How to Move User Folders in Windows 11
Windows stores your personal files like documents, photos, and videos in your home folder. By default, these are kept on your main drive at C:\Users\Username. Over time, these files can fill up your drive, leaving no room for important system updates or new programs.
Why move your folders? If your main drive is nearly full, your computer may slow down. Moving large folders like Videos or Pictures to a bigger, secondary drive keeps your system running smoothly.
What happens when done? Your files will live on the new drive, and Windows will automatically save future files to that new location instead of your main drive.
How to move user folders in Windows 11
You can move folders like Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Desktop using File Explorer. %%SC0%%
1. Open File Explorer and look at the folders under “This PC” or “Quick Access.”
2. Right-click the folder you want to move (for example, the Videos folder) and select Show more options.
3. Click Properties from the menu.
4. Go to the Location tab. You will see the current path, such as C:\Users\Username\Videos.
5. Click the Move… button.
6. Find and select the new folder on your other drive where you want to store your files (e.g., E:\NewFolder\Videos).
7. Click Select Folder, then click OK.
8. Windows will ask if you want to move all files to the new location. Click Yes to confirm. %%SC1%%
Windows will now transfer your files. Depending on how many files you have, this might take a few minutes. Once finished, your computer will automatically use the new location for that folder.
Summary
- Moving folders helps free up space on your main C: drive.
- Use the Properties menu in File Explorer to change a folder’s Location.
- This process is safe and keeps your files organized while improving system performance.
For more tips, check out our guide on managing storage and optimizing Windows performance.
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I think it wouilde be better to move this text;
“To move the Video folder, right click on the Videos folder and select Properties”
from above the first screenshot, to under this screenshot.
*would*
BTW: I just select all iconed folders and use Ctrl+x (cut) & Ctrl+v (paste).
This way Windows remembers the permanent move of these locations.
doesn’t. work.
System complains about system folders not being able to be moved.
I get this response: Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected. Access is denied.
Though the drive is empty and has been partitioned, formatted, and all that by windows.
Try a full RESTART. Shutdown no longer does a complete and proper shutdown, writing all the system changes and reinitializing everything.
It’s because “quick start” or “fast startup,” or whatever it’s called, is active. You can turn it off, but expect the first bootup from scratch to be a bit slower because it actually cleans up and restarts everything. A bit slower startup is well worth it to me to avoid taking the chance of a muddled-up, confused system.
Whenever you make system changes, especially something major, like relocating system folders, a restart is a good idea. Otherwise, I can see how the OS can become quite muddled after awhile.