How to use SSD for OS and HDD as storage???

JJboy · 31 Dec 2019

I am currently running the newest version of windows 10 and I have an SSD for my OS only and a HDD as storage. And every time I install a program it defaults to install on the SSD. I have changed the storage settings in windows so that apps and so on go will to the HDD but nothing seems to be going there, so what I have to do is keep on manually changing the install path when installing programs. So is there any way to make it so that it will default to the HDD instead of me having to keep on changing it to the HDD?

Thanks for reading! :)

dalchina · 31 Dec 2019

How do you use your HDD for storage?

1. Considering programs: generally, the only programs it may be worth putting on your HDD are
a. Portable programs (because a truly portable program puts nothing in other places on C: - no installation).
b. Very large programs where what is put on the HDD happens to be large enough for consideration (maybe games e.g.) and space is limited on the SSD.

2. Why is is NOT worth trying to install to a separate disk?
When programs are installed, they may
- create folders in various places on C: - not just the installation path.
- create registry entries
- create start menu entries
- perhaps install a driver

So if you specify the install path as the HDD, only a small part of that program will end up there.

3. Why is this generally a bad idea?
Certain maintenance actions may mean you end up with inconsistencies between parts of programs on your HDD and what's on your system drive.

Something you must not do
Back in XP days or before, there was a registry hack to change the default path. If you come across this do not do it. It wll cause you major problems.

Data storage
It is, however, a very good choice to place as much of your personal data on a partition or disk other than C: so it is not affected by O/S maintenance. I prefer NOT to use the location tab on library folders to move them, as it is possible to make a horrible mess if you get it wrong. Rather I create my own folders and use those.

If you wish you can then add them to your libraries.

Megahertz · 31 Dec 2019

I agree with dalchina.
The main reason to have a SSD is speed and shock proof (specially on laptops)
In my desktop and laptop I have a small SSD (120G) for Windows and Programs and have moved \Users to the HDD using Kari tutorial. I have the speed of a SSD and the space of a HDD at low cost (~US$25).
One advantage of having Windows and Programs on one partition and \Users on another is that you can reinstall Windows without loosing your data.
Programs and games that are constantly updated, like AV, I have installed on the HDD.
Some programs don't even ask where you want them to be installed.

Caledon Ken · 31 Dec 2019

Looks like OP joined and was banned.

margrave55 · 31 Dec 2019

I have lots of programs on the HDD (D drive).
About 615 GB of it.
About 606 GB of it is large piano/organ/keyboard software.
No problems.

digitalcurisity · 01 Jan 2020

Caledon Ken said:

Looks like OP joined and was banned.

If so i wonder why they were banned?

Lance1 · 01 Jan 2020

It's the OP's very first post. I don't see any rules broken in it. Odd.

digitalcurisity · 01 Jan 2020

Lance1 said:

It's the OP's very first post. I don't see any rules broken in it. Odd.

Seems very strange maybe it's a mistake.

Compumind · 01 Jan 2020

Did anyone report it?

Seems like a legitimate concern to me.

digitalcurisity · 01 Jan 2020

Compumind said:

Did anyone report it?

Seems like a legitimate concern to me.

I would hope a moderator is keeping track of the threads, but i think there is not a lot of problems here so maybe they don't watch things closely.