How To Move Documents Folder to Another Drive on Windows 11 & 10

By default, the Documents folder is located in your user profile directory, typically on the C drive. While this default location works for most users, there might be instances where you need to move the Documents folder to another drive. For example, you might be running out of space on your C drive, want to keep your files safer in case of system crashes or reinstalls, or prefer syncing the folder with your favorite cloud service.

Thankfully, Windows provides a “Move” function specifically for system folders like Documents to move them to another drive or folder of your choice. Since it’s a system folder, you cannot simply cut and paste it elsewhere; you have to use the “Move” function.

In this quick and straightforward tutorial, I’ll show you the steps to move the Documents folder to another drive. Once moved, the folder’s default location will update automatically, and you can access it as usual. Let’s get started.

Before You Begin

• As a precaution, back up all the files in the Documents folder before proceeding.
• Create a new folder in the drive where you want to move the Documents folder. For example, if you plan to move it to the D drive, create a folder named “Documents” on that drive.
• The below steps are tested to work on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Move the Documents folder to another drive

1. Open File Explorer by pressing “Windows key + E”.
2. Go to the “C:\users\YourUsername” folder.
3. Right-click the “Documents” folder.
4. Select the “Properties” option.
5. Go to the “Locations” tab.
6. Click the “Move” button.
7. Find and select the folder in the drive of your choice.
8. Click the “Select Folder” button.
9. Click “OK” to save the change.
10. Press the “Yes” button in the warning dialog.
11. With that, the Documents folder is moved.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

First, open the File Explorer by pressing the “Windows key + E” shortcut. Once it opens, find the default Documents folder. To do that, click “This PC” on the sidebar, double-click the “C drive”, open the “Users” folder, and then click on the folder with your username.

Next, right-click the “Documents” folder and select the “Properties” option.

In the “Properties” window, go to the “Location” tab and click the “Move” button.

Now, go to the drive of your choice, select the new folder, and click the “Select Folder” button.

Note: If you haven’t created a new empty folder, you can do it by right-clicking and selecting the “New” > “Folder” option.

Click the “OK” button in the “Properties” window to save the change.

As soon as you do that, Windows will ask if you want to move all the data from the old location to the new location. Click “Yes” to continue. If you click “No” the old location’s data will not be moved to the new location.

That is all. With that, you have moved the Documents folder to another location.

Wrapping Up — Moving Documents Folder to Another Drive on Windows

As you can see, if you want to move the Documents folder to another drive, you can use the “Move” function built into Windows. Once moved, Windows will automatically recognize the new location as the default, and you can continue accessing the folder as usual. Follow the same steps, you can also move the Downloads folder and other user folders.

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.