Confused About New Computer's Disks

[Margo1]

Hi. I have a new TP01-3055xt Windows 11 computer. This is the first time I have had both an SSD and HDD drive installed in a computer.

The SSD is 475 GB and the HDD is 1.81TB.  As I understand it, the operating system and the system files are in the C: drive, which is the SSD.

Programs and files are being downloaded to the C: drive. Is there a way that I can download my personal files and folders to the HDD and personal programs and Windows operating system updates to the SSD?

(I hope that the SSD does not run out of space since I tend to keep my computers for a long time.)

Thanks.

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@Margo1,

Great question -and congrats on your new HP TP01-3055xt desktop!

You're correct: your SSD (C:) holds Windows, system files, and probably your installed programs by default. Meanwhile, your larger HDD (probably D : or E:) is perfect for storing personal files like documents, music, videos, and photos. It's smart to offload your data to the HDD to preserve space on the SSD, which keeps your system running fast and smooth.

Here's how to set things up:

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1. Move personal folders to the HDD:

You can redirect your Documents, Pictures, Music, etc., to the HDD.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Right-click on one of your personal folders (like Documents) under “This PC.”

3. Click Properties > Location tab.

4. Click Move, then browse to your HDD (usually D : ) and create/select a folder like D:\Documents.

5. Click Apply, then confirm.

Repeat for other folders like Pictures, Music, Downloads, etc.

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2. Save new files to the HDD by default:

Windows 11 can automatically save new files (like music or documents) to your HDD.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.

2. Click Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.

3. Change the default location for:

   • New documents

   • Music

   • Pictures

   • Videos

   • Apps (optional)

Set these to your HDD (e.g., D :).

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3. Keep programs and Windows updates on the SSD:

• Windows updates should always stay on the SSD (C:) — that's where your OS lives.

• You can install large programs or games to the HDD if they don't need high speed.

When installing a new program, choose “Custom install” and set the destination to your HDD (e.g., D:\Apps\ProgramName). Not all programs let you choose, but many do.

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Tips to keep SSD space free:

• Regularly empty the Downloads and Temp folders (%temp% -Note: Select all files using CTRL A, right-click and choose Delete -some files in the temp folder might be in use and cannot be deleted. You can skip those files during the deletion process) and using clean (Disk Cleanup).

• Use Storage Sense (Settings > System > Storage) to auto-clean unused files.

• Move large files like videos to the HDD.

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Let me know if you’d like help moving existing files or setting up folders on the HDD -happy to assist!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Margo1]

Hi, NonSequitur777.

Thank you for your detailed response. I was able to save my personal folders to the HDD. 

[NonSequitur777]

@Margo1,

You are most welcome -glad I could be of assistance!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777