(NOTE: This only partially applies with Windows 8.1. The Library redirect is a little different)
So you've gotten a new SSD, and installed Windows on it. Now what? How do you keep from filling it up with irrelevant junk?
Like many, space is an issue. An SSD is waaay faster (and probably more reliable), but smaller per dollar. And not everything needs to live on the SSD.
What's the easiest way to tell Windows to save stuff elsewhere?
1. Redirect your default locations in "Libraries" to your HDD.
2. Redirect your browser Downloads to the HDD.
3. Tell applications where to go.
4. Give Steam directions, not let it direct you.
The wording here is specifically for Windows 8, but procedures for Windows 7 is almost exactly the same.
Libraries (Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos)
On your HDD, create a top level folder. I use "MyStuff". Obviously, you can call it whatever you want.
Create subfolders for MyDocs, MyMusic, etc.
In Windows Explorer, right click on Documents.
Select Properties
Click "Add..."
Navigate to the new MyDocs folder you made earlier
Click "Include folder"
Back in the Document Properties dialog box, click on "Set save location"
Done!
The default location for saving Docuents is now on your HDD (or whatever drive you chose)
Repeat for MyMusic, MyPictures, etc.
Downloads
Your browser(s) will generally use whatever Windows tells them is the 'Download' folder
Create a folder on the HDD - "MyDownloads"
Back in Windows Explorer, right click on Downloads, and select Properties
Change the "Target..." to that new folder you just created on the HDD.
Alternatively, you can tell the browser to ask every time you download something.
Or, in Internet options in all the major browsers, you can tell that one specifically where the default download location is.
Applications
Almost every application gives the option of where to install it. If you choose "Default", it will do whatever it wants. Don't allow that. Additionally, the "Default" may allow some weird toolbar addition.
Near the beginning of the install process, choose "Custom" or "Advanced"
Select where you want it to go. Either on the SSD or HDD. Windows does not care, and will gladly run it from where ever.
Games
Games are notorious space eaters. And gameplay does not benefit that much from being on the SSD. Load time, and in between maps, yes. FPS increase, no.
For non-Steam games, just install as above...choosing Custom or Advanced.
For Steam (or Origin):
In the Steam client, click Steam - Settings - Downloads - Steam Library Folders
Add Library Folder, and select where you want it to go.
So you've gotten a new SSD, and installed Windows on it. Now what? How do you keep from filling it up with irrelevant junk?
Like many, space is an issue. An SSD is waaay faster (and probably more reliable), but smaller per dollar. And not everything needs to live on the SSD.
What's the easiest way to tell Windows to save stuff elsewhere?
1. Redirect your default locations in "Libraries" to your HDD.
2. Redirect your browser Downloads to the HDD.
3. Tell applications where to go.
4. Give Steam directions, not let it direct you.
The wording here is specifically for Windows 8, but procedures for Windows 7 is almost exactly the same.
Libraries (Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos)
On your HDD, create a top level folder. I use "MyStuff". Obviously, you can call it whatever you want.
Create subfolders for MyDocs, MyMusic, etc.
In Windows Explorer, right click on Documents.
Select Properties
Click "Add..."
Navigate to the new MyDocs folder you made earlier
Click "Include folder"
Back in the Document Properties dialog box, click on "Set save location"
Done!
The default location for saving Docuents is now on your HDD (or whatever drive you chose)
Repeat for MyMusic, MyPictures, etc.
Downloads
Your browser(s) will generally use whatever Windows tells them is the 'Download' folder
Create a folder on the HDD - "MyDownloads"
Back in Windows Explorer, right click on Downloads, and select Properties
Change the "Target..." to that new folder you just created on the HDD.
Alternatively, you can tell the browser to ask every time you download something.
Or, in Internet options in all the major browsers, you can tell that one specifically where the default download location is.
Applications
Almost every application gives the option of where to install it. If you choose "Default", it will do whatever it wants. Don't allow that. Additionally, the "Default" may allow some weird toolbar addition.
Near the beginning of the install process, choose "Custom" or "Advanced"
Select where you want it to go. Either on the SSD or HDD. Windows does not care, and will gladly run it from where ever.
Games
Games are notorious space eaters. And gameplay does not benefit that much from being on the SSD. Load time, and in between maps, yes. FPS increase, no.
For non-Steam games, just install as above...choosing Custom or Advanced.
For Steam (or Origin):
In the Steam client, click Steam - Settings - Downloads - Steam Library Folders
Add Library Folder, and select where you want it to go.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram