---
id: moving-folders.do-i-need-storage-studio-running-for-moved-folders-to-work
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/do-i-need-storage-studio-running-for-moved-folders-to-work
category: "Moving folders"
subcategory: "How moving folders works"
question: "Do moved folders still work if Storage Studio isn't running?"
alt_questions:
  - "Do I need to keep the app open for relocated files?"
  - "Will links break if I quit Storage Studio?"
  - "moved files without storage studio running"
  - "Does the app need to run for shortcuts to work?"
  - "Do moved apps and folders still open if Storage Studio isn't running?"
  - "Do I need Storage Studio open for relocated files to work?"
  - "Quit Storage Studio moved apps still work?"
  - "Shortcuts work without the app"
  - "storage studio closed fast drive files"
  - "What happens to moved files if I quit the app?"
  - "Is Storage Studio required to access the external drive?"
short_answer: "Yes. The links are ordinary parts of your Mac's file system, so moved files open whether or not Storage Studio is running — the drive just needs to be connected. The app is only needed for new moves, rules, auto-sync and one-click move backs."
tags: ["links", "app not running", "moved files", "shortcuts", "quit", "fast drive"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/how-do-i-get-moved-files-back-without-storage-studio", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/what-is-the-shortcut-left-behind-after-a-move"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Do moved folders still work if Storage Studio isn't running?

Yes. The links left behind are ordinary parts of your Mac's file system, so moved files open normally whether or not Storage Studio is running — all you need is the fast drive connected.

Storage Studio itself is only needed to make new moves, run your rules, keep auto-sync going, and move things back with one click. Even if you uninstall it, your files stay on the drive with links in place.

See [How do I get moved files back without Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/how-do-i-get-moved-files-back-without-storage-studio)