How to Transfer Files from SSD to HDD [Windows 10/11]

If your computer has both SSD and HDD, you must want to keep your operating system and frequently used apps stay on the SSD for high performance, while storing large or rarely used files on the HDD- perfect for heavy data storage. Or your SSD only has a little free space.

So many users want to transfer files, e.g., documents, photos, videos, downloads, or game files, from SSD to HDD to free up space on a small SSD while maintaining faster read/write speeds, extending SSD lifespan, reducing system lag and freezes, etc. We’ll show you 3 effective methods below.

Things to Know Before Moving Files

Before transferring all files from SSD to HDD, a little preparation helps prevent errors, missing files, or broken apps.

#1: Check available space on the HDD. Open File Explorer, click This PC, and look at the free space under HDD (usually D: or E:). Be sure there is enough space to hold all data.

#2: Decide which files should be moved - won’t affect system performance and can take up huge space.

• Documents, photos, videos, music
• Games and game libraries
• Large downloads, installers, ZIP/RAR archives
• Project folders after editing (Photoshop, Premiere, CAD, etc.)

❗❗ ❗ Files you should NOT move manually:

Some locations are tied to Windows and programs. Moving them manually can break apps or cause boot problems:

• C:\Windows folder
• C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)
• C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData
• Hidden system files

If you want to move installed software or games, don’t just drag-and-drop - use the app’s built-in “Move” option, Steam’s Library settings, or dedicated data migration software.

Method 1: Drag and Drop Smaller Files from SSD to HDD

If you just want to move photos, downloads, documents, or media files, the easiest method is classic drag-and-drop in File Explorer. It works on any Windows PC and doesn’t require extra software.

Step 1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Then, click This PC to see all drives.

Step 2. Open your SSD drive and go to where you save your personal data.

• C:\Users\YourName\Documents
• C:\Users\YourName\Pictures
• C:\Users\YourName\Downloads
• ...

Step 3. Click to select a single file. Hold Ctrl to select multiple files. Or press Ctrl + A to select all files in a folder. Then, drag and drop the selected files to your HDD (e.g., D: drive).

Method 2: Move Installed Apps & Games from SSD to HDD

If your SSD is full of apps or games, you don’t always have to uninstall them. Windows and most game platforms allow you to move installed software to another drive without losing data.

#1: Move Microsoft Store App using System Settings

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings. Then, go to Apps > Apps & features.

Step 2. Click an app and select Move.

Step 3. Choose your HDD (e.g., D:) as the destination and click Move again to confirm.

Notes:

• This method works for Microsoft Store apps like Spotify, Netflix, Calculator, Mail, Photos, etc.
• Not all apps have the Move button, especially large desktop programs like Adobe, Office, or older software.

#2: Relocate Steam / Epic / Origin Games without Re-Downloading

👉 For Steam:

Step 1. Open Steam. Go to Steam >Settings >Downloads.

Step 2. Click Steam Library Folders.

Step 3. Click Add Library Folder, choose D:\Steam and click Select.

Step 4. Right-click a game and select Properties.

Step 5. Switch to the Local Files tab, click Move Install Folder > Move Folder.

👉 For Epic & Origin:

Epic: Settings >Manage >Move

Origin/EA: Move game folder > Repair in launcher

Method 3: Move Files from SSD to HDD using Sync Tool [for Large Files]

AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free sync tool that allows you to automatically sync files between two drives, such as from SSD to HDD, in Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, and 11- all with just a few clicks. Here are some highlights of it:

Step 1. Once installed, open AOMEI Backupper. Click Sync in the left panel and then Basic Sync.

Step 2. Click Select Source > This PC to access the SSD drive and select all files you want to transfer. Then, click the PC icon to select HDD (e.g., D:) under This PC.

Step 3. Click Schedule Sync and enable it. Then, select Daily, Weekly, Daily (By interval), etc. from the drop-down menu, ensuring the tasks are executed automatically. Click Start Sync to move files from SSD to HDD.

Note: On the advanced edition, you can also enjoy Real-Time Sync, Mirror Sync, and Two Way Sync. The previous two modes are one-way file sync, but with different frequencies and deletion rules.

Conclusion

How to transfer files from SSD to HDD? You can directly drag & drop smaller files, use system settings or game platforms, or dedicated data migration software - AOMEI Backupper. The last one is ideal for transferring large files - fast & automatic, requiring no further action once configured.

FAQs

1. Will moving files slow down programs?

If you move regular files (documents, videos, photos), there is no impact. If you move installed programs or games to an HDD, they may load more slowly because HDDs have lower read/write speed. The software will still work - just not as fast.

2. Can I delete originals after transferring?

Yes, if you transfer files using drag-and-drop. Also, there are no duplicates to delete if you reallocate user folders or apps using the built-in Move feature. Never delete system folders or the Program Files folder manually.

3. Is it safe to move the Downloads or Documents folder?

Yes. Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Desktop can all be moved safely using the Location tab in Properties. Windows will automatically start saving new files to the HDD afterward.

4. Will my PC boot if I move system files?

No. You should never move the Windows folder, Program Files / Program Files (x86), AppData, or system configuration folders. This can break apps or even prevent Windows from booting. Only move personal files or use supported methods to move apps/game installations.