---
id: apps.do-electron-apps-like-code-editors-work-after-moving
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/do-electron-apps-like-code-editors-work-after-moving
category: "Apps"
subcategory: "App updates after a move"
question: "Is it safe to move apps that replace themselves when they update, like many code editors?"
alt_questions:
  - "Move VS Code to external drive"
  - "Electron app update failed on external drive"
  - "Should I move Slack or Discord?"
  - "Apps that update in place external SSD"
short_answer: "It's possible but not recommended unless the drive stays connected during updates. Storage Studio keeps a safety copy on the drive and restores the app if an update damages it."
tags: ["electron", "updates", "override"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/what-happens-if-a-moved-app-is-damaged-by-a-failed-update", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/should-i-move-apps-that-update-often"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Is it safe to move apps that replace themselves when they update, like many code editors?

It works, but it's not recommended unless you keep the drive connected during updates. Some apps — many Electron-based editors and chat apps — update by swapping the whole app in place, and that can fail partway when the app lives on another drive.

Storage Studio marks these **Override**, keeps a safety copy of the app on your fast drive, and checks the app after updates; if an update damages it, it restores the app automatically. Still, frequently updated apps are usually happier on your built-in drive.