How to use new PC with a small SSD and a large HDD


  1. Posts : 55
    Windows 10 Home 64 bit
       #1

    How to use new PC with a small SSD and a large HDD


    My new Windows 10 v. Home 1909 desktop has a 128 GB SSD (C drive) and a 1TB internal HDD (D drive). If I understand correctly the OS pc boots in the SSD and all current Programs and Programs (x86) files are in the C drive. The C drive is already more than half full and I have not yet installed a number of programs that I want on the new pc. I have been told that even if install a new program to the D drive ( when given the option) it may not function properly because the support files for the program are placed in the C drive, and the .exe file is in the D drive . To conserve storage space on the C drive a friend configured settings to store all new apps, videos, music, photos and documents in the D drive.
    However the space hogs will be the several programs I want to install but wonder what if anything can be done to get the programs files once on the D drive to load and function from the D drive.

    Would like opinions and suggestions on whether it is possible to run newly installed programs from the non OS D drive with causing Windows 10 issues

    Frank?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,483
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Move Location of Documents Folder in Windows 10

    Then do the same as above for all your "library" folders under C:\Users"yourusername". Here are mine moved to D: drive:

    How to use new PC with a small SSD and a large HDD-capture.jpg

    This is what is left in my User folder on C drive:

    How to use new PC with a small SSD and a large HDD-capture1.jpg

    When you install programs, create a folder on your HDD for that program. Then select the advanced install options when installing it and set the install location to the folder on your HDD that you created for it.

    I've never filled up a 128GB SSD just by installing programs, but all my large game libraries from Steam and Ubisoft are moved to my data drive. (but my data drives are actually SATA SSDs )
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 9,810
    Mac OS Catalina
       #3

    You would make those changes in Settings for where you want folders to reside.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,487
    Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
       #4

    Do as much as you can to keep the occupied space on C beaten down to a minimum............via Windows Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, and possibly disabling hibernation or running third party cleaners.

    I've used a 128 GB SSD for OS and all programs for about 8 years. C has never been above 45 occupied and is now at 33.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,483
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    ignatzatsonic said:
    possibly disabling hibernation
    I agree! In a Command Prompt (Admin) run:
    powercfg -h off

    You will gain back several GB of space immediately. My current C: drive has 38.2GB used with a full install of Windows 10 Pro, Microsoft Office, and a few other routine programs.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14,054
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #6

    Buy a larger SSD, they are dirt cheap now days. Why struggle to fit Windows in 128GB and constantly worry about running out of space.

    250GB Samsung EVO $59
    500GB Samsung EVO $79 ($52.99 at AliExpress)

    Other OEMs (non-Samsung are cheaper).

    I swapped out my 500GB SSD for a 1TB SSD for $84 on sale during Black Friday. $104 now.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 42,935
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #7

    Hi Ztruker,
    Had you scanned with
    Crucial System Scanner | Crucial.com
    Was/is Samsung better rated?
    Was there a Samsung scanner?
    Which website was used to find the bargain site and which website was used for the purchase?

    (I've got some older computers with 750 GB HD that have wear.
    Thinking about moving files to an external drive and storing the computers.
    Or replacing the drives to have additional backups.)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 14,054
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #8

    zbook said:
    Hi Ztruker,
    Had you scanned with
    Crucial System Scanner | Crucial.com
    Why would I scan anything? I bought the 1TB drive on Black Friday because it was very cheap. Didn't need it, just couldn't pass it up.
    The QVO (my new 1TB drive) is lower rated than the EVOs I previously owned but I can't tell any difference.


    Was/is Samsung better rated?
    Was there a Samsung scanner?
    Samsung is very well rated and my experience with 3 Samsung SSDs so far has been excellent. No problems of any kind in over 5 years.

    Which website was used to find the bargain site and which website was used for the purchase?
    I used Amazon Prime.

    (I've got some older computers with 750 GB HD that have wear.
    Thinking about moving files to an external drive and storing the computers.
    Or replacing the drives to have additional backups.)
    I'll never buy another spinner (HDD), only SSDs for me from now on. Maybe move to M.2 when i have a system that supports them.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    Unfortunately for an OS drive, 128GB is about the absolute minimum these days. And you aren't going to be able to keep much on it. I try to keep a C drive of at least 512GB if at all possible.
      My Computers


 

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