Member Avatar for epicrevolt

So I am wondering if it is possible to use 1 Solid State Drive for just the Windows Operating System and another 7200 RPM hard drive for programs like Microsoft Office, Steam, or even Firefox. Basically any application and document. Like make the 7200RPM hard drive the "Program Files" while the SSD just houses the core Windows OS.

I know, it sounds complicated, but this is a mystery to me. If I have to, I will just go with the "custom Install" option when installing programs to save them there.

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For : using an SSD for the OS and a separate 7200RPM drive for bulk programs and documents is a solid plan. pointed you toward changing install locations — that works, but there are safer, more flexible ways to get the best performance without breaking Windows updates or installers. The notes below fill in practical steps, pitfalls, and quick commands you can apply immediately.

Keep Windows and frequently used, latency-sensitive apps on the SSD. Put large, rarely-updated applications, game libraries and user data on the HDD. Avoid changing the system-wide ProgramFiles location in the registry — that can confuse installers and updates. Safer options: reinstall big programs straight to the HDD, or move individual program folders and create NTFS junctions so the system still sees them where it expects them.

Example move (safe workflow):

  • copy the program folder to D:\Program Files\AppName
  • rename the original C:\Program Files\AppName to a backup
  • create a junction pointing C:\Program Files\AppName → D:\Program Files\AppName
  • test the app, then delete the backup when satisfied
robocopy "C:\Program Files\AppName" "D:\Program Files\AppName" /MIR
rename "C:\Program Files\AppName" "AppName.bak"
mklink /J "C:\Program Files\AppName" "D:\Program Files\AppName"

Put user folders (Documents, Downloads, Pictures) onto the HDD via each folder’s Properties → Location tab so profiles and apps use the larger drive automatically. For Steam, use Steam’s “Library Folders” feature to keep games on the HDD. For browsers, move profiles (Firefox/Chrome have profile options) rather than moving executable files.

SSD housekeeping: enable AHCI before installing Windows, keep TRIM enabled, don’t defragment the SSD, and leave ~10–20% free space for performance. Quick TRIM check in Windows:

fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

This approach gives fast boot/OS responsiveness from the SSD while keeping storage-hungry programs and data on the HDD — with minimal risk and easy rollback.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

no only is it possible its recommended.when you install any software it asks where you want to install it to defaults is usually c:\program files ,folder ,so ou just created a programs folder on the 7200 rpm drive and manually direct the install to it when asked where you want to install it ,there is also a registry edit to change the default to the other drive like D:\program file ,just use www.google.com , and you will find all the answers

Member Avatar for caperjack

this regedit link is a few yrs old ,but should still be the same .

Member Avatar for epicrevolt

I am looking more into it. I will mark as solved for now.

Member Avatar for caperjack

good luck

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