ByTom's Hardware Community
Published
After successfully installing Windows 10 on your computer, your next step should be to partition your hard drive so that you can use your space more efficiently. The best way to create partitions in Windows 10 is to use the built-in "Disk Management" plugin of the operating system or with the help of the "DISKPART" command line tool.
This tutorial demonstrates how you can easily create partitions using the "Disk Management" plugin while using Windows 10.
Here are the steps:
1. Sign in to your Windows 10 PC with an administrator account. (The partitioning process requires administrative privileges on the computer.)
2. Once connected, click on theFile Browsertaskbar icon.
3. In the left pane (navigation pane) of the open windowFile Browserwindow right clickis pc.
4. In the context menu, clickManage.
5. Not openComputer managementplugin, in the left pane, click to selectdisk managementfrom under theStorecategory.
6. In the right pane, right-click the Unallocated area of the hard drive that you want to partition.Observation:If you have allocated all your hard drive space to drive C: when installing Windows 10, there will be no Unallocated space on your hard drive. If this happens and you still want to create a new partition, shrink the C: drive by right-clicking and selecting the optionDown the volumeoption and following the instructions on the screen to free up space and get Unallocated area.
7. In the context menu, clickcreate simple volume.
8. On the welcome page ofNew Simple Volume Wizardbox clickNext.
9. noSpecify volume sizepage, availableSimple volume size in MBfield, specify the amount of space you want to allocate to this new partition. (Be sure to specify the space in megabytes, ie 10240 MB to 10 GB. 1 GB = 1024 MB.)
10. ClickNextContinue.
11. NoAssign drive letter or pathpage, leave everything as is for simplicity and clickNext. (If you are an advanced user, you can select a drive letter of your choice from the available menuAssign the following drive letterthe dropdown list.)
12. Noformat partitionpage, choose your preferred settings. (If you're not sure what to choose, leave the default settings intact.)
13. ClickNextContinue.
14. NoComplete the New Simple Volume Wizardpage clickFinishto create a new partition on the hard drive.
Once the partition is created, you can start using it normally.
Observation:Windows 10 may ask you to format the new partition after creating it.
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24 commentsComment from forums
jean-michel.bezeau but why create a new partition? How does partitioning help to better manage disk space?
Respondedor
(Video) Windows 10 - How To Partition Hard Drives [Tutorial]dumb If you use the disk management approach, please note that you can only put 3 logical drives on one physical drive. I partitioned an 8 terabyte hard drive to have 4 more or less equivalent logical drives. I used three of the four, leaving the 4th in reserve (I thought). When I went back to the drive in Administration, I was unable to create a logical drive. More frustrating after realizing that: I couldn't even resize the drives I had previously created; nor could it add size to existing drives from unused space.
Unfortunately, it took me a while to figure out that there weren't more than three, and when you're done, you won't be able to resize.
On the other hand, Ubuntu's live disk boot will allow you to partition however you want ---Respondedor
Colif logical drives are just partitions right? The number of partitions on a drive is restricted by its format, not windows. If you are using MBR then you are restricted to 4 but if the drive is GPT then you can have up to 128 partitions. I saw a disk with 15 partitions yesterday, I know it can be done.
MBR isn't really suitable for an 8TB drive, since you can only access 2TB at a time.
Respondedor
It will happen What is the point of writing an article that everyone knows. Are you going to start a series that teaches people how to turn on a computer, how to save files, etc.?
Respondedor
Colif You're assuming that everyone knows. I sure can find people who don't.
you have to start somewhere.
Respondedor
GenRabit Never quick format an HDD the first time. Create a suitable format so that bad sectors can be mapped.
Respondedor
tamalero 20778401these:
If you use the disk management approach, please note that you can only put 3 logical drives on one physical drive. I partitioned an 8 terabyte hard drive to have 4 more or less equivalent logical drives. I used three of the four, leaving the 4th in reserve (I thought). When I went back to the drive in Administration, I was unable to create a logical drive. More frustrating after realizing that: I couldn't even resize the drives I had previously created; nor could it add size to existing drives from unused space.(Video) How to Create Partition in Windows 10 & 11 | Create New Drive (2022)
Unfortunately, it took me a while to figure out that there weren't more than three, and when you're done, you won't be able to resize.
On the other hand, Ubuntu's live disk boot will allow you to partition however you want ---You should be able to "extend" the last partition to add additional free space that is not checked.
Just click on the last partition, select ENLARGE, and then select the remaining space.
There are also tools that allow you to do this, like partition magic or hard drive manager.
Respondedor
Elberto 20778383these:
but why create a new partition? How does partitioning help to better manage disk space?In the old days, we learned that the outer edge of hard drives moves more data under the head. Knowing you didn't want the data you were just storing using the fastest parts of the drive. So, a partition can be used to store data on the inside of the drive, while the outside is saved for your operating system and programs. In addition, this saved disk space, since the partition size of the drives determined the size in KB of space a file would occupy. Look, the unit had all these little units, I think that's what it was called. So a file that is only 1kb would consume an 8kb drive due to the limited number per partition. Create a second partition on the disk and the file will only waste 3k instead of 7k.
Now, saving space is probably less of an issue nowadays, since most of the storage is movies, music, PDFs, and other large files. The faster parts of the drive are still just as important today. Other things you can do with the partition, like having a second dual-boot operating system, play a role as well.
Respondedor
jpe1701 You can also right-click the start menu or click Windows + x and choose disk management.
Respondedor
united states fret 20780375these:
In the old days, we learned that the outer edge of hard drives moves more data under the head. Knowing you didn't want the data you were just storing using the fastest parts of the drive. So, a partition can be used to store data on the inside of the drive, while the outside is saved for your operating system and programs. In addition, this saved disk space, since the partition size of the drives determined the size in KB of space a file would occupy. Look, the unit had all these little units, I think that's what it was called. So a file that is only 1kb would consume an 8kb drive due to the limited number per partition. Create a second partition on the disk and the file will only waste 3k instead of 7k.20778383these:
but why create a new partition? How does partitioning help to better manage disk space?Now, saving space is probably less of an issue nowadays, since most of the storage is movies, music, PDFs, and other large files. The faster parts of the drive are still just as important today. Other things you can do with the partition, like having a second dual-boot operating system, play a role as well.
If the OS and applications are on the faster, outer side of the drive and the data is on the slower inner lanes, you'll still have the same 'problem'. No one uses apps in isolation. An application will use the 'data'.
If it's on a different partition on the slower part of the drive...you'll get the same slower performance.And in the country of SSDs, totally irrelevant.
Respondedor
FAQs
What is the best way to partition a hard drive? ›
- Right-click This PC and select Manage.
- Open Disk Management.
- Select the disk from which you want to make a partition.
- Right-click the Unpartitioned space in the bottom pane and select New Simple Volume.
- Enter the size and click next, and you are done.
- Right-click This PC and select Manage.
- Open Disk Management.
- Select the disk from which you want to make a partition.
- Right-click the Unpartitioned space in the bottom pane and select New Simple Volume.
- Enter the size and click next, and you are done.
With one disk partition, you don't have to worry about overall disk space, aside from filling up the drive completely. But with multiple partitions, you can end up in a situation where you're cramped for space on one partition but have plenty of free space on another.
What is a good partition size for Windows 10? ›Windows partition
The partition must have at least 20 gigabytes (GB) of drive space for 64-bit versions, or 16 GB for 32-bit versions. The Windows partition must be formatted using the NTFS file format.
Disk partitioning increases overall performance when data types are segregated in different partitions. For example, OS, data, and games reside in respective partitions. The magnetic head moves within a partition while loading a particular program and doesn't traverse across different partitions.
What are the two 2 different methods for partitioning hard drives? ›GPT and MBR are the two different methods for partitioning hard drives. Each of them stores the partitioning information on a drive in its own way. The information includes where partitions start and begin. Therefore, your operating system knows which sectors belong to each partition and which partition is bootable.
What are the 3 levels of partitioning? ›- RANGE partitioning. This type of partitioning assigns rows to partitions based on column values falling within a given range. ...
- LIST partitioning. ...
- HASH partitioning. ...
- KEY partitioning.
The 6 best hard drive disk format tools, including EaseUS Partition Master, HP USB disk storage format tool, HDD low level format tool, Disk Management, and CMD are available here to help.
What is a partition example? ›Partitioning is used to make solving maths problems involving large numbers easier by separating them into smaller units. For example, 782 can be partitioned into: 700 + 80 + 2. It helps kids see the true value of each digit. Rather than seeing 782 as an intimidating number, they'll see it as, 700, 80 and 2.
What are the two types of partitioning? ›The two types of partitions are: Primary partition. Extended partition.
What are the rules for partition? ›
A partition is a division of a property held jointly by several persons, so that each person gets a share and becomes the owner of the share allotted to him. It is done by dividing the property according to the shares to which each of the parties is entitled to in law as applicable to them.
How many partitions are recommended? ›Having at least two partitions - one for the operating system and one to keep your personal data - ensures that whenever you are forced to reinstall the operating system, your data remains untouched and you continue to have access to it.
How many partitions is best for 1TB? ›How many partitions are best for 1TB? 1TB hard drive can be partitioned into 2-5 partitions. Here we recommend you to partition it into four partitions: Operating system (C Drive), Program File(D Drive), Personal Data (E Drive), and Entertainment (F Drive).
Is it worth partitioning an SSD? ›There are definitely some benefits of partitioning an SSD, but it is more logical than functional. SSD partition helps to organize files properly, making it easier for you and ensuring a logical separation. Moreover, SSD partitioning is also beneficial in streamlining the backup process and making it efficient.
How Big Should C drive partition be? ›Just remember that the size can't be lower than what the tool has suggested. -- We suggest that you set around 120 to 200 GB for the C drive. even if you install a lot of heavy games, it would be sufficient. -- Once you have set the size for the C drive, the disk management tool will start partitioning the drive.
How many partitions should I have SSD? ›1. If you have only one disk, create at least two partitions: one is for OS, the one is for data. 2. If you have 2 or more disks, partition SSD as the OS disk and use HDD as a data disk.
What is the best size for root partition? ›The root partition is the file system where every thing is mounted. 100Mb will suffice, if you define /boot, /usr, and /var. Otherwise use the Use remaining space option. Swap partition should be, at a minimum, the same size as system memory.
What are the pros and cons of disk partitioning? ›However, partitioning a hard drive has several benefits like systematic data organization, faster data backup, and switching from one OS to another. On the other hand, partitioning a hard disk drive also has its demerits like the complicated process of creating and managing partitions or a false sense of data security.
Is it good to have multiple partitions? ›Creating multiple partitions on your storage device: Improves access time for data and applications colocated on the same partition. Supports the separation of user files and operating system files. Provides dedicated operating system swap or system paging file space.
What is the main purpose of partitioning? ›Partitioning allows the use of different filesystems to be installed for different kinds of files. Separating user data from system data can prevent the system partition from becoming full and rendering the system unusable. Partitioning can also make backing up easier.
How do I create an exact 1TB partition? ›
- Use Windows+R to open "Run", type diskmgmt.
- You can right-click a partition which has much free space and select "Shrink Volume".
- Adjust the partition size and click "Shrink" to confirm.
- Now, you will get an unallocated space...Read More>>
- Run Disk Management. Open Run Command (Windows button +R) a dialog box will open and type "diskmgmt. ...
- In the Disk Management screen, just right-click on the partition that you want to shrink, and select “Extend Volume” from the menu.
- Locate your system partition — that's probably the C: partition.
Right-click on This PC/My Computer > Click "Manage" > Enter Device Manager and click "Disk Management". Step 3. Right-click on the unallocated space and select "New Simple Volume" to create a new partition.
What is GPT partition style? ›GUID Partition Table (GPT) disks use Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). One advantage of GPT disks is that you can have more than four partitions on each disk. GPT is also required for disks larger than two terabytes (TB).
Is it OK to partition 1TB SSD? ›Since SSD uses memories for storing data with no moveable component, its transfer rate of memory chips is the same. Data does not remain confined to one physical region. So, if you want to enjoy an outstanding performance from your SSD, you can keep it as it is, as partitioning has no impact on its operation.
What two methods could you use to partition the hard drive? ›GPT and MBR are the two different methods for partitioning hard drives. Each of them stores the partitioning information on a drive in its own way. The information includes where partitions start and begin. Therefore, your operating system knows which sectors belong to each partition and which partition is bootable.
Should I partition my 1TB SSD for Windows 10? ›So if you partition an HDD and install the operating system on the first partition and put files and data in other partitions, the disk can have a good performance. And Partitioning an SSD does not have any negative impact on the SSD, also it won't give it better performance.
How do I split my C drive to D drive? ›Once you've shrunk your C: partition, you'll see a new block of Unallocated space at the end of your drive in Disk Management. Right-click on it and choose New Simple Volume to create your new partition. Click through the wizard, assigning it the drive letter, label, and format of your choice.
Can I partition my C drive without formatting? ›Begin -> Right click Computer -> Manage. Locate Disk Management under Store on the left, and click to select Disk Management. Right click the partition you want to cut, and choose Shrink Volume. Tune a size on the right of Enter the amount of space to shrink.
Can I merge C drive and D drive in Windows 10? ›Merging C and D drive works the same way. Right-click on the partition which you want to add space to and keep, and select "Merge". Select one partition next to the former selected partition to merge. And click "OK" to continue.
Can I just format my C drive? ›
To format your C drive only, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD. Once you have your bootable media, boot from it and select the option to format your C drive. This will erase all the data on your C drive, so be sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
How do I completely format my C drive? ›- Select the drive you wish to format from the list.
- Right click on the drive and select Format.
- Enter a name for the drive in Volume label and select the format type in the File system dropdown box.
- Click OK. It will take a short while to delete all the files and change the format of the disk.
Formatting C drive can wipe virus or malware safely and safeguard computer. System has crashed: Operating system on your computer cannot boot, and formatting C drive and reinstalling system might be ultimate solution. Reinstall OS: You need to format system partition before reinstalling it or changing Windows version.
Which partition style is best? ›Moreover, for disks with more than 2 terabytes of memory, GPT is the only solution. The use of the old MBR partition style is therefore now only recommended for older hardware and older versions of Windows and other older (or newer) 32-bit operating systems.
Is it better to use MBR or GPT? ›Q #1) Which is better MBR or GPT? Answer: A choice of MBR or GPT depends on the number of partitions one wants to create. MBR has a limitation of only up to 4 primary partitions, whereas GPT allows the creation of up to 128 primary partitions. So, GPT is the most suitable choice if more partitions are to be created.
Which is better GPT or UEFI? ›As MBR is older, it's usually paired with older Legacy BIOS systems, while GPT is found on newer UEFI systems. This means that MBR partitions have better software and hardware compatibility, though GPT is starting to catch up.