Can I Store Files on D Drive? (Solved & Explained) | WhatsaByte (2024)

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Files on the computer are filling up. What should you do?

You can store your files on the D drive if the C is full of data. You can also store your essential files here or as a recovery option. But ensure that you do not store the files in the partition where you have your windows installed.

Can I Store Files on D Drive? (Solved & Explained) | WhatsaByte (1)

When installing applications on the computer, you can choose where to install them at either D or C drive. In this article, I will discuss the purpose of the D drive on your computer. Also, I will show you how you can store the files on the D drive and much more. Read on!

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Can I Store Files on the D Drive?

There is a reason your computer comes with two separate drives, and you can store your data on both drives. Since you can store some files on the D drives, it is easy for you to install a new Windows.

You can always store your most important files on the D drive such that when cleaning up the computer, you can remove the OS on the C drive and reinstall a new one without tampering with the files on the D drive.

You can create various folders on the D drive, such as documents, downloads, graphics, music, photos, and much more. If you download anything, you can direct it to save it in these folders.

Usually, the space on the D drive will always be much smaller since it is not the primary storage drive. So, it is essential to set it up to store essential files.

As you create the folders on the D drive, ensure you subdivide them so that it is easy to retrieve what you want. In each of the folders, it’s recommended to hold a maximum of about 250 files. If you have more than this, then look for a way to subdivide it.

Even though it is okay to store files on the D drive, it is always essential to have a backup. Ensure you backup the data regularly to be safe if you lose your computer data. The C and the D drive are part of the hard disk.

If the disk fails, it may delete everything that it contains, including the data on the D drive hence the need to create a backup.

Also, the performance on the D drive may be much slower, unlike that of the C drive. So, store data that you do not mind about the performance on the D drive.

What is the D Drive Used For?

The D drive is usually a partition from the primary drive, which helps store specific files. Typically, your computer has one hard drive, which has two partitions. The C partition has more space than D.

The D drive acts as the system recovery part where the manufacturer places the system restoration files. Some system restoration files that the D drive stores include HP and the ASUS.

As the recovery storage for the computer, it will help you get back your data in case anything goes wrong with your computer. Also, the D drive provides additional storage for things such as data, documents, games, program files, and much more.

You can always direct your files here when the C drive fills. But the functioning of the D drive will depend on the configurations on your computer.

How Can I save Data on My D Drive?

When saving data on your computer, most of it goes to the C drive. For your most important files, direct them to a safer drive, the D drive, a data restoration drive, or the default save location.

The C drive usually holds most of your data and will most frequently fill up, hence considering saving some of your data on the D drive. Some people usually opt to transfer some space from the D drive and add it to the S drive.

While this is a great option, you need to consider the risks when reinstalling a new operating system in the computer. So, how do you save data on the D drive?

Step 1: Open the file explorer

While on the file explorer, navigate to the D drive. Usually, most computers will have the C and the D drive in the same space, and you should not have any issues identifying it.

Step 2: Create folders

The D drive is usually empty with no folders such as documents, music, and downloads like those on the C drive. To quickly retrieve your data after storage, it is essential to create such sections.

To create the folders, right-click on the D drive space, navigate to the option “new folder,” and click on that. Then, name your folder, and you can create as many folders.

Step 3: Open the Registry Editor

Once you create the folders, close the file explorer. Then open the Registry Editor, which should be on the same page. Double click this option {F42EE2D3-909F-4907-8871-4C22FC0BF756} on the Registry then click OK.

Step 4: Close the registry

Once you set the data value of the registry, close it and restart the computer. You can now save your files to the folders you create since they are now separate for the D drive itself. You can use the copy-paste option or drag the files to the folders to save the data.

Can I Store Files on D Drive? (Solved & Explained) | WhatsaByte (2)

Can I move Program Files to D Drive?

Program files might occupy a lot of space on the C drive, so you might want to move them to the D drive to create some space.Also, you may want to store specific programs on the D drive, maybe for safety reasons.

You can move program files on the D drive. If you download a particular program, you can direct it to save on the D drive instead of the C drive. Also, when downloading the program files, you can store them in the C drive.

But when installing them, direct the files to install in the D drive such that even when you delete the file on the C drive, you will still be able to use it.

However, if you download the files and install them on the C drive, it is impossible to move them to a D drive or any other storage space in the computer.

Moving installed programs from C drive to D drive will affect how they work, and most probably, they will not work at all while there.

How to Save Data on D Drive?

Using Windows Settings

Uninstalling applications on the C drive so that you can install them on the D drive can be a tedious process. You can successfully transfer your data using the windows settings.

Here you can use the Apps & Features or Apps & Games, which are in the windows settings, to transfer and save your data in the D drive.

When saving, start by opening the file containing them, then go to settings and open the folder. Right-click here and select move to D drive, and this data will move here.

Using PC transfer software

Instead of manually installing and uninstalling the apps from your computer, you can transfer the data using PC software, and it will automatically save in the D drive. With this tool, you drag and drop your program.

Once it finishes the transfer, restart your PC to make changes on the drive and save the data. You can now access your files from the D drive.

Conclusion

The D drive is always a great alternative to store your data so that you can save on space and offer protection to your data if the OS fails.

However, it is vital to have a backup of your files because the D drive is usually part of the entire hard drive. Use the insights above to transfer and save program files and other data on the D drive.

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Can I Store Files on D Drive? (Solved & Explained) | WhatsaByte (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to store stuff in D drive? ›

Yes, sure. Its better to store your video or any data in the partition other than windows. Don't store your data in partition, in which you have Windows installed. So if you have installed Windows in C drive, then save your data in d drive or other drive, if you have any.

Should I save files on C drive or D drive? ›

Most computers will automatically save your data to the hard drive, usually known as the C drive. This is the most common place to store files.

What is the D drive used for on my computer? ›

The D: drive is usually a secondary hard drive installed on a computer, often used to hold the restore partition or to provide additional disk storage space.

What files can I move from C to D? ›

You can actually move the folders inside the User folder like: documents, desktop, downloads, favorites, onedrive, picture, music etc. By the end of the copy you will encounter a pop up asking you to move the file location of those folders. Click on Yes to all to apply the changes.

Can I move my files from C drive to D drive? ›

Yes. You can cut non-system files (such as desktop files and other files stored on the C drive) to another drive. If you wish to migrate desktop files from the C drive to a non-system drive, you can cut the files or change the desktop file path to another drive.

Which drive is best for storage? ›

The 13 Best External Hard Drives and SSDs for 2022
  • SanDisk Extreme Portable 1TB SSD. Rugged external mini SSD. ...
  • Seagate Storage Expansion Card. Best for expanding storage for Xbox Series X/S games. ...
  • Seagate FireCuda 530 with Heatsink. Best for expanding storage for PS5 games. ...
  • WD Black P10 2TB. ...
  • Seagate Game Drive 4TB.
17 Nov 2022

Is D drive safer than C drive? ›

Thus, saving personal files on a C drive may not be the best option available here. The D drive, on the other hand, is the safe option as it is used as a recovery drive in many systems. Next to the C drive, the D drive is the first storage drive available for files and data management.

What is the best way to organize files on a computer? ›

Decide whether it makes sense to organize files by name, date, project, or department. After that, shared drive folder structure best practice is to start with your broadest categories for your main folders, and then get more specific with subfolders.

What does D drive mean? ›

D: is a PC drive letter often assigned to the CD-ROM or other disc drive. Computers with one hard drive and partition automatically assign the CD-ROM or other disc drive as the D: drive. However, this drive can be any drive letter, but is often assigned as the last physical drive letter.

Does a full D drive slow down computer? ›

A hard drive that's too full can slow down your computer, causing freezes and crashes. Think of it this way -- if you have a storage trunk that's jam-packed with stuff, taking up every available inch of space, it'll make it harder, and take longer, for you to find what you're looking for.

What is difference between C drive and D drive? ›

The C: drive is your “BOOT” Drive where the Operating System like Windows is loaded. The D: Drive ,or any other Drive on the computer, can be used for everything else. C: is usually where your operating system (Windows etc) is installed.

Can programs be installed on D drive? ›

Yes of course! In most programs, you will have an option to choose the location to install. If your PC is running low on free space, you might not be able to install important Windows updates, and your PC's performance may be affected.

What happens if you move program files from C to D? ›

As mentioned earlier, moving program files from C to D or moving program files from SSD to HDD may cause your program not working, thus it's necessary to backup system and data on it.

What happens when C drive is full? ›

If Local Disk C Drive Full, What Will Happen

Windows OS slows down or becomes extremely slow. Low storage space for storing more data and files. Not big enough to install Windows update. Unavailable for program installation.

How do I use D drive instead of C Windows 10? ›

Right-click the Windows 10 Menu button and select Disk Management to display a list of all available hard drives. Right-click the specific hard drive letter you want to change, and select Change Drive Letter and Paths. Click the Add button, select a new drive letter, and then click the Change button, as pictured below.

How do I move everything to disk D? ›

Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + C (Copy) or Ctrl + X (Cut) after pitching on these files in source drive. In the destination drive, press Ctrl + V to paste these files. Important: This method applies to transfer personal files from C drive to D drive.

How do I merge my C drive to D drive? ›

Merging C and D drive works the same way.
  1. Step 1: Select the target partition. Right-click on the partition which you want to add space to and keep, and select "Merge".
  2. Step 2: Select a neighbor partition to merge. ...
  3. Step 3: Execute operation to merge partitions.
22 Sept 2022

Which drive is safe to save files? ›

Google Drive is generally very secure, as Google encrypts your files while they're being transferred and stored.

What is the best storage for long term? ›

Flash drives and external hard drives

External hard drives are a well-established long-term storage solution. All you need to do is copy your data to the connected drive in the same way you would copy a file from one folder to another. Flash drives like USBs and memory cards are a kind of flash storage.

What type of storage lasts the longest? ›

M-Disc. The M-Disc is an optical archival media storage media that the company says can “preserve photos, videos, music, and documents for 1,000 years or more.” That's quite a claim and is clearly only theoretical.

How do I protect my D drive? ›

How to Hide and Lock Hard Disk Drives on Computer?
  1. Key Features.
  2. Run Folder Encryption and Click “Protect Drive”(See Image Below).
  3. Select the Hard Disk Drive(s) that You Want to Lock. And Then Click OK.
  4. Now Open “My Computer”, You Can Found the Selected Drives Were Hidden. Related posts:
4 Aug 2021

Which drive is most secure? ›

The following are the list of most secure cloud storage of 2021:
  • Sync.com.
  • Microsoft OneDrive.
  • Google Drive.
  • Egnyte Connect.
  • MEGA.
  • Tresorit.
  • SpiderOak.
  • Koofr.
3 Mar 2021

Which is faster local disk C or D? ›

If the local disk C is on an HDD, while the local disk D is on an SSD, then the D drive might be faster than the C drive. This is because of the different working mechanisms of HDD and SSD.

Where is the best place to store files? ›

Our top picks for the best cloud storage services will appeal to a range of users, including small to large businesses.
  1. Sync.com. Sync.com is our number one online backup and file sharing service. ...
  2. Egnyte Connect. ...
  3. Google Drive. ...
  4. Microsoft OneDrive. ...
  5. Dropbox.
14 Nov 2022

What is the safest way to store files? ›

10 tips to protect your files on your PC and in the Cloud
  1. Keep your computer and devices updated. ...
  2. Create a strong password. ...
  3. Use Microsoft Defender. ...
  4. Encrypt your hard drive. ...
  5. Encrypt your mobile device. ...
  6. Add security information to your cloud storage account. ...
  7. Choose a cloud service that uses encryption. ...
  8. Ransomware protection.
8 Sept 2020

What are the 5 basic filing systems? ›

There are 5 methods of filing:
  • Filing by Subject/Category.
  • Filing in Alphabetical order.
  • Filing by Numbers/Numerical order.
  • Filing by Places/Geographical order.
  • Filing by Dates/Chronological order.

Does Windows have to be on C drive? ›

Yes, it's true! Windows' location could be on any drive letter. Even because you can have more than one OS installed on the same computer. You also could have a computer without a C: drive letter.

Why my D drive is not accessible? ›

Access is denied" Error via Properties. Usually, when your external hard drive shows the "Drive is not accessible. Access is denied" error message, it is because you don't have the proper privilege settings in Windows. So, to fix the issue, you have to take ownership of the drive.

Should you compress your D drive? ›

When performing a Disk Cleanup, you have the option to compress your hard drive. We strongly recommend users do not compress their hard drives or compress their old files.

How long do hard drives last? ›

Most hard drives have a lifespan of three to five years.

How much storage should I leave on my PC? ›

While 256GB of storage space is appropriate for many people, gaming enthusiasts will need a lot more. Most experts recommend that you get a minimum of 512GB if you're going to load a few games, but you'll need 1TB of storage if you're planning to load several AAA games.

Is local disk D the hard drive? ›

A local drive or local disk is a hard drive or SSD that is installed inside of or connected to your computer. It is not part of another computer on a network.

What is D Recovery drive? ›

Recovery (D): is a special partition on the hard drive used to restore the system in the event of problem. Recovery (D:) drive can be seen in Windows Explorer as a usable drive, you should not attempt to store files in it. Storing files can on the Recovery (D:) drive can cause the system recovery process to fail.

What can I delete from my C drive to free up space? ›

Here's how to clear disk space and increase storage on your desktop or laptop, even if you've never done it before.
  1. Uninstall unnecessary apps and programs. ...
  2. Clean your desktop. ...
  3. Get rid of monster files. ...
  4. Use the Disk Cleanup Tool. ...
  5. Discard temporary files. ...
  6. Deal with downloads. ...
  7. Save to the cloud.
4 Apr 2022

Why is everything saving to my C drive? ›

It sounds like you are using the default locations to save your files to. Just select a different location. Use Windows Explorer to create your new folders on your D drive and then just cut and paste from your C drive (just your files!) to your newly created folders.

How do I clean my C drive without losing data? ›

Method 1. Run Disk Cleanup utility to clean C drive
  1. Click Disk Cleanup and select files that you want to delete from C drive.
  2. Click OK to confirm the operation.
  3. Method 2. Clean up C drive without formatting. You'll see that Disk Cleanup utility can only remove some temp files and Recycle Bin files on your computer.
22 Sept 2022

Should I store games on D drive? ›

I am Sumit here to assist you with this question. Absolutely, you should move your Games to the other drive. As SSD is comparatively smaller in size, it is recommended to keep the OS in it, and move your games and apps which are very large, to the other drive which I assume is an HDD.

Can I store photos on my D drive? ›

drive. For example, you can set up a series of folders on D: called audio files, documents, downloads, graphics, music, my photos, my videos, photos, spreadsheets, videos, web pages, work and so on, depending on the kinds of files you create or save.

Which drive is faster C or D? ›

If the local disk C is on an HDD, while the local disk D is on an SSD, then the D drive might be faster than the C drive. This is because of the different working mechanisms of HDD and SSD.

Which drive is safe in computer? ›

The F drive is also automatically backed up at regular intervals, which means your work should be safe if your computer crashes. Therefore the F drive is the best place to save work-related documents that only you need access to. The G drive is shared space on a networked drive for your local area or department.

Why my D drive is full but no files? ›

Causes for Hard Drive Full But no Files on Windows

You can find the reasons for this issue below: The presence of a virus on a hard disk might create the issue. If you've hidden the files on your hard drive, it can also eat up a lot of memory space. A logical or a system error might also cause the issue.

What is D drive storage? ›

Your D: drive is not actually another hard drive, nor is it the letter assigned to a memory-card slot. Instead, it's most likely a partition of your primary hard drive, a separate area created especially to hold certain files or data.

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