Windows 10: How to move User Folder and Restrict Access to other Drives/Partition

Hi, everyone.

I just recently joined this forum with the intent of getting help in setting up a new computer. I've done a fair share of research in this (and other) forum, but the variety of solutions I found left me confused more than ever. I hope someone can point me in the right direction, and explain to me how to achieve my desired setup in a way that a regular user like me could understand.

Basically, I have three concerns:
1. How to properly setup an admin, standard, and guest account
2. How to move user data to different drives/partitions
3. How to restrict access to drives/partitions

First off, some relevant details on my current setup:

Operating System Windows 10 Home Single Language 64-bit Storage (Internal) 250GB SSD, 2TB HDD User Accounts My main user account only (no other accounts yet)
Currently, I already have Windows 10 running in C: (SSD) with some programs installed, while the 2TB (HDD) space is still unallocated. I'm planning to break it up as described below:

SSD - 250GB HDD - 2TB C: (System) - 250GB D: (Backup) - 250GB E: (Work) - 850GB F: (Personal) - 850GB G: (Visitor) - 50GB
Next, I want to create three accounts: An admin account, a work account, and a guest account.

Account/Profile To be used for User (Admin) Personal things and changes to the system Work (Standard) Work (this will be used on a daily basis) Visitor (Guest) Guests
Aside from the User (Admin) account, the other accounts should only see their respective drives. Here's what each user account should "see" as visible drives/partitions in file explorer.

Account/Profile Visible Drives in File Explorer User (Admin) C, D, E, F, G (all drives accessible) Work (Standard) E* Visitor (Guest) G
*There are instances in my work that require other users to use my computer, so I want to restrict access to other drives to prevent others from snooping around and/or causing unwanted changes to the computer.

With this setup, I need to redirect the user files for each user account into their respective partitions; namely E, F, and G.

Drive/Partition Purpose C: (System) System and Programs D: (Backup) System images and other recovery files E: (Work) All user files for "Work" account (documents, appdata downloads, pictures, music, videos, etc.) F: (Personal) All user files for "User" account (me) G: (Visitor) All user files for "Visitor" account
I hope I was able to explain well what I want to achieve. If not, please feel free to ask me and I will do my best to clarify.

I sincerely appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you in advance.

PS. To Forum Admin, I apologize for any error in format. If there's any, please let me know and I will correct it. Thank you.

:)

 

Windows 10 Freezes 2017

If you move files to another partition or hard drive and then reinstall to C it will ignore the User folders on the other partition because it is only reinstalling Windows as it exists by default and doesn't take notice of the moved User folders in the install
it's overwriting.

Afterwards you'd move the User folders to the other drive from each one's Properties location tab just like before:

Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation & Upgrade Tutorials

But if the files are on the same hard drive it's always best to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get the install cleanest and avoid building up a disk junkyard, so I'd back up the files first externally, as should be done anyway since
a hard drive can die at any time without warning.

Remember to never move Desktop User folder to another physical hard drive as it will result in a loop.

If you're doing an Upgrade or Repair Install then it's best to move the User folders back to default location though you can leave the files themselves where they are and link them back again later.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

 

lost file properties

You neglected to mention what 'properties' you're talking about.

With respect to access permissions: Folders and files inherit their access permissions from their parent folder, including the root folder of a drive. You can break the inheritance if you wish and determine your own access permissions if you feel confident
in your knowledge. However, as soon as you move a folder or file to a new parent folder, the parent folder's access permissions once again take over.

This is how the Windows operating system has always worked and it's how organizations are able to assign access permissions across a network in a consistent and predictable manner.

Therefore, the first thing to do before moving folders and files to a new partition - like when I moved all my user data (documents, pictures, email, etc.) to a new partition - is to setup the permissions as you wish on the root of the new partition. Then
move your folders and files.

In general, it's best to adhere to Microsoft's default access permissions for files of the same type you want to move, as I did. Access permissions are complex and have far-reaching ramifications. Microsoft has had many years to carefully think this through
and configure appropriate permissions.

 

Hello, considering just part of your question: if you have a look at the extensive and professional Tutorial section here
Windows 10 Tutorial Index Windows 10 Tutorials
and search for 'location' you will find a number of tutorials such as (& there are more)

Change Save Location for New Apps in Windows 10 Windows 10 Apps Features Tutorials
Enable or Disable Changing Save Location of Apps in Windows 10 Windows 10 Apps Features Tutorials
Move Apps to another Drive in Windows 10 Windows 10 Apps Features Tutorials
Move Location of Desktop Folder in Windows 10 Windows 10 Customization Tutorials
Restore Default Location of Personal Folders in Windows 10 Windows 10 User Accounts Tutorials
Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials
Documents Folder - Move Location in Windows 10 Windows 10 Customization Tutorials

which may be of interest in specifying where certain data is to be stored.

Please be aware some users get themselves into a horrible mess by specifying the wrong destination in setting the location.

Note: I haven't attempted to completely address all the issues raised.
It is an excellent strategy to try to keep user data off C: - note that includes data used by certain programs.

Please be cautious in making such changes.

As ever, please use disk imaging routinely in planning your new system, if you've not yet discovered the great advantages in doing so.

We strongly recommend e.g. Macrium Reflect (free) + its boot medium + external storage for image sets.
Having a disk image allows you to recover fairly quickly from major problems without technical help, including disk failure, ransomware, and even user error.

 

Thanks for the tip, Dalchina! I'll definitely check the links you provided.

One thing I've learned from all the forums threads I read regarding changing anything of significance to the computer is to FIRST back up your system (restore point, image, etc.). As such, I've already done necessary precautions even before posting in the forum, and will continue to do so during major steps in the process. I appreciate the reminder! *Smile

 

It's very simple trying to restrict access to lock your self out. Before restricting anything you have to make an allow first you have to remember everyone group has admins as a member so if you lock everyone it will effect admins. Some folders must have system with full control