Installing Applications on an External Drive: A Comprehensive Guide
For users who require the flexibility of running applications independent of their primary system drive, installing applications on an external drive can be an ideal solution. This article provides a detailed guide for both Windows 11 and macOS Catalina, helping you to install applications smoothly and efficiently on your external drive.
Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Connect the External Drive
Navigate to your external drive’s USB port and connect the drive. Once connected, your system should automatically recognize the drive. You may need to install the necessary drivers if your system does not recognize the external drive. Plug in your external drive. Ensure it is recognized by your computer.
Step 2: Change Installation Location (Optional)
During the installation process of an application, you may be given the option to choose where to install the application. If this option appears, follow the steps below: During the installation process, locate the button that says 'Change Install Location'. Select your external drive as the installation destination.
Step 3: Set Default Installation Location (Optional)
If you want to set your external drive as the default installation location for most applications, follow these steps in the Windows settings: Go to Settings > System > Storage. Under More storage settings, click on Change where new content is saved. Select your external drive as the preferred location.
macOS Catalina: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Connect the External Drive
Ensure that your external drive is properly connected and mounted. Connect your external drive to your Mac using the appropriate USB cable. Wait for the drive to mount or appear in the Finder.
Step 2: Install the Application
When downloading or installing an application, you may have different options for where to install it. If prompted, you can choose to install the application on your external drive instead of the default location. Download your application from the App Store or a website. Drag the application to your external drive instead of the default Applications folder. If you use a package installer, you may be given an option during installation to choose the installation location. Select your external drive.
Step 3: Create an Alias (Optional)
If you want easy access to the application, you can create an alias on your desktop or in your Applications folder that points to the application on the external drive. This allows you to quickly open the application without needing to navigate to the external drive first. Drag the application icon from your external drive to your desktop or the Applications folder. While holding down the Option (?) key, drag the application icon. This will create an alias. Release the Option key and drag the alias to the desired location.
Important Considerations
Performance: When running applications from an external drive, consider the impact on performance. External drives, especially those that are not solid-state drives (SSDs), may offer slower access times compared to an installed application on an internal drive. To mitigate this, choose an SSD for your external drive if possible.
Drive Connection: Ensure that your external drive is connected when you need to use the application to avoid any inconvenience. Disconnecting the drive can result in the application becoming inaccessible.
File System Compatibility: Format your external drive with a file system that is compatible with both your operating system and the application you wish to install. For Windows 11, consider using the NTFS file system. For macOS Catalina, the APFS or exFAT file systems would be suitable.
By following these steps and taking into account the important considerations, you should be able to successfully install and run applications from an external drive on both Windows 11 and macOS Catalina. Enjoy the mobility and flexibility of using an external drive for your applications!