How do I move libraries in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, while the "Libraries" concept is less central than in Windows 7, the core idea of managing collections of files often involves changing the default save location for your main user folders like Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos. Moving these folders to a different drive or partition is a common way to manage space on your primary system drive (usually C:) or to organize backups.

The primary method for changing the location of these default user folders involves using the folder's Properties window. This process effectively "moves" the associated files and changes where Windows saves new files by default for that folder type.

Steps to Change a User Folder's Location

Here's how you can change the default location for a user folder, such as the Documents folder, based on the standard Windows method:

1. Right-click the folder: Find the user folder you want to move (e.g., Documents, Downloads, Pictures) in File Explorer. Right-click on it.
2. Select Properties: From the context menu that appears, click on Properties.
3. Access the Location Tab: In the Properties dialog box that opens, click on the Location tab.
4. Click the Move Button: On the Location tab, you will see the current path to the folder. Click the Move... button.
5. Choose New Location and Create Folder: A file browser window will open. Navigate to the drive (e.g., drive X:) or partition where you want to store the folder. Inside the desired location (like drive X:'s Libraries folder as suggested in one reference), you should create a new folder specifically for the content you are moving (e.g., create a folder called Documents if moving the Documents folder).
6. Select the New Folder: Select the newly created folder and click Select Folder.
7. Apply Changes: Back in the Properties window, the path will update to your new location. Click Apply.
8. Confirm Move: Windows will ask if you want to move the files from the old location to the new one. Confirm this action. This might take some time depending on the amount of data.
9. Click OK: Once the files are moved, click OK to close the Properties window.

Why Move User Folders?

Moving these folders can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Save Space on System Drive: Keep your primary C: drive free for the operating system and applications by storing large personal files elsewhere.
• Data Separation: Separate your personal data from the operating system, making OS reinstalls easier without losing your files.
• Backup Strategy: Align your important data folders with a backup strategy that targets a specific drive or partition.

Applies to Other Folders

This "Location tab" method works for most default user folders found under C:\Users\[YourUsername], including:

• Documents
• Downloads
• Music
• Pictures
• Videos

By following these steps for each folder you wish to relocate, you can effectively "move" where Windows stores the files associated with these common "library" types.

Step	Action
1. Start	Right-click the desired user folder (e.g., Documents) in File Explorer
2. Open Properties	Select Properties
3. Go to Location	Click the Location tab
4. Initiate Move	Click the Move... button
5. Select/Create Path	Browse to new drive/location and create a folder for the content
6. Confirm Location	Select the new folder and click Select Folder
7. Apply Changes	Click Apply in the Properties window
8. Move Files	Confirm the prompt to move files
9. Finalize	Click OK

This process ensures that Windows correctly updates its registry and internal pointers to the new location, so applications save and open files from the desired place.