Share this article

Improve this guide

How to Install Games on SSD: 5 Ways to Load Games Faster

Move games to the SSD for improved performance

8 min. read

Updated onApril 17, 2024

updated onApril 17, 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

PC owners often useSSDs as the primary devicefor their Windows OS and large-file programs owing to the wide array of benefits offered by these. Some also keep wondering how to install games on SSD and whether this helps.

Moving or installing games on an SSD differs for each gaming client, but the benefits are the same. However, several factors are at play here, and a proper understanding of these will help determine how to install games on an external SSD.

How do I install games on SSD?

[wr_toc]

1. Steam

That’s it! If you were wondering how to install games on separate SSD, this would do it. Steam is one of the platforms that offer a built-in option to move games between drives, which makes it a favorite amongst gamers.

That’s it! From now on, every game you install will be downloaded and added to the Steam folder on the SSD since it’s the default drive.

2. Epic Games

The process is slightly complex for those trying to install games on a second SSD with Epic Games. The time here depends on the size of the game files. Nonetheless, you can move games to another drive.

3. Origin

4. GOG Galaxy

For those trying to discover how to install games on SSD on GOG Galaxy, the process is surely not as easy as Steam or Origin, but it wouldn’t take much time.

5. Battle.net

If you were trying to discover how to install games on SSD in Battle.net, it would take a few minutes but won’t hog the network or have you download the game all over again.

Do I need to install games on SSD?

It depends on the storage space available on the SSD since users usually have a two-drive setup, an SSD coupled with an HDD.

If you have sufficient free space even after moving all the games to the SSD, go for it. If you run out of storage, start prioritizing and moving only the ones you frequently play.

Here are a few benefits of installing games on SSD.

How many GB SSD is enough for gaming?

This depends on the size of the games you want to store on the SSD. Some modern games fill up as much as 200 GB on the drive, so if you have a few of these, a 1 TB SSD is a must. For moderate gaming, a 512 GB SSD would do just as well.

Experts also recommend keeping 15-25% storage free on the SSD, so you must factor that in. Generally, a 1 TB SSD should provide the much-needed boost, and you won’trun out of storage spacesoon.

How do I move games to SSD without reinstalling?

You can move games to SSD in Steam and Origin without reinstalling, while reinstallation is required for others.

Yet the reinstall process for other gaming clients, be it Battle.net, GOG Galaxy, or Epic Games, is quick since we have already moved the game files, which don’t need to be downloaded again.

How do I see what games are on my SSD?

The quickest way to find out the games stored on the SSD is to open it inFile Explorer. You will now find a folder for the gaming client if any of its titles are stored here.

Besides, you could check the storage path for the individual games in the client to identify the ones installed on the SSD.

Also, you can use a dedicated tool to move your games on anSSD.Laplink PC Moveris a program created to help you transfer all sorts of files from one PC to another or from PC to SSD.

LapLink PCMoveris a data migration utility that automatically backs up your registry settings and game data files before moving them to an SSD or another PC if needed.

It’s error-free as long as you carefully follow the on-screen directions. You may choose which settings and data files are moved to the SSD or letPCMovermigrate everything.

While we are on the subject, find out thebest settings to improve the gaming performanceon PC.

For any queries or to share a solution not listed here, comment below.

How to Install Games on SSD: 5 Ways to Load Games Faster#

How do I install games on SSD?#

1. Steam#

2. Epic Games#

3. Origin#

4. GOG Galaxy#

5. Battle.net#

Do I need to install games on SSD?#

How many GB SSD is enough for gaming?#

How do I move games to SSD without reinstalling?#

How do I see what games are on my SSD?#