Is it possible to transfer a steam game to a flash drive, and keep everything intact?

[HeatedChocolate]

My laptop is out of storage space, and I need to make new room. My only logical option is to move terraria (my only steam game at the moment) to an 8 gig flash drive. Is this possible and if so, what are the instructions in the simplest of terms?

[Snapjak]

The absolute simplest way.
1) Leave the flash drive plugged in 24/7 in a plug that WILL NOT GET BUMPED
2) Steam (top left) > settings > downloads > steam library folders > add library folder
2a) add your flash drive as a library. Something like drive:\steam\
3) Right-click Terraria in your library > properties > local files > move install

[HeatedChocolate]

What dows 'Bumped' mean exactly? I'm not to keen on computer talk. Also, why do I have to keep the drive in 24/7?

[Snapjak]

Bumped, as in you won't hit it.

Leave it plugged in so that Steam always can find it.

[HeatedChocolate]

I mean, it has a cover, and why does steam always need to find it?

[Glimmer]

Originally posted by starboundertheoutrider:

I mean, it has a cover, and why does steam always need to find it?

because if Steam doesn't see the drive as being attached, it can't access the files on the drive.

Steam does not handle a Library folder disappearing while it's running very well. Nor does it seem to realize when the folder returns. If the drive is disconnected, you'll have to restart the client.

[HeatedChocolate]

Is restarting the client easy?

[Glimmer]

Yes. First step is to close the client. Either right click on the Steam icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, and select exit, or from the client, top left corner Steam > Exit

Then start the client. Either from a conveniently placed shortcut or from the Start menu.

[HeatedChocolate]

So I don't need to keep the drive in?

[Si-Fi]

Originally posted by starboundertheoutrider:

So I don't need to keep the drive in?

Not necessarily but do not forget to insert it in if you wish to play said game.

[HeatedChocolate]

Ah, Thank you for all for your help.

[Snapjak]

The reason I put #1 first, USB Flash drives are weak. They are not meant to be plugged in and unplugged repeatedly every day or whatever. They do break.


If it was an external hard drive that would be an entirely different story.

[HeatedChocolate]

Oh wait, it said the drive is read only.

[dawg]

Does this work for all games because when I tried to put neir on a drive and it doesn't want to move it

[saittaisaiah691]

UPDATE 2/23/2025 9:30AM
UPDATE @EVERYONE UPDATE 2/23/2025 9:30AM
TOP LEFT OF STEAM CLICK
CLICK SETTING
CLICK STORAGE
CLICK 3 DOTS ... ITS TO THE RIGHT OF ALL THE COLORFUL STUFF
CLICK ADD DRIVE
CLICK DRIVE THAT SHOWS UP
CLICK BOX NEXT TO GAME
BOTTOM RIGHT
CLICK ON MOVE
CLICK DRIVE
CLICK MOVE TAKES ANYWHERE FROM 1MINUTES-1HOURS
ITS LIKE DOWNLOADING GAME ALL OVER AGAIN BUT
STEAM DOING IT FOR YOU.!!!


YOURWELCOME!!!!


UPDATE 2/23/2025 9:30AM