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To choose where an Xbox game installs on a Windows PC, select an available destination in the Xbox app’s installation options when you install it. For a game that is already installed, open its Manage options and check whether that title offers a move or repair action. First confirm the drive is connected, recognized by Windows, and has enough free space.
Check available space before choosing a drive
In Windows, open Settings > System > Storage to review storage use and select a drive for a more detailed breakdown. You can also open File Explorer > This PC to see the available space on connected drives. If the drive you want to use does not appear, make sure it is connected and recognized by Windows before trying to select it in the Xbox app.
Choose a location when installing an Xbox game
Xbox Wire has documented Xbox app features for selecting a game’s install location and managing installed games. Its announcement dates to November 18, 2021, when the features were described as available to Insiders; it does not establish that every current app version uses identical labels or menu paths. Follow the installation options shown in your version of the app and choose the drive or location you want when prompted.
Windows also lets you choose where new content is saved, including new apps. That system setting is related to storage defaults, but it is not the same control as choosing a destination through the Xbox app. If you need to direct a particular Xbox game to a particular drive, use the Xbox app’s install options rather than assuming the Windows default controls that game.
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#1 Best Overall
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- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Move or repair a game that is already installed
- Open the Xbox app and go to your installed game library.
- Select the game, then open its Manage options.
- Check the actions available for that title. If a move option appears, use the app’s prompts to choose a destination. If you are troubleshooting an installation, check whether a repair option is available.
Move and repair actions are not guaranteed for every game. Xbox Wire documented these capabilities for eligible games, so the options shown for the individual title are the useful guide. Avoid treating a manual drag of game folders in File Explorer as a universal way to move an Xbox-managed installation.
Free up space without moving a managed game
Use Settings > System > Storage to identify what is taking up space, then follow Windows’ storage tools to remove items you no longer need. Microsoft also describes moving personal files to another drive or external storage. That is different from moving an Xbox app game: use the game’s Manage options for an eligible installed title.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Choose a drive based on capacity and compatibility
When comparing possible locations, check how much free space each has, whether it is connected and selectable in the app, and whether the specific game offers an in-app move option if it is already installed. If you are considering an internal SSD to add capacity, first confirm the PC supports that drive’s form factor and interface. The Windows storage guidance does not identify one SSD that works for every computer, establish a universal external-drive solution for Xbox games, or promise that installing to a particular drive will improve performance.
Quick Recap
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- Package Contents: 1* portable hard drive, 1 *USB 3.0 cable, 1*USB to type C adapter，1 *user manual, shell packaging, three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Xbox Wire: Xbox app installation and management features
- Microsoft Support: Manage drive space with Storage settings
- Microsoft Support: Free up drive space in Windows
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