[SOLVED] big problem with moving windows from hdd to ssd

[xCJ11]

So, I've gotten my new ssd thinking i'd just copy and paste the windows folder from my hdd to the ssd but before doing that i checked yt and it was a whole different thing..
i found out that i have to clone the hdd (1tb) to my ssd(240gb) and my partition containing the windows files is a 475gb partition and i cant copy that into the ssd and i wouldnt have if my ssd was like 500gb because i just want the windows files... and a few games that i choose...
can anyone please help.. idk what to do and i dont want to install some special software that costs money and i dont wanna fill up my ssd with files other than the windows files and any other essential files for booting my pc, any help?
pc-
ryzen 5 3400g 4.1
asrock b450 steel legend
asus tuf gtx 1650
hyperx fury rgb 2*8gb 2666
zalman wattbit 500w 83+
wd blue 2012 1tb
gigabyte ssd 240gb (GP-GSTFS31240GNTD)

 

[USAFRet]

and other games r from pirated website stuff

You're on your own with those.
Good luck.

 

[USAFRet]

i heard i can link the files when i change their drive location from the adminstrator command prompt

And I heard that you will absolutely screw this up.

Do this properly, or don't do it at all.

 

[xCJ11]

Assuming the system still runs properly, you can move these games from the Steam client.


Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

To move an already installed game
Games library
Right click the game
Properties
Local Files
Move Install Folder

so all i can move are the steam games and the steam client, everything else i can delete or leave it

 

[USAFRet]

so all i can move are the steam games and the steam client, everything else i can delete or leave it

Again, and for the last time....do NOT move the Steam client.
It is tiny, and needs to stay on the C, where it is currently installed.

Get the actual used space to below 200GB.

For whatever other applications...don't simply "delete".
Go through whatever Uninstall routine they have.

 

[xCJ11]

And I heard that you will absolutely screw this up.

bruh 😂, i did create a restore point ofcourse just in case anything happens
is there anything that takes up a lot of space that i can delete other than applications ?

 

[xCJ11]

i dont have anything much other than games, some utility softwares and screenshots

 

[DSzymborski]

bruh 😂, i did create a restore point ofcourse just in case anything happens

That is not how restore points work. It's not a backup of the drive as a whole; if you start deleting things willy-nilly, it's not going to help you.

 

[xCJ11]

do NOT move the Steam client.

alright i wont, just the games

 

[xCJ11]

That is not how restore points work.

yo what... how

 

[USAFRet]

Since we out here have not seen any screencaps of what you're working with, it is impossible to suggest anything.

Applications take up very little space.
The files they create, and games, do

 

[DSzymborski]

yo what... how

Restore points are geared towards protecting the registry and the Windows files necessary for the basic operation of Windows. They're not entire system backups; it's very easy, especially if you're deleting things with a thin understanding of what to delete or not delete and why, to delete a bunch of stuff and make the restore point useless.

This is why I'm saying to backup personal files -- which, again, you ought to be doing anyway as it's a basic part of PC upkeep -- and simply do a fresh Windows install on the SSD. That path you want to follow, if done safely, does require a certain level of technical knowledge.

 

[USAFRet]

And for this fresh OS install on the new SSD, this:

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

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