01
Create the target folders first
The move needs an empty destination per folder. Creating Documents and Downloads on the target drive keeps the structure readable.
Use the **Location** tab of each folder's properties to **Move** it to the target drive, confirm the move, then repeat per folder. OneDrive-managed folders need the move done inside OneDrive instead.
Requirements
- A second drive
- Admin rights
- Twenty minutes
Instructions
02
Move one folder at a time
Each folder has a location tab with a move button. Windows copies, verifies and repoints the shell link in one operation; doing five at once makes a failure hard to recover from.
Right-click Documents > Properties > Location > Move
03
Handle OneDrive before the rest
A folder redirected into OneDrive has a different location path and a different mechanism. Its move belongs in the OneDrive settings, not in the folder properties.
⚠ warningMoving a OneDrive folder by hand produces two copies and an endless sync conflict. Use the OneDrive folder picker.
04
Leave the Downloads move for a quiet moment
The move copies every file, including a large one being downloaded. Pause downloads and close the browser before moving that folder.
tipA move interrupted by a full drive leaves files in both places. Check the source folder afterwards.
05
Keep the drive letter fixed
A relocated profile folder on a drive that changes letter is a broken profile at next logon. Assign a permanent letter to the data drive.
diskmgmt.msc
06
Check the library links
Open the folders from the sidebar and from a save dialog. Both should show the new path, and the old location should be empty.
Common issues
The move fails with access denied
A file is open. Close the app and retry, then check for a partial move.
The folder reverts after a reboot
A policy or a OneDrive redirection. Fix it at the source.
An app cannot find the folder by its old path
The shell link is right, the literal path changed. Point the app at the new location.
Space was not freed
The old files remained. Verify and delete the leftovers manually.
Frequently asked
Is this safe for updates?
Yes. The relocation is supported and survives feature updates.
Can I move the whole profile?
Not with this method. Only the shell folders are relocatable.
How to undo this
Use the same Location tab and move each folder back to its default path, or press **Restore Default** there. The files return to the system drive.
Changelog · 1 entry
- 2026-10-31First version
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