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Unable to move Steam games

2 min read 25-09-2024
gaming
Unable to move Steam games

Can't Move Your Steam Games? Here's How to Fix It!

Are you trying to move your Steam games to a different drive, but encountering issues? This is a common problem, and luckily, there are several ways to fix it.

Let's dive into the issue, explore common causes, and guide you through the solutions.

Scenario:

You're trying to move your Steam games from one drive to another, but the option is greyed out, or the move process fails. This can be frustrating, especially if you're running out of space on your primary drive.

Here's some example code that could lead to this issue (if you were to modify Steam's system directly, which is not recommended):

// Example code (not for direct modification of Steam)
if (gamePath.startsWith(primaryDrive)) {
    // Game is on primary drive - allow moving
    moveGame(gamePath, newDrive);
} else {
    // Game is not on primary drive - prevent moving (error)
    // ... error message here ...
}

Why Can't I Move My Steam Games?

Several factors can contribute to this problem:

  • Steam's File System: Steam uses a specific folder structure to manage games. Moving files manually can break this structure, leading to errors.
  • Hard Drive Space: If the new drive doesn't have enough free space for the games, you won't be able to move them.
  • Insufficient Permissions: Lack of administrative permissions could prevent Steam from moving files.
  • Game-Specific Issues: Certain games might have specific requirements or restrictions that prevent moving.

Solutions to Fix Steam Game Moving Issues:

  1. Use Steam's Built-in Feature:

    • Open Steam and navigate to Settings.
    • Select Downloads from the left-hand menu.
    • Click Steam Library Folders.
    • Click Add Library Folder and choose the new drive.
    • Steam will now offer to move compatible games to the new drive.

  2. Verify Game Files:

    • Right-click on the game in your Steam library.
    • Select Properties.
    • Go to the Local Files tab and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
    • This will ensure all game files are intact, potentially fixing issues.

  3. Check Disk Space:

    • Ensure your new drive has enough free space for your games.
    • You can check this in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) by right-clicking on the drive and going to Properties.

  4. Admin Privileges:

    • Right-click on Steam and choose Run as administrator.
    • Try moving the games again.

  5. Reinstall the Game (As a Last Resort):

    • If other solutions fail, consider reinstalling the game to the new drive.
    • This will typically involve uninstalling the game and then reinstalling it on the desired location.

Additional Tips:

  • Backup Your Games: Before moving your Steam games, always back up your game saves to a separate location. This will ensure you don't lose your progress.
  • Use a Third-Party Tool: There are tools available online that can help move your Steam games to a new drive, but use them with caution.
  • Contact Steam Support: If you encounter persistent issues, contact Steam Support for personalized assistance.

Moving your Steam games to a different drive can be achieved with careful planning and a few troubleshooting steps. By following these solutions and tips, you can successfully relocate your games and free up space on your primary drive.

Resources:

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