FolderMove is a free, portable, and straightforward Windows utility designed to move installed programs, applications, or games from one drive or folder to another without breaking them or requiring a complete reinstallation.
It is especially useful for users with limited SSD space who need to move large applications to a secondary hard drive (HDD).
Table of Contents
Notes:
Destination (Move To:) Do not include the orignal folder name. For example:
Move From: c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office
Move to: d:\Program Files\
No need to put Microsoft Office into Move To: text box
Key Features and Functionality
- Symbolic Link Technology: FolderMove moves the folder to a new location and creates a Symbolic Link (junction point) in the original location. This trickery makes Windows and the application believe the files are still in the original spot, ensuring they continue to function normally.
- No Installation Required: The tool is a small executable file (under 1MB) that can be run directly from any folder, USB stick, or drive.
- Simple Three-Step Process:
- Select Source: Select the folder you want to move.
- Select Destination: Choose the new location.
- Move: Click “Move and set Symbolic link”.
- Safety Measure: It automatically moves the files and sets the link.
Best Use Cases
- Freeing up space on a small C: drive (SSD) by moving programs to a larger D: drive.
- Relocating games to a faster or larger drive to improve performance or make room for updates.
- Moving massive applications like IDEs, video editing software, or game libraries.
Important Considerations
- Run as Administrator: The program requires elevated rights (Administrator) to create symbolic links.
- Avoid System Files: Do not use this tool on core Windows directories, such as
C:\Windowsor the rootProgram Filesfolders, as it may break the operating system. Only use it for individual application or game folders.- Not move the root system folder such as C:\Program Files, C:\Program Files (x86)， C:\Users
- For C:\Program Files, C:\Program Files (x86)，it usually safe to move the individual folder under them. Not directly to move the whole folder.
- For C:\Users folder, you can refer my this post https://blog.51sec.org/2021/08/win10win-11-performance-optimization.html to use command line tool to move individual user’s folder
- Not move the root system folder such as C:\Program Files, C:\Program Files (x86)， C:\Users
- Alternatives: Similar tools include FreeMove or Steam Mover.
What is Symbolic Link?
A symbolic link contains a text string that is automatically interpreted and followed by the operating system as a path to another directory. The symbolic link is a second file that exists independently of its target. If a symbolic link is deleted, its target remains unaffected. If a symbolic link points to a target, and sometime later that target is moved, renamed or deleted, the symbolic link is not automatically updated or deleted, but continues to exist and still points to the old target.