---
id: troubleshooting.relocated-items-not-reachable-until-drive-back
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/troubleshooting/relocated-items-not-reachable-until-drive-back
category: "Troubleshooting & messages"
subcategory: "Drive connection and drive messages"
question: "Why does it say relocated folders and apps won't be reachable until I plug the drive back in?"
alt_questions:
  - "relocated folders and apps won't be reachable until you plug the drive back in"
  - "moved folder won't open drive unplugged"
  - "shortcut doesn't work external drive disconnected"
  - "moved app won't open mac"
short_answer: "Moved items really live on the external drive, with a shortcut left behind. While the drive is unplugged those shortcuts can't open anything — reconnect it and everything works again."
tags: ["shortcut", "drive disconnected", "moved apps"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/troubleshooting/fast-drive-isnt-connected-moves-paused", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/troubleshooting/apps-unavailable-drive-disconnected"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does it say relocated folders and apps won't be reachable until I plug the drive back in?

When Storage Studio moves a folder or app, the real files live on your external drive and a shortcut stays in the original place. While the drive is unplugged, those shortcuts have nothing to point at — so moved folders look empty or won't open, and moved apps won't launch.

Nothing is lost. Reconnect the drive and everything works again exactly as before. If you need something every day away from your desk, move it back to your Mac first.

See [moving items back](https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/).