How to Install ONLY OS to SSD?

snowiblind · Oct 26, 2016

I only want to install my Windows OS to my SSD, and my other files (Steam games, etc.). How do I do that?

Rogue Leader · Oct 26, 2016

When you are installing Steam make sure to select your Install drive as your Other drive in your PC. Almost every application gives you this option during the install process.

Isokolon · Oct 26, 2016

also you gotta set a new path for your personal folders (as documents, music, etc.)
this can be done by rightclicking on the folder and changing the destination (or via registry but this is a bit more complicated)

Rogue Leader · Oct 26, 2016

Isokolon :

You don't even need to do that anymore, you can do it this way:

https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/change-install-location-windows-10-apps/

cilliers · Oct 26, 2016

Well, that's easy. You install the OS to C drive, while only having the SSD plugged into the system. Then install your drivers. When that is complete. You plug in your HDD as well. Assuming D: is your HDD.

When you install the steam client, simply change the default installation path manually when prompted. It will look something like this:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\
Where C: is you OS drive.
Now change that to D:\Steam
Continue the steam client setup and complete.

Every time you install a game, you can change the installation path in that exact same way, however now that Steam is installed on D:, it will automatically suggest that path by default.

For instance the default: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Borderlands 2

NOW BECOMES

D:\Steam\steamapps\common\Borderlands 2

Alternatively, if you already have steam and the games installed on C:, there is also an option to relocate these files to another HDD, without having to re download and reinstall anything. Here is a guide: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-move-a-pc-game-to-another-hard-drive-without-re-1714706774

Wolfshadw · Oct 26, 2016

I would just note that even if you do select another drive for installation, some files will still be written to the C: Drive.

-Wolf sends

cilliers · Oct 26, 2016

Rogue Leader :

Wow! This is pretty cool. I didn't even know about this. Why don't they announce functionality like this in the pre-release media conferences, instead of bickering about the stupid start menu. Thanks Wolfshadw!

USAFRet · Oct 26, 2016

snowiblind :

After your OS is installed, read this:
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html

For Steam games, read this:
Steam games location (Leave the Steam client on the SSD)
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

Now...having said the above...there are many things you DO want installed on the SSD.
Steam client, AV, browsers, all your other utilities.
Trying to keep it 'only the OS' is throwing away 1/2 the functionality of having the SSD.

snowiblind · Oct 26, 2016

USAFRet :

snowiblind :

After your OS is installed, read this:
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html

For Steam games, read this:
Steam games location (Leave the Steam client on the SSD)
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

Now...having said the above...there are many things you DO want installed on the SSD.
Steam client, AV, browsers, all your other utilities.
Trying to keep it 'only the OS' is throwing away 1/2 the functionality of having the SSD.

well i mean its a 64 gb ssd

USAFRet · Oct 26, 2016

snowiblind :

Why o why would you buy that?
Even if 'only' the OS...you're going to run into space issues.

snowiblind · Oct 26, 2016

USAFRet :

its not like windows 8.1 is 64gb itself xD

USAFRet · Oct 26, 2016

snowiblind :

A 64GB SSD leaves about 50GB actual usable space.
A Win 8.1 install is about 35GB after all current updates are run.

Add a browser or two, AV, a couple of utilities, and those 2 numbers are starting to meet in the middle.

Can you make it work? Yes, if you wish to manage that free space all the time.

snowiblind · Oct 26, 2016

USAFRet :

snowiblind :

A 64GB SSD leaves about 50GB actual usable space.
A Win 8.1 install is about 35GB after all current updates are run.

Add a browser or two, AV, a couple of utilities, and those 2 numbers are starting to meet in the middle.

Can you make it work? Yes, if you wish to manage that free space all the time.

i

rip

but hey, at least i can still store all my games in my hdd

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How to Install ONLY OS to SSD?

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