How to Change Default Hard Drive in Windows 7

A step-by-step guide on how to change the default hard drive in Windows 7. Learn ways to set a new primary hard drive using EaseUS Disk Copy and change default save locations via System Properties.

The default hard drive (typically the C: drive) stores the operating system, installed programs, and user files. Over time, you might need to change the default drive-whether to upgrade to a larger disk, replace a failing drive, or improve system performance by switching to an SSD. This guide covers the best method for changing your primary hard drive in Windows 7, with detailed steps.

Case 1. Change Default Boot Drive on Windows 7

To change your default boot drive in Windows 7, you must first access your computer's BIOS/UEFI boot order to set your desired drive as the primary boot device. To achieve this, you need to make your new drive bootable.

This is where EaseUS Disk Copy comes in. Cloning copies the entire OS, applications, and files to a new drive, avoiding the need for reinstallation. This is ideal for upgrading to a larger HDD or faster SSD.

EaseUS cloning software can help you clone the whole drive to another without reinstalling Windows or losing data. It can help you copy operating system to a new hard drive on Windows 11/10/8/7 and clone an HDD to an SSD with different sizes.

If you are currently using Windows 10/8/7 and want to upgrade to Windows 11, it can also let you upgrade to Windows 11 on a larger drive while keeping all data, programs, and settings, due to its "Migrate to Win11" feature.

Free download this disk cloning software to help you clone a hard drive in Windows 7!

Here is how to clone a hard drive using EaseUS Disk Copy:

Step 1. Prepare New Drive

• Connect the new drive via a USB-to-SATA adapter externally if your PC has only one slot, or install it internally if your PC has 2 or more slots.
• Ensure the new drive has a capacity equal to or greater than the used space on the old drive.

Step 2. Launch Disk Cloning Software

• Open EaseUS cloning software and select Disk Mode.

Step 3. Select Source and Destination Disks

• Select your Windows 7 drive as the source and the new drive as the destination.

Check the box next to "Enable advanced mode" to enable advanced cloning features, such as adjusting the disk layout, sector-by-sector cloning, and Auto 4K SSD alignment.

Step 4. Adjust Disk Layout (Optional)

"Auto-fit the disk" will resize the target drive's layout to match its size, allowing your system to make good use of the new disk.

Step 5. Start Cloning Process

Follow the on-screen guide to clone a hard drive to another on your Windows 7 PC.

Step 6. Shut Down Your PC and Replace Drives

If your computer has one disk slot, you need to swap drives manually. Once disk cloning is complete, shut down the computer, open the casing, locate the old hard drive, remove it, and install the new cloned hard drive in its place.

Step 7. Boot from the New Drive

• Restart your computer and press a key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility when it starts up (common keys are F2, F12, Esc, or Del).
• Navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section.
• Change the boot order to set your new hard drive as the first boot option.
• Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. The computer will then restart and boot from the new drive.

You have successfully changed your primary hard drive in Windows 7, and you can enjoy faster speeds and a better user experience.

This video shows how to clone a hard drive using EaseUS Disk Copy:

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Case 2. Change Default Save Location for New Content

By default, programs will install on the C drive. If your C drive runs out of space and your D drive leaves much space, you can change the hard drive where new programs and files are saved, such as from the C drive to the D drive. You can follow the steps to change default save locations for new content.

For user folders:

If you have already installed Windows, you cannot simply change the C drive to D in Disk Management and expect everything to be saved to D. Instead, you need to manually move your user folders (like Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.) to the new drive.

• Open File Explorer.
• Right-click on a user folder (e.g., Documents) and select "Properties".
• Go to the "Location" tab and change the path from C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents to a new location on your D drive.
• Click "Move..." and choose the new folder on your D drive.
• Click "OK," "Yes," and "Apply" to move the existing files and update the new location. Repeat for other folders.

For new program installations:

The programs will be installed by default on the C drive. To change this, select a different installation path during installation by clicking the "Browse" or "Change" button.

To Wrap Things Up

Changing the default boot hard drive in Windows 7 can be done efficiently through cloning (for seamless migration). Cloning is often the best approach to preserve data and settings. Always back up your data before starting, and use reliable tools like EaseUS Disk Copy for cloning.

If you want to change the default installation drive, this article covers you as well. You can manually change the installation path, such as from the C drive to the D drive, during the installation process. By following this guide, you can upgrade your primary drive with minimal hassle and enjoy improved storage performance.

How to Change Primary Hard Drive in Windows 7 FAQs

1. Can I change the default hard drive without reinstalling Windows?

Yes! Cloning transfers the OS and data without reinstalling the OS or losing data. Tools like EaseUS Disk Copy simplify this process. Just connect the new drive, run the cloning software, select source and target disks, and start cloning. After cloning, replace the hard drives and boot from the new drive in the BIOS?UEFI settings.

2. How do I set the cloned drive as the boot drive?

• Restart your PC and press a key to access the BIOS/UEFI setup utility once it starts up (common keys are F2, F12, Esc, or Del).
• Go to the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section.
• Change the boot order to set your new drive as the first boot option.
• Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

3. Is it better to use an SSD as the primary drive?

Yes, SSDs offer faster boot times, better performance, and greater reliability than HDDs. SSD is better for OS installation or running programs, while HDD is better for long-term cold storage.

4. Can I redirect only specific folders (e.g., Documents) to another drive?

Yes, you can change default save locations for new content or specific folders. Right-click the folder, go to Properties > Location, and set a new path on another drive.