How to Transfer Star Citizen to Ssd? 8 Steps!
Transferring the game to your SSD (Solid State Drive) is a surefire way to reduce loading times and ensure smoother gameplay sessions. If you’re eager to harness the full potential of your SSD’s blazing-fast performance, you’re in the right place.
Check out this helpful video on the topic:
We’ll outline the steps to seamlessly transfer Star Citizen from your current storage device to your SSD, allowing you to dive into the action faster than ever before.

Key Takeaway
Transfer Star Citizen to SSD: Quick Guide
Step 1: Locate Star Citizen Installation
Find the current installation directory of Star Citizen on your computer. By default, it’s typically located in the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” folder on your primary hard drive.
Step 2: Backup Game Data (Optional)
Before proceeding, it’s a good idea to back up your Star Citizen game data to prevent any potential loss. You can simply copy the entire Star Citizen folder to an external drive.
Step 3: Install SSD
Ensure your SSD is properly installed in your computer and recognized by your operating system. If it’s an external SSD, connect it to your computer via USB.
Step 4: Create New Installation Directory
Create a new folder on your SSD where you want to transfer Star Citizen. You can name it something like “StarCitizen” or “Games” for organizational purposes.
Step 5: Copy Star Citizen Files
Copy the entire Star Citizen folder from its current location on your primary hard drive to the newly created folder on your SSD.
Step 6: Update Game Shortcut (Optional)
If you have a shortcut to launch Star Citizen on your desktop or Start menu, you may need to update it to point to the new installation directory on your SSD.
Step 7: Test the Game
Launch Star Citizen from its new location on the SSD to ensure everything transferred correctly. Check for any errors or missing files.
Step 8: Delete Old Installation (Optional)
Once you’ve confirmed that Star Citizen is working fine from the SSD, you can safely delete the old installation folder from your primary hard drive to free up space.
By following these steps, you’ve successfully transferred Star Citizen to your SSD, which should result in faster loading times and a smoother gaming experience.
Assessing System Requirements
Transferring Star Citizen to an SSD requires assessing your system’s capacity and compatibility. Ensure that your SSD has adequate space and that your system meets the game’s specifications for optimal performance.
Checking Ssd Compatibility
One of the first steps is to ensure that your SSD is fully compatible with your system.
Here’s what to look at:
- Drive Interface: Ascertain whether your SSD employs SATA or PCIe/NVMe, and match it with your motherboard’s supported interfaces.
- Form Factor: SSDs come in different shapes such as 2.5 inches, M.2, or mSATA. Confirm that your case and motherboard can accommodate this.
- BIOS Settings: Some systems may require changes in the BIOS, such as switching from SATA to AHCI mode for maximum SSD performance.
After confirming the SSD is compatible, your system is one step closer to a successful Star Citizen installation on an SSD.
Verifying Available Space On Ssd
Star Citizen demands ample storage space not just for the initial installation but also for continuous updates.
Follow these guidelines to check if your SSD can handle the load:
- Check the Game Size: Look up the latest requirements for Star Citizen to find the current size of the game and future space considerations.
- Analyze Current Usage: Survey the SSD’s existing space usage. Navigate to “This PC” on Windows to assess available storage.
- Account for Over-Provisioning: Leave room for over-provisioning, which is beneficial for SSD durability and performance.
Backing Up Star Citizen Data
Transferring Star Citizen to an SSD enhances game performance significantly. Follow our simple guide for a swift and secure data backup process, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
Locating Star Citizen Installation Folder
Before backing up your data, you must locate where Star Citizen is installed on your hard disk drive (HDD).
By default, the game is installed under the ‘Program Files’ directory, but if you’ve chosen a custom path during installation, you’ll need to search for that location.
To quickly locate the folder:
- Open the Star Citizen Launcher.
- Go to the ‘Settings’ tab.
- Under the ‘Library Folder’ section, note down the path displayed.
- Navigate to this path using File Explorer to find the Star Citizen installation folder.
Creating A Backup Of Game Files On The Hdd
Once you’ve located the installation folder, the next step is to create a backup. This involves copying all game-related files to a safe location on your HDD.
To create a comprehensive backup:
- Open the Star Citizen installation folder.
- Select all files and folders within it. (You can use
Ctrl + Ato select all). - Right-click and choose
Copyfrom the context menu or pressCtrl + C. - Navigate to the location on your HDD where you wish to store the backup.
- Right-click within the folder and choose
Pasteor pressCtrl + Vto copy all files there.
Ensure that the backup process is not interrupted, and all files are copied successfully before proceeding to the transfer. The backup process may take some time, depending on the size of the game files and the speed of your HDD.
Transferring Star Citizen To Ssd
Moving Star Citizen to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can drastically reduce load times and improve your gaming experience.
With these streamlined instructions, you’ll safely transfer your installation to its new lightning-fast home without losing any data or progress. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth transition.
Shutting Down Star Citizen Launcher
- Right-click on the Star Citizen launcher icon in the system tray.
- Select ‘Exit’ or ‘Close’ to completely terminate the launcher.
- Confirm that the launcher is not listed in the Task Manager’s process list for complete closure assurance.
Copying Game Files From Hdd To Ssd
Manually transferring the game files is straightforward but demands caution.
- Navigate to the Star Citizen installation folder on your HDD.
- Highlight the game folder (e.g., ‘Roberts Space Industries’).
- Right-click and select ‘Copy’ or press CTRL+C.
- Go to the desired SSD location.
- Right-click in the folder and select ‘Paste’ or press CTRL+V.
Updating Star Citizen Launcher Settings
After successfully copying the game files, update the launcher to recognize the new file location:
- Launch the Star Citizen launcher.
- Go to the ‘Settings’ tab.
- Under ‘Library Folder’, click on the ‘Change’ button.
- Navigate to the new SSD location and select the ‘Roberts Space Industries’ folder.
- Click ‘Select Folder’ to finalize the new path.
- The launcher will verify the existing files, so allow it some time to reconfigure.
With these settings updated, your Star Citizen installation will now run from your SSD, providing a smoother and faster gaming experience!
Verifying Ssd Transfer Success
After transferring Star Citizen to an SSD, verifying that the game has been moved successfully is crucial for seamless gameplay.
A correctly executed transfer results in faster load times and smoother in-game performance. It’s time to ensure everything is in order by launching the game from the new drive and checking its behavior during play.
Checking Game Performance And Load Times
Performance evaluation is next on the checklist. An SSD dramatically reduces load times, so you should notice the game boots up much quicker than before.
To benchmark this:
- Track the load time from the moment you click ‘Launch Game’ until you see the main menu.
- Enter the game and observe the time taken to load into your hangar or a space station.
Compare these times against those you experienced on your previous drive. Besides quicker start-up, you’ll want to monitor the performance while playing.
Keep an eye out for these improvements:
- Reduced stuttering or frame drops.
- Faster texture and asset loading during gameplay.
- Improved overall game smoothness, especially during high-action sequences.
By closely examining the load times and in-game performance, you’ll verify that the SSD is now the game’s new powerhouse, ensuring an enhanced Star Citizen experience.
Optimizing SSD for Star Citizen
Transferring Star Citizen to an SSD can significantly boost game performance. Ensure a smooth game relocation by following a simple, step-by-step guide designed to enhance your interstellar adventure.
Configuring Ssd Optimization Settings
By configuring the right settings, your SSD can become the perfect home for Star Citizen.
Follow these tips:
- TRIM Command: Ensure your operating system regularly runs the TRIM command. This maintains the SSD’s performance levels. For Windows users, this feature is typically enabled by default.
- Indexing Options: Consider disabling indexing on your SSD. While indexing speeds up searches, it can also reduce the lifespan of your SSD due to extra write operations.
- Defragmentation: Never defragment an SSD, as it can cause undue wear and tear. Instead, use tools specific for SSD optimization which focus on consolidating free space without causing harm.
- SATA Mode: Check your BIOS or UEFI settings to verify that SATA mode is set to AHCI, which unlocks the full potential of your SSD’s speed capabilities.
Monitoring Ssd Health And Performance
Keeping your SSD in top condition is paramount for a continuous high-quality Star Citizen experience.
Here’s how to monitor your SSD’s health:
- Software Tools: Utilize manufacturer-provided software or third-party applications designed to monitor SSD health, such as CrystalDiskInfo or Samsung Magician.
- SMART Data: Keep an eye on your SSD’s SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data to preemptively detect any potential failures.
- Performance Benchmarks: Regularly run benchmark tests to assess the speed and responsiveness of your SSD. If you notice substantial decreases in performance, consider taking action to rectify the issue.
By adequately configuring your SSD and diligently monitoring its health and performance, Star Citizen will have a reliable and swift platform to run on.
This ensures that your gameplay remains immersive, with shorter load times and a smoother in-game experience across the universe.
Conclusion
Shifting Star Citizen to an SSD can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Quick load times and smoother gameplay await after you’ve made the switch just follow the steps outlined.
Remember to back up important files and enjoy the elevated performance that comes with an SSD upgrade.

Harold Williams is a senior writer and technical editor at Drives Hero with 20+ years of experience in IT administration. He specializes in storage systems, SSD reviews, and performance testing, bringing real-world insight to every guide.




