Over time, the C drive on a computer can become filled with photos, music, videos, and other files, slowing down the system and leaving little space. This article provides a comprehensive guide on moving Windows 10 user folders to another drive (e.g., E drive) to free up system disk space and enhance computer performance.
1. Check the Location of the User Directory.
First, navigate to the user directory in the C drive (C:\Users), where all local accounts are stored. Typically, each account contains folders for pictures, documents, videos, etc., which take up space on the system disk.
2. Create an XML Configuration File.
Next, create an `relocate.xml` file in the E drive. This XML file sets the location for the new user’s primary folder. Set the `processorArchitecture` property to `amd64` for a 64-bit system or `x86` for a 32-bit system. Then, specify the new user directory path in `ProfilesDirectory` as E:\Users. Below is the content of relocate.xml.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend"> <settings pass="oobeSystem"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <FolderLocations> <ProfilesDirectory>E:\Users</ProfilesDirectory> </FolderLocations> </component> </settings> </unattend>
3. Run Sysprep Commands with Administrator Privileges.
Open Command Prompt and execute the `net stop wmpnetworksvc` command to ensure the Media Player Network Sharing Service is not running, which could interfere with subsequent actions. It’s recommended to back up your system to revert to the original state if anything goes wrong. After that, run the Sysprep command, which, after a restart, will automatically set the new user directory in the E drive.
%windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /oobe /reboot /unattend:E:\relocate.xml
4. Create a New User and Verify.
After restarting the system, follow the prompts to set up a new account, such as “temp-hello”, and check if its primary directory has successfully been created on the E drive. If successful, the new user’s files will be stored on the E drive, significantly reducing the load on the C drive.
5. Conclusion.
Following these steps, Windows 10 users can effectively free up C drive space and improve overall system performance. By strategically relocating user folders, you can avoid overloading the system disk, improving speed and extending the hard drive’s lifespan.
6. Demo Video.
