How to Install a Game from an External Drive

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Installing games from an external drive is a useful skill to have. It allows you to save space on your main storage device and makes it easier to transport games between computers. This guide will walk you through the entire process in simple and easy-to-understand steps.

Step 1: Check the system requirements

Before you begin, make sure your computer meets the system requirements for the game you want to install. Most game developers provide a list of minimum and recommended specifications. Make sure your computer's processor, memory, graphics card, and operating system are compatible.

Step 2: Connect the external drive

Connect your external drive to your computer. Most external drives connect via a USB port. Depending on your external drive and computer, you can use a USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or USB-C connection. Make sure the drive is securely connected to an available port.

Step 3: Find the game files

Once the external drive is connected, locate the game files on the drive. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and navigate to the external drive. Look for the folder that contains the game files. It may be named Games, Developer, or something generic like "Game Files."

Step 4: Install the game

There are several ways to install the game, depending on how the files are formatted. Here are a description of the most common scenarios:

Scenario 1: Setup the executable (.exe) file

If your game comes with a setup executable, installing it is easy. Follow these steps:

1. Double-click on the setup (.exe) file to run it.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. You may be asked to choose the installation path. Choose the drive where you want to install the game. You can choose your external drive if you want.
3. Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes.

Scenario 2: Compressed archives (.zip, .rar)

If your game is in a compressed archive, you'll need to extract the files first. Here's how to do it:

1. Right-click the compressed file (e.g., .zip or .rar) and select "Extract All" or use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
2. Choose the destination for the extracted files: You can choose your external drive or any other location on your computer.
3. After extraction, navigate to the extracted folder and look for the setup executable or the main game executable.
4. Run the executable to install or launch the game.

Scenario 3: Pre-installed game folders

Sometimes, the game files are already in a ready-to-run state. In this case:

1. Navigate to the folder containing the game files on your external drive.
2. Look for the main game executable, which is often named after the game or something generic like "Game.exe."
3. Double-click the executable to run the game. If you want easier access from your desktop or Start menu, you may need to create a shortcut manually.

Step 5: Verify the integrity of the game (optional)

If you downloaded the game from an online store or a trusted source, sometimes verifying the integrity of the files can prevent errors. Here's how you can do this for some popular game distribution platforms:

Steam

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on the game and select "Properties."
3. Switch to the "Local Files" tab and click "Verify integrity of game files."
4. Steam will scan the game files and replace any missing or corrupted files.

Epic Games

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Go to your library and find the game.
3. Click the three dots below the game and select “Verify.”
4. The launcher will verify the files and fix any issues.

Step 6: Update the game

It's important to make sure your game is updated to the latest version. Most game launchers have built-in update systems that will automatically check for and download updates. Here are the steps for some popular platforms:

Steam

1. Open Steam.
2. Go to your library.
3. Right-click on the game and select "Properties."
4. Go to the "Updates" tab and make sure "Always keep this game up to date" is selected.
5. Steam will automatically download and install updates when they are available.

Epic Games

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
2. Go to your library.
3. Click the three dots below the game and select "Auto-update."
4. As updates become available, the launcher will automatically download and install them.
5. Alternatively, you can click "Update" if an update is already available.

Updating manually

1. If your game doesn't use a launcher, you may need to manually download the update from the game's official website.
2. Visit the website and look for the section dedicated to updates or patches.
3. Download the update and follow the instructions to install it.

Step 7: Configure the game settings

Before you start playing, it's a good idea to configure the game's settings to match your preferences and system capabilities. Most games allow you to adjust graphics, audio, and control settings. Here are some common settings you may need to configure:

Graphics settings

• Resolution: Set the resolution that matches your monitor's native resolution for the best visual quality.
• Quality: Adjust the graphics quality (Low, Medium, High, Ultra) based on your system's capability.
• V-Sync: Enable or disable vertical synchronization to prevent screen tearing.
• Anti-Aliasing: Adjust this setting to smooth out jagged edges in games.

Audio settings

• Volume level: Adjust the master volume, music volume, and effects volume to your liking.
• Voice Chat: If applicable, configure voice chat settings for in-game communications.

Control settings

• Key Bindings: Customize the game controls to your liking.
• Controller support: If you use a game controller, make sure it's properly configured.

Step 8: Back up game saves (optional)

Once you start playing, it's a good practice to regularly back up your game saves. Most games store save files in a specific location on your computer. Here's how you can do it:

1. Identify the location of the save files. This information is usually available in the game's documentation or on online forums.
2. Create a backup folder on your external drive or cloud storage.
3. Regularly copy saved files to a backup folder to avoid losing progress.

Step 9: Uninstall the game (if necessary)

If you ever need to uninstall the game, follow these steps:

Windows

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Select "Programs and Features."
3. Locate the game in the list of installed programs.
4. Right-click on the game and select "Uninstall."
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Mac

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to the "Applications" folder.
3. Find the game application.
4. Drag the game to the Trash to uninstall it.
5. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the game.

Game Launcher

Most game launchers have uninstallation options built-in:

• Steam: Right-click the game in your library and select "Manage > Uninstall."
• Epic Games: Click the three dots below the game in your library and select "Uninstall."

Tips for using external drives

Here are some additional tips for using external drives effectively:

• Use a high-speed external drive (USB 3.0 or higher) for better performance.
• Safely eject the external drive before disconnecting it to prevent data corruption.
• Regularly back up important game data and save files to avoid loss.
• Keep external drive firmware updated for optimal performance and compatibility.

Conclusion

Installing a game from an external drive is a manageable task with the right steps. By following this guide, you can successfully install and run the game, ensuring smooth gameplay and efficient use of storage resources. Whether you are dealing with different installation formats or configuring game settings, these instructions will help you get the most out of your gaming experience.

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