Steps to Change TempDB Location in SQL Server

Its very easy and simple , Just sharing you the steps without so much theories 

Why we are moving it , when its in C Drive or SQL Data Drive it will cause IO issues , so that we are moving TempDB files into different location 

Step 1: Check Current TempDB Files Location

Run the following query:

USE tempdb;

EXEC sp_helpfile;

Step 2: Plan New Location

- Create a new folder on the desired drive (e.g., D:\SQLData\TempDB).

- Ensure SQL Server service account has Full Control on that folder.

Step 3: Modify TempDB File Paths

Run these commands (adjust paths as needed):

USE master;

ALTER DATABASE tempdb MODIFY FILE (NAME = tempdev, FILENAME =

'D:\SQLData\TempDB\tempdb.mdf');

ALTER DATABASE tempdb MODIFY FILE (NAME = templog, FILENAME =

'D:\SQLData\TempDB\templog.ldf');

Repeat for additional files if they exist.

Step 4: Restart SQL Server Service

Stop and Start the SQL Server instance. Restart is mandatory for changes to take effect.

Step 5: Verify New Location

USE tempdb;

EXEC sp_helpfile;

This should show the new paths.

Step 6: Clean Up Old Files

After SQL Server restarts successfully and TempDB is created in the new location, manually delete

the old tempdb files from the old drive.