Windows 11 Move Documents Folder to Another Drive

This post will show that in Windows 11 move Documents folder to another drive to reclaim more free space on the C drive.

Lucas

By Lucas / Updated on May 12, 2023

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The Documents folder in Windows 11 is a folder generated for PC users to store the programs' files like Registry information, data base files, and subfolders to help the installed programs run smoothly.

This folder is mostly kept on the C drive, where it is easily accessible. If your C drive does not have enough capacity, you might need to prepare to migrate it to another drive in your Windows 11. This is because the Documents folder, depending on the quantity of your data, might be rather large, slowing down system speed.

Can you move Documents folder in Windows 11?

In fact, although it might be a little risky, you can move the Documents folder and the subfolders in it to another drive. Some users also meet problems when they try to move it: a notice shows “can't move documents folder access denied” pop out.

So, if you need to change your Documents folder to another location in Windows 11 with the correct methods, this post will help you in the next part.

How to move Documents folder to another drive in Windows 11

Way 1. Use File Explorer to move Documents Folder

Step 1. Open File Explorer > This PC > Device and drivers, and select the new drive location.

Step 2. Go to the location where you wish to move the Documents folder.

Step 3. Tap on the New folder button and name the new folder.

Create Documents folder

Step 4. Repeat the steps if you want to transfer multiple folders to another drive.

Step 5. Press the “Windows” + “R” keys together to open the Run dialogue.

Step 6. Type the path to open the location with the user account default folders: %HOMEPATH%.

Homepath

Step 7. Right-click on the folder and choose the “Properties” option.

Step 8. Click on the Location tab > Move button > Select the folder in the new location.

Location

Step 9. Click on the Select Folder button > Apply > Yes, and your default user folder is moved to the new location.

Apply

Way 2. Use Windows Settings to relocate the Documents folder

Step 1. Go to Windows Settings > Systems > Storage > Where new content is saved.

Where new content is saved

Step 2. Select the new save location.

Select drive

The folder won’t be moved, but the new documents will be saved in the new location.

Way 3. Use a professional tool to move the Documents folder

To move the Documents folder, another choice is the third-party tool. This kind of software can set all directory information automatically and move multiple folders at once. AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is the tool that can help you well. With easy operation and a user-friendly interface, you can quickly move folders with this practical Windows disk/partition manager.

Free DownloadWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download
◤ Before we start:
1. Please check if the target drive has sufficient free space to save all you move. If there’s a notice that tells you the space is insufficient, you need to extend drive space at first.
2. Please do not move or delete the files in the source and target directory, all settings will be modified by the tool.
3. This feature only runs between NTFS drives, if you want to move folders from or to a FAT32 drive, please convert to NTFS at first.

Step 1. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant, click “Free up” > “App Mover”.

App Mover

Step 2. In the new window, click “Move Folder”.

Two options

Step 3. Select the Documents folder. Choose the location drive under the window, and click “Move”.

Select documents

Step 4. You will see a pop-up message to confirm forcibly closing running applications when moving starts. Click "OK" to begin the process.

Finish

Note: After the move, you can try "Delete Large Files" to release more space.

Way 4. Use Registry Editor to move the Documents folder

Step 1. Create a new folder on the drive you want to save Documents.

Step 2. Press Windows + R to launch the Run box and then type "regedit" in the box. Follow this path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folder

Step 3. Find the “Personal” option in the right panel, and double-click it.

Personal

Step 4. Change the “Value data” to the new location.

Value data

Step 5. Reboot the PC.

Wrap up

In Windows 11 move the Documents folder can be a simple work for all users with AOMEI Partition Assistant. And if you need, you can also move installed programs on the C drive to another drive since this tool is versatile with the “App Mover” utility.

What’s more, it also allows users to clone disks, migrate OS, and convert file systems without formatting, etc. And for all-around service, it has the Server Edition for Server users (compatible with all Server versions) and the Unlimited Edition for enterprises. You can trust this tool to efficiently manage your Windows devices.

Lucas
Lucas · Staff Editor
I prefer peaceful and quiet life during vacation,but sometimes I watch football match if my favorite club performs brilliantly in that season. And I love reading, painting and calligraphy, thus I send my friends festival handwriting cards every year.