Need help with using Steam on multiple drives

[ShadowsVoid]

Hi, I've just reinstalled Steam onto my SSD and I want my games to be on my HDD because my SSD simply isn't as big enough.

First, I go to Settings, Downloads, Steam Library Folder and then add folder. This folder is on my HDD. But then, an error appears saying "New Steam folder isn't writable". I don't know what to do, please halp!!

 

[areyourosh]

If this wasn't suggested earlier, look up MKlink and how to use.

Here is a good tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIVNLPz3wfI

Using MK link allows you to also move games from drive to drive as you see fit. Its really cool. Been using it for 2 years now.

In short, what it does it tricks steam into thinking its installing and accessing games on one drive, when in fact it is accessing them somewhere else via a virtual link.

I'll have to check that out. i struggled with it for so long that when i finally got it working directly through steam, i didn't even consider trying anything else.

 

[rdngmikey]

I was having the same problem after installing a new Samsung EVO ssd, thanks for all of the suggestions, I finally figured out that the drive will not allow me to change out of "read only" for program folders, but creating a new folder outside of the program folders allowed me to change the option. Thanks again.

 

[doudomida]

Solution. You have something updating or downloading on steam. pause it then try and make the new folder on your other drive 😀

 

[Chuck Titan]

Solution. You have something updating or downloading on steam. pause it then try and make the new folder on your other drive 😀

You Sir are a SAINT!!!!

 

[Haiioo]

Another solution that worked for me:

1) Create the folder in your SSD (or other HDD) (eg. C:/SSD Games OR C:/Program Files (x86)/SSD Games)
2) Right click the folder and select "Properties"
3) Under "Attributes" untick the "Read-only (Only applies to file in this folder)"
4) Hit "Apply"

IMPORTANT: If your Games folder is nested under any other (eg. Program Files) then you MUST make sure that any folder above is ALSO writeable, ie. make sure that you follow steps 2-4 for all folders above your Games folder.

Hope that helps anyone who finds this!

 

[Pc6777]

when you go to install the game it auto lets you pick wich drive to put it on, just pick the one you want... the drives are ordered by number.

 

[TheHolyCow]

I found this solution in the steam form posted by renatolond. If you are downloading or updating a game at the time you cannot add a new directory, so the solution is to just pause whatever you are updating or downloading and it should let you do it.

 

[Jackbres11]

Hi, I've just reinstalled Steam onto my SSD and I want my games to be on my HDD because my SSD simply isn't as big enough.

First, I go to Settings, Downloads, Steam Library Folder and then add folder. This folder is on my HDD. But then, an error appears saying "New Steam folder isn't writable". I don't know what to do, please halp!!

I had the same exact problem as you. I fixed it by creating a new folder on my SSD to this location- ThisPC>Local Disk (C. I then could choose to where I wanted to install my games on steam. The only thing that was stopping me from doing this was that I originally had this folder in my Program Files and was showing up as unwriteable. If you are still having the unwriteable error coming up simply go to properties,security then clicking on write and allowing it. Hope this helps

 

[TheElderGamer]

I had exactly the same problem, till I figured out it was user error. When I tried to browse to my E: drive (which was where I wanted to create the new library), I failed to notice that you couldn't just "browse" to it in the usual sense (or at least as was expecting). I hadn't noticed that the drive letter was a drop-down menu, and if I didn't select the E: drive from the drop down, I couldn't browse to it from the C: drive drop down. Once I accessed E: through through the drop down, the new library was a breeze to create.

 

[RmeNayv]

Solution. You have something updating or downloading on steam. pause it then try and make the new folder on your other drive 😀

You Sir are a SAINT!!!!

Almost a year late but thank you.

 

[phreakinsane]

Solution. You have something updating or downloading on steam. pause it then try and make the new folder on your other drive 😀

You Sir are a SAINT!!!!

I had the same problem, with the same fix. As soon as I paused my download the directory was allowed to change to my second partition. It worked like a charm.... thank you Mr Chuck.

 

[RandomAdam]

Solution. You have something updating or downloading on steam. pause it then try and make the new folder on your other drive 😀

Legend, a quick search when I was having trouble and I found this, instant solution 🙂