How to change disk priority from SSD to HDD?

[Zeshan Fayyaz]

I recently bought a samsung 120gb SSD for windows only, but somehow my computer has recognized it as my (C drive and therefore my user files, program files (86x) are all there. My SSD is now full with other junk because every download goes there... I have a western digital 2tb hdd aswell... how do i change my computer settings so now everything that takes up space will now go to the HDD instead (even with the programs that dont ask), for example... recording a video with a game capture-elgato to be specific (normally it would take up space in the SSD but now its full so im unable to record)

 

[jitpublisher]

Managing files on an SSD and secondary drive can be a little frustrating. Most programs that save files to disk will have an option to save the file to a specific drive or folder. Your internet browser will have a setting of where to cache web pages, temp files and downloads for instance. When you install programs, choose custom install and install the programs you don't want on the SSD to your secondary drive.

 

[Eximo]

There are a few things you can do. When installing software, change the default install paths.

You can set up folders to automatically redirect as well:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/redirect-folder-new-location#1TC=windows-7

 

[boosted1g]

First of all you should use CCleaner every month or so to flush your system of cookies, temp files, etc. You will want to close all of your browsers before running the scan.

You can edit windows to use a hdd directory for your personal files if you have that many personal files. Most people dont have enough documents, pictures, music to require this.

You can go into your default browser and change the location of your download folder to be on your HDD. Every browser is different for this process but a quick google search should get you a good tutorial for your broswer of choice. Now if your download folder gets this full you should be clearing it out from time to time anyway and archiving the program install files you dont want to some place else.

As far as game capture and any other prorams, each one has their own settings that you should be able to tweak to use a different directory then default.

Also if you want programs to be installed to a different drive (like games) you can specify that durring the install.


There is no change one setting and everything will default to your HDD unfortunatly. Since windows is on the SSD as it should, it will be the C drive, and your programs are coded by default to use the C drive as they code it for what the majoridy need and the majoridy only have 1 drive. You cant change your default drive wihtout it effecting windows and screwing everything up.

 

[USAFRet]

See these for how to redirect things to where you want them:
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html