How to move User Folder and Restrict Access to other Drives/Partition


  1. Posts : 4
    Windows 10 Home Single Language 64-bit
       #1

    How to move User Folder and Restrict Access to other Drives/Partition


    Hi, everyone.

    I just recently joined this forum with the intent of getting help in setting up a new computer. I've done a fair share of research in this (and other) forum, but the variety of solutions I found left me confused more than ever. I hope someone can point me in the right direction, and explain to me how to achieve my desired setup in a way that a regular user like me could understand.

    Basically, I have three concerns:
    1. How to properly setup an admin, standard, and guest account
    2. How to move user data to different drives/partitions
    3. How to restrict access to drives/partitions

    First off, some relevant details on my current setup:

    Operating System Windows 10 Home Single Language 64-bit
    Storage (Internal) 250GB SSD, 2TB HDD
    User Accounts My main user account only (no other accounts yet)

    Currently, I already have Windows 10 running in C: (SSD) with some programs installed, while the 2TB (HDD) space is still unallocated. I'm planning to break it up as described below:

    SSD - 250GB HDD - 2TB
    C: (System) - 250GB D: (Backup) - 250GB
    E: (Work) - 850GB
    F: (Personal) - 850GB
    G: (Visitor) - 50GB

    Next, I want to create three accounts: An admin account, a work account, and a guest account.

    Account/Profile To be used for
    User (Admin) Personal things and changes to the system
    Work (Standard) Work (this will be used on a daily basis)
    Visitor (Guest) Guests

    Aside from the User (Admin) account, the other accounts should only see their respective drives. Here's what each user account should "see" as visible drives/partitions in file explorer.

    Account/Profile Visible Drives in File Explorer
    User (Admin) C, D, E, F, G (all drives accessible)
    Work (Standard) E*
    Visitor (Guest) G

    *There are instances in my work that require other users to use my computer, so I want to restrict access to other drives to prevent others from snooping around and/or causing unwanted changes to the computer.

    With this setup, I need to redirect the user files for each user account into their respective partitions; namely E, F, and G.

    Drive/Partition Purpose
    C: (System) System and Programs
    D: (Backup) System images and other recovery files
    E: (Work) All user files for "Work" account (documents, appdata downloads, pictures, music, videos, etc.)
    F: (Personal) All user files for "User" account (me)
    G: (Visitor) All user files for "Visitor" account

    I hope I was able to explain well what I want to achieve. If not, please feel free to ask me and I will do my best to clarify.

    I sincerely appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you in advance.

    PS. To Forum Admin, I apologize for any error in format. If there's any, please let me know and I will correct it. Thank you.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,944
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hello, considering just part of your question: if you have a look at the extensive and professional Tutorial section here
    Windows 10 Tutorial Index Windows 10 Tutorials
    and search for 'location' you will find a number of tutorials such as (& there are more)

    Change Save Location for New Apps in Windows 10 Windows 10 Apps Features Tutorials
    Enable or Disable Changing Save Location of Apps in Windows 10 Windows 10 Apps Features Tutorials
    Move Apps to another Drive in Windows 10 Windows 10 Apps Features Tutorials
    Move Location of Desktop Folder in Windows 10 Windows 10 Customization Tutorials
    Restore Default Location of Personal Folders in Windows 10 Windows 10 User Accounts Tutorials
    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials
    Documents Folder - Move Location in Windows 10 Windows 10 Customization Tutorials

    which may be of interest in specifying where certain data is to be stored.

    Please be aware some users get themselves into a horrible mess by specifying the wrong destination in setting the location.

    Note: I haven't attempted to completely address all the issues raised.
    It is an excellent strategy to try to keep user data off C: - note that includes data used by certain programs.

    Please be cautious in making such changes.

    As ever, please use disk imaging routinely in planning your new system, if you've not yet discovered the great advantages in doing so.

    We strongly recommend e.g. Macrium Reflect (free) + its boot medium + external storage for image sets.
    Having a disk image allows you to recover fairly quickly from major problems without technical help, including disk failure, ransomware, and even user error.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 4
    Windows 10 Home Single Language 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the tip, Dalchina! I'll definitely check the links you provided.

    Please be aware some users get themselves into a horrible mess by specifying the wrong destination in setting the location.

    Note: I haven't attempted to completely address all the issues raised.
    It is an excellent strategy to try to keep user data off C: - note that includes data used by certain programs.

    Please be cautious in making such changes.

    As ever, please use disk imaging routinely in planning your new system, if you've not yet discovered the great advantages in doing so.

    One thing I've learned from all the forums threads I read regarding changing anything of significance to the computer is to FIRST back up your system (restore point, image, etc.). As such, I've already done necessary precautions even before posting in the forum, and will continue to do so during major steps in the process. I appreciate the reminder! :)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8,101
    windows 10
       #4

    It's very simple trying to restrict access to lock your self out. Before restricting anything you have to make an allow first you have to remember everyone group has admins as a member so if you lock everyone it will effect admins. Some folders must have system with full control
      My Computer


 

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