How to move Program Files folders?

I have a question, please. I have a brand new computer, with an SSD and and HDD. I have already redirected all of the folders (Desktop, Documents, etc.,) to my HDD. My question is this: I want to install programs to both HDD and SSD, depending on the program. Do I need to also create folders labeled Program Files and Program Files (x86) on the HDD to be able install to the HDD? Or is it as simple as changing the drive letter in the manual install (e.g. change C:\Program Files (x86)\<program name> to D:\Program Files (x86)\<program name?) and it will automatically install to the HDD without my having to create the Program Files folders? Thank you in advance for the help.

Thanks for the quick reply, but it seems that thread pertains to completely changing the install path to only one drive. I want to be able to install to both drives alternately, depending on the program. As it is now, my HDD is naked, except for the redirected folders I mentioned above. My default install is naturally C drive (SSD). If I wanted to install to my HDD, what is the exact process? Do I need to create a target location (e.g. Program Files/Program Files (x86)) in the HDD prior to attempting an install to the HDD? If I am not asking correctly, forgive me, and help me understand exactly what I need to ask. Sorry.

Thanks.

So then there is no way to selectively install to either drive at will? That seems counter productive. I must be missing something.

Here is the rundown of what exactly is on my HDD===> Only folders labeled Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos that I created myself to redirect automatically. Are you saying there is no way to install to my HDD without permanently changing the default install path TO my HDD? Another for instance: I am an Estimator, and have a Takeoff program that would benefit from the SSD, which is the default install drive. I install, and it goes there. I also like to game, and would like to install games to the HDD to save space on the SSD. Please help me understand the process. Like I said, I know I must be missing something in the explanation, totally my fault. Thanks.

jdc1078 said:

So then there is no way to selectively install to either drive at will? That seems counter productive. I must be missing something.

You don't have to install applications to Program Files. You can install them anywhere. Most installers will give you a choice of where to install, and you can point it to any directory you want.

Some files may, by necessity, still be installed on C:\, but most files will go on whatever drive you choose when you install.

Typically when you run the install, there will be an option for advanced installation, choose that, and it will usually let you choose the install location.

Even UWP apps can be directed to be on different drives in settings. Go into settings, go to Apps, then click on a UWP App, like Weather or what not. Then you can choose "Move" and move it to another drive. This only works with UWP apps though.

So if a program install has a default path of "C:\Program Files (x86)\<program name>, then all I have to do is change it to D:\? The actual "Program Files (x86)" file path doesn't matter?

jdc1078 said:

So if a program install has a default path of "C:\Program Files (x86)\<program name>, then all I have to do is change it to D:\? The actual "Program Files (x86)" file path doesn't matter?

Well, you wouldn't want to install it in the root of your D: drive, but yes.

I'm confused by why you would think that if it asks you where to install, that it would install somewhere that you didn't tell it to?