Windows 10: Can I move Program Files folder (and x86 folder) from C: (SDD) to D: (HDD) drive?

Dear Microsoft Community,


I have recently purchased a HP laptop with Windows 10 (build 1809). The machine came with a 1Tb HDD. I purchased and installed a 250Gb Solid State Drive and reinstalled Windows on this drive. I now have the SSD as drive C: and the HDD as D:.

My goal is to improve Boot speeds (currently at 17 seconds).


The idea would be to have all media stored on the 1Tb HDD, like photos, music, videos, downloads, games etc, and have just have the Windows operating system on SDD. Is this recommended?


I have already changed the location of Users folders to the HDD (Music, Desktop, Downloads, Videos, Documents, Saved Games). I wonder if it would be possible to also migrate the Programs Files folders to the HDD.


EaseUS software advises that: "the ideal way to make use of an SSD is not to put many large personal data files or install programs on it except for the critical system files because the massive data will affect its read/write speed".


AOMEI software instructs on how to change the Program Files folder path (From C: to D by editing the Registry.

I have read from other sources, however, that the Programs Files folders are linked to the operating system and changing their location could mess things up. I would greatly appreciate any advice on this issue.


MarkD


PS: I was also playing around the the Boot options when I installed the SDD and I am not sure what the original configuration was, or the best, for boot speeds. I currently have USB Boot, Legacy and Secure Boot all disabled.

:)

 

Is there a problem locating a program on a D: drive instead of C: which is getting full. My D: has no program files(x86) folder.

locating a program on a D: drive instead of C: which is getting full. My D: has no program files(x86) folder.

 

Hidden folders

I installed `Kane and Lynch` on my PC twice in Program Files(x86) folder but I can`t find them (2 folders with game). But free space on my HDD is lower. So there`re those folders on my hdd. I use option `unhide` hidden folders but still can`t find them. Any suggestions? How can i delete those hidden folders?

When I run istallation for this game I can see those folders in Program Files(x86) folde.

I`m using Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit.

 

Are the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders important?


Hi,

I was wondering how important the two mentioned folders are when installing a software. I know most programs suggest being installed to one of them, but it is really necessary? What happens if I choose another folder?

I use the game client Steam for example. It wants to go into C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam

Does it matter if I place it in C:\Another Folder\Steam?

Are there any programs that MUST be installed in either Program Files or Program Files (x86) to work properly?

On my desktop computer I have one SSD disk (C) and one regular hard disk (D). Here I have always installed software to D:\Program Files and never seen any issues with that (note that this Program Files folder was made by me and not by Windows. Those folders are located on the C drive but never used by me).

The reason I'm asking is because I'd like to sync a few folders from a software located in \Program Files\ using Synology Cloud Station. For some reason it does not have access to the Program Files folders on the C drive (but it can access the one on D drive).