What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Before downloading a large PC game, check its current requirements, choose the drive where it will be installed, and confirm that drive has enough free space for the launcher’s download and installation process. There is no single free-space target that works for every game. Then review Windows cleanup suggestions, make sure the launcher is ready, and plan for a download time that depends on both the game and your connection.
1. Check the game requirements and choose its destination
Start with the game’s current store or publisher listing and note its storage requirements. Then check the install folder or library selected in the launcher: the relevant space is on the destination drive, not the total free space across your PC.
If the selected drive is crowded, see whether the launcher supports installing to another location. Steam lets users manage library folders across multiple hard drives and move installations between them: Steam Library Folders. Other launchers may offer different location controls, so check their settings and the game’s requirements before choosing a drive.
2. How much free space do you need?
Use the game’s current requirements and the launcher’s installation information rather than applying a universal buffer or multiplier. The advertised download size is not necessarily the only space the process will use: installation and updates can involve local copying or publisher-specific packages. The available documentation does not set a universal free-space rule for modern PC game installations.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Check available space on the actual destination drive and leave room for the process the game and launcher require. Microsoft’s figures for Windows updates are not game-installation targets: its support guidance says typical feature updates need 6–11 GB or more and quality updates need 2–3 GB or more, with the amount varying by update path, optional content, and other installed updates. Those figures apply to Windows updates, not games: Microsoft: Free up space for Windows updates.
3. What can you delete safely?
Use Windows’ storage tools to review cleanup options instead of deleting unfamiliar folders or game files. Open Settings > System > Storage, then review Storage Sense and Cleanup recommendations. Microsoft explains how to review and free space using these options: Microsoft: Manage drive space with Storage Sense.
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
- Read the categories and suggested files before selecting anything for removal.
- Remove only items you recognize and no longer need.
- Back up important files before moving or deleting them.
4. Can you install the game on another drive?
Often, if the launcher supports that location. An additional internal drive can provide a second library location; external storage may also be an option in a supported setup. Steam documents libraries on multiple drives and moving installations, but that does not establish that every external drive, connection, capacity, or game is suitable. Check the game and launcher requirements for the drive you plan to use.
| Option | When it makes sense | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Free space on the current internal drive | When the destination has enough room and you want to keep the installation there. | Review Windows cleanup recommendations for files you no longer need. |
| Another internal drive | When the current drive is short on space and the launcher supports another library folder. | Confirm that the selected launcher and game support the intended folder. |
| External storage | When your launcher supports the location and you want a separate or temporary library. | Confirm drive and connection suitability for the game and setup; no universal capacity or interface is established. |
5. Make sure the launcher and connection are ready
Apply a required launcher update
Open the launcher before starting the download and let it install an update if it prompts you to do so. Epic’s preload troubleshooting guidance tells users to check for and install a launcher update when prompted: Epic Games: Troubleshoot preload issues on the Epic Games Launcher. There is no general need to update every driver before every game; follow game or hardware maker guidance when addressing a compatibility or performance issue.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Allow for the actual download
Use a stable connection and base your estimate on the game’s actual download size and your effective connection speed. The result can also depend on network settings, launcher limits, and service conditions, so treat any completion-time estimate as approximate. Steam provides download settings, including bandwidth limits: Steam Downloads settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Start the download and troubleshoot if needed
Once the destination has enough room and the launcher is ready, start the download. If Steam reports missing content or the game crashes, use its Verify integrity of game files option as a repair step. Steam advises against running verification while other system-intensive work is underway; it is a troubleshooting tool, not a required step after every successful installation: Steam: Verify integrity of game files.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Rank #4
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
