Share this article
Improve this guide
FIX: The system cannot move the file to a different disk
7 min. read
Updated onApril 11, 2024
updated onApril 11, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
If you’re getting theERROR_NOT_SAME_DEVICEerror code withThe system cannot move the file to a different disk drivedescription, follow the troubleshooting steps listed in this article to fix it.
Bear in mind that the error is also known as ERROR_NOT_SAME_DEVICE 17 (0x11), so the next solutions and recommendations will apply to this as well.
The system cannot move the file: Error background
The system cannot move the file to a different disk drive error, also known as error0x80070011or 17 (0x11), occurs when users try to install updates on their computers. There are various elements triggering this issue:
Before you proceed with the troubleshooting methods listed below, make sure that the updates are installing to the same drive where you installed your operating system.
How can I fix The system cannot move the file to a different disk drive error?
1. Run a full system scan
Malware may cause various issues on your computer, including errors. Perform a full system scan in order to detect any malware running on your computer.
You can use Windows’ built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, or third-party antivirus solutions.
In choosing from the above options, we would recommend that you try a dedicated too for this task.
Not only it will save you a lot of time, but you will avoid doing any mistakes whatsoever.
ESET HOME Security Essentialis one of the best tools that will scan your system completely and detect potential issues that are responsible for this issue.
By choosing this reliable antivirus, you benefit from thorough security against different forms of malware, plus avoid ransomware attacks and other online threats.
Hence, you should get high detection services to entirely protect your PC and repair such issues within your system.
2. Repair your registry
The simplest way to repair your registry is touse a dedicated tool. Don’t forget to first backup your registry in case anything goes wrong.
Plus, it’s more beneficial to repair your PC usingregistry cleaner toolsthat can also optimize the system and improve startup speeds.
You can also use Microsoft’s System File Checker to check for system file corruption. However, this utility is only available on Windows 10. Here’s how torun an SFC scan:
3. Update your OS
Make sure that you’re running thelatest Windows OS updateson your machine. As a quick reminder, Microsoft constantly rolls out Windows updates in order to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues.
Go to Windows Update, check for updates and install the available updates. To access the Windows Update section, you can simply type “update” in the search box. This method works on all Windows versions.
If you’re looking for a particular update, go toMicrosoft’s Update Catalog website. Simply type the KB number of the respective update, hit Enter, and then click on the download button.
4. Remove recently installed software
If you recently installed new software on your computer, try uninstalling it. Go toStart, typeControl Paneland select the program(s) recently added. Then clickUninstall.
Then restart your computer, and try to install the updates again.
5. Check your disk for errors
On Windows 10, you can run a disk check using Command Prompt.
Start Command Prompt as administrator and type thechkdsk C: /fcommand followed by Enter. Replace C with the letter of your hard drive partition.
6. Format your drive
If none of the solutions listed above worked, tryformatting the problematic drive. Formatting and restoring the default drive settings should fix this problem.
Keep in mind that formatting your drive means deleting all the files and folders stored on the respective drive.
Before exploring how you can do this manually, we would recommend that you use a dedicated tool that will safely format your drive without affecting other PC services.
Using these practical tools, you can format overused drives and wipe out unused software accumulated in your hard drive over time.
In this way, you can repair disk troubles like this with reliable drive formatting tools, and clear your storage without any difficulties.
7. Clean your temporary files and folders
The simplest and quickest manner to delete your temporary files and folders is to useDisk Cleanup. As you use your computer or browse the Internet, your PC accumulates various unnecessary files.
These so-called junk files may affect your computer’s processing speed, causing apps to respond slowly and may also trigger various error codes, including the ‘ERROR_NOT_SAME_DEVICE’ error code.
8. Temporarily change registry keys
9. Use system recovery options
The System Restore option allows you to restore the previous well-performing system configuration without losing any files, except for a few customizable features and settings.
If System Restore is enabled, follow the instructions listed below:
After the procedure has been completed, try to update your computer to see if the problem still persists.
Windows 10 offers a series ofadvanced recovery optionthat allows users to clean install the OS. If you’re a Windows 10 user, you can also use the Reset this P’ recovery option.
We hope that the solutions listed above helped you fixThe system cannot move the file to a different disk driveerror.
If you’ve come across other workarounds to fix this problem, you can help the Windows community by listing the troubleshooting steps in the comments below.
More about the topics:System Errors,windows 10
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
