual operations.

Here are the main advantages of using such tools:

1. Save time and effort, no need to do it manually
Auto Scan: The tool will automatically identify which programs are safe to migrate (exclude system critical files).
Batch migration: Transfer multiple programs at once, avoiding the tedious process of uninstalling and reinstalling them one by one.

2. Handling complex residual files
Manual deletion may miss registry entries, configuration files or user data, while the tool can deeply clean up residuals.

3. Support for forced migration of fixed-path programs
Some programs (such as games, drivers) are not allowed to modify the path of the installation, third-party tools can bypass the restrictions through the underlying technology.

4. Low-risk operations
Tools usually provide a “preview” function, so you can check whether the target path is available before migration to avoid overwriting wrong files.

5. For large programs or games
The data files of games are usually stored in the user directory (C:\Users), so the tool can migrate the whole user folder in bulk.

Fortunately, there are a couple of amazing tools available to help transfer programs from c to d on Windows 10/11 without any issue. It is more safe and convenient!

Before you moving program from C to D drive, don’t just drag and drop your program’s folder from one drive to another like you would with a regular file. That usually doesn’t work out well, and it can leave you with a broken program. Use built-in tools like Windows’ "Apps & Features" or consider third-party tools like Steam Mover or Application Mover for this job. 

You know how sometimes programs rely on specific files or settings that aren’t actually in their main folder? If you just move one folder, those other little files (like DLLs or registry entries) might get left behind. This can cause the program to crash when you try to run it, making you wish you hadn’t bothered. Always check if there are any dependencies and move them too.

If you're manually moving programs, you might have to deal with the registry. Don’t go poking around in there if you’re unsure! Changing paths without knowing what’s what can lead to a corrupt registry entry. Use registry cleaner tools cautiously, and only if you really know what you're doing. Moving programs from C to D drive on Windows 11/10 can sometimes mess with permissions, especially if the new drive has different security settings. Be prepared to run your program as an administrator or tweak some security settings after the move to avoid access issues.

One proven way to transfer apps from c drive to d drive is by changing the system environment variables.

1. Press Win + R and type sysdm.cpl → Enter → Click on “Advanced System Settings”. In the System Properties window click on the Environment Variables button.

2. In the “System Variables” area, find the following two items (you may need to scroll to find them): Program Files and Common Files.

3. Double-click Program Files. Change the variable value from the default C:\Program Files to D:\Program Files. Click OK.

4. Press Win + R and type cmd → Right click and select “Run as Administrator” to open the Command Prompt.
Enter the following command to check if the path has been modified

5. If the output shows D:\Program Files and D:\Common Files, the modification is successful.

6. Run an installer that is known to support customized paths (e.g. Notepad++, 7-Zip). Observe in the installation wizard that the default installation path automatically points to the D drive.

7. After the installation is complete, open the D drive to verify that the program files exist in D:\Program Files or D:\Common Files.

With this method, you can easily move programs from c to d on Windows 11/10 and control the installation location of new programs in bulk, but you need to weigh the convenience and system stability. If you only need to migrate a few programs, it is recommended that you give priority to using Method 1

You can move apps from c to d on Windows 11 or Windows 10 through the control panel and then reinstalled.
The installed program explicitly allows the selection of a custom path during installation (common for most business software, office suites, etc.). And there is no need to modify system environment variables or use third-party tools.

How to Transfer apps/programs from C to D on Windows 11/10:

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Windows 10/11: Press Win + S → type “Control Panel” → select “Programs” → “Programs and Features”.
Or via the system settings path: Settings → Applications → Applications and Features (Windows 10/11).

Step 2: Uninstalling a program

Find the target program in the list → Right-click and select “Uninstall”. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. If the program prompts “Do you want to delete desktop shortcuts/start menu items” → It is recommended to check Delete (to avoid residual files interference).

Note: Some programs (e.g. Adobe series) may ask for administrator password, so you need to get administrator privileges in advance.

Step 3: Cleaning residual files (optional but recommended)

Manually delete the residual files in the following locations (caution should be exercised):

• C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)
• C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Roaming
• C:\Users\Your Username\AppData\Local

Step 4: Reinstall Apps to D Drive

If the original program does not retain the installation files, you need to download the official installation package again (make sure the version is the same as before). Double-click the installation package  and run as administrator. In the “Installation Location” or “Destination Folder” step of the installation wizard, manually enter or browse to the path of D drive. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.

With these steps, you can safely transfer the installed apps from the C drive to the D drive. If you encounter problems with a specific program, we recommend consulting its official documentation or contacting technical support.

About moving program from C to D on Windows computer. If you dig a vintage vibe, you can use the classic Control Panel to uninstall and reinstall programs:

Uninstall the program from the C drive:

• Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
• Find the program, right-click, and hit Uninstall.

Reinstall on the D drive:

• When you install it again, look for a custom install option. Point it to your D drive, and voila! Program is now living on D!

And you can also move programs from C to D on Windows computer by creating a Custom Shortcut. A bit of a trick but works like a charm for programs that store files in their own folders without true "installation" requirements:

1. Locate the Program’s Folder on your C drive.
2. Cut and Paste it into your D drive.
3. Create a Shortcut back to the original location:
   - Right-click on the program’s executable file and select Create shortcut.
   - Move that shortcut back to wherever you usually access it from (like your desktop).
   - This won’t technically move the program, but it’ll let you use it from the D drive!

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can use PowerShell to create symbolic links. This will let Windows think the program is still in its original spot, while it’s actually chilling on your D drive:

• Open PowerShell as admin (right-click on Start and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
• Use this command: New-Item -ItemType Junction -Path "C:\Path\To\Original\Program" -Target "D:\Path\To\New\Program"

Replace the paths with where your program actually is. This one requires some know-how but can be super helpful if you move a lot of programs!

Moving programs from C drive to your D drive on a Windows computer can be a bit of a hassle. Most programs install by default on the C drive because that’s where Windows is set up, but if you’re running out of space or just want to organize things differently, you might want to move some of those programs to your D drive.

Here’s how to move programs from C to D on Windows 11/10:

1.Check if the program supports it:

Some programs can be uninstalled and reinstalled on a different drive. Do a little research or check the program's settings to see if it has an option to change the installation location.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall:

This is the easiest way if the program isn't too complicated.
Go to Settings > Apps, find the program you want to move, click it, then hit Uninstall.
When you reinstall, just choose the D drive as the installation location. Voila! Clean and easy.

3. Use the Windows Settings (for apps from Microsoft Store):

If you’ve got UWP apps (those cool apps from the Microsoft Store), you can move programs from C to D without uninstalling.
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find the app you want to move, click on it, and hit Move. Select your D drive, and you’re golden!

4. Manual Method (if you’re feeling adventurous):

This is for the tech-savvy folks. You can sometimes move program folders manually from C:\Program Files to D:\Program Files, but it’s a bit dicey.
After moving the program from C to D, you might need to create shortcuts or edit the registry, and that can be way more complicated and risky.
Make sure you back up your system or at least create a restore point before you dive into the registry.