FFXIV Change Download Location: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your FFXIV download location can be a lifesaver when you’re running low on storage or want to optimize your game performance. This guide will walk you through various methods to change your FFXIV download location, troubleshoot potential issues, and answer your frequently asked questions.

How to Change Your FFXIV Download Location on PC

There are several ways to change where your FFXIV game files are stored on your PC, depending on whether you’re using the official launcher or Steam.

Changing Download Location with the FFXIV Launcher

If you downloaded FFXIV directly from Square Enix, follow these steps:

  1. Close the FFXIV launcher completely.
  2. Locate your FFXIV installation folder. This is typically found in C:Program Files (x86)SquareEnixFINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn.
  3. Copy the entire folder to your desired new location. This might take some time depending on the size of the game and your hard drive speeds.
  4. Once the copy is complete, delete the original folder in the Program Files (x86) directory.
  5. Create a shortcut to the ffxivboot.exe file in the new installation folder and place it on your desktop for easy access.

Changing Download Location with Steam

If you installed FFXIV through Steam, the process is much simpler:

  1. Open your Steam library.
  2. Right-click on FINAL FANTASY XIV Online.
  3. Select “Properties”.
  4. Go to the “Local Files” tab.
  5. Click on “Move Install Folder”.
  6. Choose your desired new location from the dropdown menu or create a new folder.
  7. Click “Move Folder”. Steam will handle the transfer of files for you.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter problems when changing the download location. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

“Insufficient Disk Space” Error

Make sure your new drive has enough free space to accommodate the entire FFXIV installation, which can be quite large.

“Access Denied” Error

You may need administrator privileges to move files to certain locations. Try running the launcher or Steam as an administrator.

Game Doesn’t Launch After Moving

Double-check that you’ve created the correct shortcut to the ffxivboot.exe file in the new installation folder.

Why Change Your FFXIV Download Location?

Several reasons might prompt you to change your FFXIV download location:

  • Free up space on your main drive: Moving FFXIV to a secondary drive can free up valuable space on your primary drive, especially if it’s an SSD.
  • Improve game performance: Installing FFXIV on an SSD can significantly improve loading times and overall game performance.
  • Better organization: You might prefer to keep all your games on a dedicated drive for better organization.

“Moving FFXIV to an SSD drastically improved my loading times. I highly recommend it!” – John Smith, Avid FFXIV Player.

FFXIV Change Download Location: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing the FFXIV download location:

  1. Can I move FFXIV to an external hard drive? Yes, you can move FFXIV to an external hard drive, but be aware that this might impact performance, especially if it’s a slower HDD.
  2. Will I lose my game data if I change the download location? No, you shouldn’t lose any game data as long as you copy or move the entire installation folder correctly.
  3. Do I need to reinstall FFXIV after changing the download location? No, you don’t need to reinstall the game if you follow the steps outlined above.
  4. What if I encounter errors during the process? Refer to the troubleshooting section above or contact Square Enix support for assistance.
  5. Can I change the download location during a patch? No, it’s not recommended to change the download location while a patch is downloading or installing.
  6. Will changing the download location affect my game settings? No, your game settings are saved separately and will not be affected by changing the download location.
  7. Can I move the game back to its original location if I want to? Yes, you can move the game back to its original location using the same steps outlined above.

Conclusion

Changing your FFXIV download location is a straightforward process that can help you optimize your storage and potentially improve game performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide and addressing any potential issues, you can easily manage your FFXIV installation and enjoy a smoother gaming experience. Remember to close the launcher completely before making any changes to the installation folder. ffxiv download speed slow might be something you experience after moving the game to a slower drive.

For further assistance, please contact us at:
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Email: squidgames@gmail.com
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