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How to Move Xbox Games Between Internal Storage and an Expansion Card

Use Settings > Storage to move Xbox Series X|S games between internal storage and an expansion card. See how USB storage differs for optimized games.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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On Xbox Series X|S, open Settings > Storage, select the drive that currently holds the game, then select the game and choose the other storage volume as its destination. A Seagate expansion card is optional: you can also move games to USB storage, though optimized Series X|S games stored on USB must be moved back to the console’s internal SSD or an expansion card before you can play them.

Move a game between Xbox storage volumes

  1. Connect the expansion card, if you are using one. Insert a compatible card into the dedicated expansion port on the back of the Xbox Series X|S. Seagate’s installation guide says to remove the card’s sleeve and press it into the port until it clicks. Turn on the console; the console should format and configure the card automatically.
  2. Open Settings > Storage. Select the storage volume that currently contains the game. Seagate says the volume view lists installed titles and provides controls to move them between storage volumes.
  3. Select the game or games to move. Choose the other volume as the destination and confirm if the console prompts you. Seagate’s transfer instructions describe selecting the source drive and using the transfer control; the precise button names or prompts may vary with console software.

To move a game back, repeat the same process but select the expansion card as the source and the internal storage as the destination. The key is to start from the volume that currently holds the game.

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Choose the right destination for the game

Storage Can play Series X|S-optimized games directly? Best use
Internal SSD Yes Install and play games on the console.
Seagate Storage Expansion Card Yes. Seagate says the card is designed to match the console’s internal SSD peak performance. Add capacity while keeping optimized games playable without moving them back first.
External USB HDD or SSD No. Optimized games can be stored on USB, but must be moved to internal storage or an expansion card before play. Non-optimized games can be played from USB. Hold games to free space on the console, especially titles you do not need to play right away.

Seagate specifies that external USB storage must have at least 128GB capacity and use USB 3.0 or later. See its USB storage compatibility guidance for the stated requirements.

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Set where future games install

Connecting an expansion card does not automatically make it the default destination for new installs. Seagate’s Storage Expansion Card FAQ directs users to Xbox console support documentation for changing the default storage device. The available menu wording can change with console software, and Seagate’s materials do not establish the current exact sequence of prompts.

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Expansion card capacities

Seagate’s support page lists the Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S in 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, with model IDs STJR512400, STJR1000400, STJR2000400, and STJR4000400 respectively. Its product page describes 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB versions; regional availability and listings can vary, so check the specific product listing before buying. The card is not required just to move games between storage volumes.

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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.

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