How to Move Files From C Drive to D Drive [4 Fast Ways]?

The C drive usually serves as the default location for most files, including the operating system and system files. Owing to its limited storage capacity, managing these files and freeing up space becomes an essential task. One common approach to optimize storage and enhance system performance is by relocating files from the C drive to the D drive. Tools are available that offer four reliable methods to facilitate seamless and efficient file transfer between the C drive and the D drive.

How to Transfer Files from C Drive to D Drive - 4 Methods

In this section, we will explore four methods for transferring files from the C drive to the D drive. It is advisable to create a full backup of the entire C drive using an external hard drive to safeguard against potential data loss due to incorrect operations. Here's an overview of the approaches:

1. #1. Professional Data Transfer Tool - Todo PCTrans
2. #2. Manual Copy and Paste Method
3. #3. Use Commands to Transfer Files
4. #4. Utilize Windows' Built-in Move Function

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Method 1: Using the Tool Todo PCTrans

• ⏱️ Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
• ?‍?Difficulty: Easiest

Todo PCTrans Pro is a professional solution that provides technical support to assist users in transferring files from the C drive to the D drive. Its "App Migration" feature is a reliable and user-friendly tool suitable for users of all levels. This utility boasts versatility, enabling comprehensive data migration and simplifying the entire transfer process, making it an invaluable tool for various data management requirements.

Steps to transfer files from the C drive to the D drive:

Step 1. Run the Todo PCTrans tool on your computer

Navigate to "App Migration" and click "Start" to proceed.

This image depicts a screen showing options for selecting the app migration transfer mode. The text on the screen is in Chinese, and it appears to be guiding the user through the process of migrating apps from one device to another using PC Transfer software. However, without specific translation of the text, it's challenging to provide a detailed explanation.

Step 2. Select programs to move from C drive to another drive This step involves choosing the programs that you wish to relocate from the C drive to another drive on your computer.

1. Check the C drive and select the programs (marked as "Yes") that you wish to transfer.

2. Click the triangle icon to choose another drive on your computer as the destination, then click "Transfer" to begin the process.

Step 3. Complete the transfer

Wait patiently until the transfer is complete, and then tap “OK” to confirm.

Once that's done, you can restart your PC if needed. This will preserve all the changes on your PC, allowing you to run programs from another hard drive without needing to reinstall them.

Other Noble Functions of the Tool Todo PCTransfer

• Transfer games from C drive to D drive.
• Backup data and programs from the local PC to an external hard drive.
• Uninstall web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, etc.

You can explore the following page for additional options regarding file movers.

Top 4 - File Mover Windows 10 Review (Pros and Cons)

Don't hesitate over which file mover to select. This article introduces you to four of the best tools to assist in transferring files between PCs or drives.

Method 2: Manual Copy and Paste

• ⏱️Duration: Approximately 12 minutes
• ?‍?Difficulty: Easy

Another straightforward method is to manually copy and paste the files and folders you wish to transfer. However, if you're moving numerous files to the D drive, this process can be quite time-consuming. Here's a simplified guide:

Step 1. Press "Windows + E" or double-click "My Computer" or "This PC" to open File Explorer.

Step 2. Navigate to the local C drive, right-click the files you intend to transfer, and select "Copy" or "Cut."

Step 3. Click on the local D drive, right-click anywhere, and select "Paste."

You can also use "Ctrl+C" / "Ctrl+X" and "Ctrl+V" to move files.

Method 3: Command Prompt

• ⏱️Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
• ?‍?Difficulty: Challenging

The third solution is to use command lines in Command Prompt to move files from C to D. This method requires a certain level of familiarity with commands, which might be challenging for computer novices. Proceed with caution, as any error could potentially cause significant damage to your system and computer:

Step 1. Type 'cmd' in the Windows search box and select "Run as administrator" to gain full permissions.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt utility, type the following commands to copy files from the C drive to the D drive:

• copy c:\workfile.txt d:
• workfile.txt
• copy *.txt d:

Method 4: Windows Move Function

• ⏱️Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
• ?‍?Difficulty: Medium

Windows also provides another built-in tool to help users move files from the C drive to the D drive. However, since this tool might not recognize the save path for system files, it's used primarily for transferring personal files like music, photos, and videos.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Press the "Windows + E" keys to open File Explorer.

Step 2. Locate and right-click the target files/folders, then choose "Properties" > "Document Properties."

Step 3. In the "Location" tab, choose the destination location and click "Move" then "OK" to alter the file's location.

The methods mentioned above can also be used to move programs from the C drive to the D drive. You can refer to the article below for instructions on how to accomplish this using tools such as the Registry:

How to Move Programs from C Drive to D Drive in Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can transfer installed programs from the C drive to the D drive using tools like Todo PCTransfer, Windows Settings, and the Registry.

Bonus Tip: Change the Default File Location from C Drive to D Drive

If your C drive is full and D drive is empty, you can attempt to change the default file location from C drive to D drive. This way, your files will be saved on the D drive in the future. Let's see how to proceed:

Step 1. On a Windows computer, go to "Settings" > "System" > "Storage."

Step 2. Under the "More Storage Settings" section, select "Change where new content is saved."

Step 3. You'll see the default locations for files like Apps, Music, Photos, and Movies. Choose D drive from the dropdown options as a new location.

Conclusion

This article is intended for Windows users who are having difficulty moving files from the C drive to the D drive without data loss. It presents four proven methods, including manual copying and pasting, two built-in Windows tools, and a comprehensive data transfer expert called Todo PCTrans. Based on our testing, the third data transfer software is your optimal choice due to its user-friendly operations and fast transfer speed. Download it now to promptly complete your file movement:

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Files from C Drive to D Drive

For more valuable information on how to transfer files from the C drive to the D drive, you can refer to the following related questions and answers:

**1. What files can I move from the C drive to the D drive?**

The C drive serves as the system partition, storing various crucial files. Hence, caution is necessary when moving files from the C drive to the D drive. Transferring system files is not advisable, as it may lead to system corruption and prevent the computer from booting up properly.

2. How can I change my local disk drive letter from C to D?

You can easily change the drive letter of your local disk by following these steps:

Run Disk Management with administrator privileges. Right-click on the local drive you wish to change the drive letter for, and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths." Click "Change" or "Add" to either change the existing or assign a new drive letter. Confirm your changes by clicking "OK" then "Yes."

3. Can I move installed programs from the C drive to the D drive?

Yes, you can move installed programs to another drive. For a comprehensive guide, you can read and learn about three reliable methods in the article below:

?Further Reading: How to Move Installed Programs to Another Drive in Windows 11