Partition management software programs allow you to create, delete, shrink, extend, split, or merge partitions on your hard drives or other storage devices.
You certainly canpartition a hard drive in windowsno additional software, but you can't do things like resizing or combining without additional help.
Safe, easy-to-use partitioning tools weren't always available, and even when you found something you liked, it was expensive. Nowadays there are many completely free programs that can do the job that even beginners will love.
Whether you're extending your Windows system partition, shrinking it to make room for an OS dual-boot setup, or merging your two media partitions for the new UHD movie rips, these free tools will surely come in handy .
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MiniTool Partition Wizard Free
what we like
Supports many common disk partitioning tasks
Allows to extend system partition without reboot
Simulate changes before saving them
The program is really easy to use.
Works well on all modern versions of Windows
what we don't like
Handling of dynamic disks is not supported
Some features that appear to be free are only available if you purchase the program
During setup, try adding another program to your computer
MiniTool Partition Wizard includes more partition management tools than most similar programs, even those you can pay for.
The free version not only supports regular functions like formatting, deleting, moving, resizing, splitting, merging and copying partitions, but also can do thefile systemdo a surface test in case of errors, delete partitions with severaldata sanitization methodsand align the partitions.
In addition to the above, MiniTool Partition Wizard is capable of moving OS to another hard drive as well as recovering lost or deleted partitions. There is also a file recovery program, disk space analyzer andReferenceintegrated tool.
One thing we didn't like is that it doesn't support dealing with dynamic disks.
Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP are the confirmed supported operating systems.
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AOMEI Partition Assistant SE
what we like
Includes an easy-to-use step-by-step wizard
The changes you make are queued and will not be applied until you specifically apply them all at once.
Many useful functions are included
Many of the options are easily accessible without having to navigate through menus.
Can be run from a bootable program to work with a hard drive that does not have an operating system installed
what we don't like
Some features are only available if you pay for them.
Cannot convert between primary partitions and logical partitions
Dynamic disks cannot be converted to basic disks
AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition has many more options open (as well as hidden in menus) than many other free partition software tools, but don't let that put you off.
With this program, you can resize, merge, create, format, align, split and restore partitions, as well as copy entire disks and partitions.
Some of the partition management features are limited and only offered in the professional paid version. One of these features is the ability to convert between primary and logical partitions.
You can also use AOMEI tool to create bootable WindowsFlash Drive, move an operating system to a completely different hard drive and erase all data from a partition or drive.
If you want extra features like dynamic disk to plain disk conversion, you have to pay.
This program can be used on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.
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EaseUS Partition Master Free Edition
what we like
Easy to understand with many useful options
Makes it easy to upgrade your system drive to a larger hard drive
Lots of useful options and features
Changes are previewed before they are applied
The program is regularly updated with improvements and new features.
Can convert to MBR and GPT
what we don't like
Does not work for commercial purposes; only personal
No support for dynamic volume management
Features like disk cloning and migration are not free
Shows an ad every time you close the program
Your email address is required to receive the download.
Managing the size of a partition in EaseUS Partition Master is very easy thanks to the user-friendly slider that allows you to drag left and right to shrink or extend a partition.
Changes applied to a partition with this program are not applied in real time. The modifications only existvirtual, which means you'll only see a preview of what will happen when you save the changes, but nothing is set in stone just yet. Changes do not take effect until you clickCarry outTaste.
We particularly like this feature so things like extending and copying partitions can be done with one tap instead of having to reboot between operations, which saves a lot of time. Even the list of pending operations is displayed on the program's page, so you can see exactly what will happen when you apply them.
You can also use EaseUS Partition Master to password protect, hide partitions, upgrade your system disk to a larger bootable disk, merge partitions, defragment a disk, and copy Windows to another disk.
One thing we don't like about this program is that some features are only available in the full paid version but are still clickable. That means sometimes you try to open something in the free version only to be prompted to buy the pro version.
Works with Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.
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Part
what we like
Works regardless of the installed operating system (or even if none is present)
Any change can be applied almost immediately without rebooting
Allows partitions to be hidden
Resizing a partition is very easy.
Supports many file systems
what we don't like
Booting takes longer because you need to boot the software
Partitions are easy to miss as they are hidden in a menu.
It takes much longer to download than most disk partitioning programs
No redo option (just an undo)
(Video) MiniTool Partition Wizard Free | Best Free Disk Management Tool 2022 | Windows 10/11
GParted runs entirely from a bootable disk or USB device, but still has a complete user interface like a regular program, so it's not difficult to use at all.
Editing the size of a partition is easy as you can select the exact amount of free space before and after the partition using a regular text box or a slider to see the increase or decrease visually.
A partition can be formatted in one of several file system formats, some of which include EXT2/3/4, NTFS, FAT16/32, and XFS.
Changes GParted makes to disks are queued and applied with one click. Because it runs outside of the operating system, pending changes don't require a reboot, meaning you can get things done much faster.
A small but particularly annoying problem is that it doesn't list all available partitions on one screen like most other free partitioning programs. You'll have to open each hard drive separately in a drop-down menu that's easy to miss if you're not sure where to look.
This download requires a few hundred megabytes of disk space, much more than most of the other programs on our list, so the download may take some time.
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Active@ Partition Manager
what we like
It's really easy to use and understand.
Some changes you make can be restored from a backup
Many common disk partitioning tasks are supported
what we don't like
Partitions cannot be copied
Extending system partition may not work for you
Locked volumes are not reduced in size
Active@ Partition Manager can create new partitions from unallocated space as well as manage existing partitions, e.g. B. Resize and format. Simple wizards make some of these tasks easier to perform.
No matter what type of file system you're using, this tool should be able to handle it, with support for all the popular ones such asGORDO, HFS+,NTFSe EXT2/3/4.
There are other features too, such as B. imaging an entire drive for backup purposes and converting between themMBRand GPT, create FAT32 partitions up to 1TB, edit boot records and revert changes by automatically backing up partition layouts.
When Active@ Partition Manager resizes a partition, you can set the custom size in megabytes or sectors.
Unfortunately, locked volumes cannot be resized, which means you cannot resize the system volume.
This program should work well with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP, as well as Windows Server 2012, 2008 and 2003.
This software is also capable of extending system partition, but from our testing, we found that it always resulted in aBSOD.
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Macrorit-Partitionsspezialist
what we like
The program's interface makes it easy to use and understand what you are doing
Supports general and advanced functions
Queues change until you apply them all at once
Everything you can do is shown directly; no hidden menu options
There is a portable option
what we don't like
Does not support dynamic disks
Free for personal use only
Cannot handle hard drives larger than 32TB
We love Macrorit Partition Expert's interface because it's super clean and uncluttered, making it very easy to use. All available operations are listed on the side and none of them are hidden in the menus.
Some actions you can perform on a hard drive include resizing, moving, deleting, copying, formatting, deleting a volume, and changing thescroll to volume, convert between a primary and a logical volume and perform a surface test.
Like most of the partition management software on this list, the Macrorit program doesn't make any changes to partitions until you apply them with itcommitTaste.
One thing we didn't like is that it doesn't support dynamic disks.
This program can run on Windows 11, 10 and earlier versions of Windows. A portable edition is also available.
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nice partition manager
what we like
Works on any computer, with or without an operating system
It is easy to delete and create partitions
Can format a drive to one of many file systems
The download size is too small
what we don't like
No graphical user interface
It takes a while before you can use it because you need to initialize the software
You must enter the exact size of the partition you want to create
Changes are not saved automatically
No way to restart or exit the program
no longer updated
Like GParted, Cute Partition Manager does not run on the operating system. Instead, you need to install it on a bootable device like a hard drive or flash drive. That means you can use it even if you don't have an operating system installed.
This program can be used to change the file system of a hard disk and create or delete partitions. Any changes you make are queued and can be undone since they don't apply until you save them.
Nice partition manager iscompletetext based. This means that you can't select the different options with the mouse - everything is done with the keyboard. Don't let that scare you; There aren't many menus so not really a problem.
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Paragon-Partitionsmanager
what we like
Supports many basic functions
Guides you step by step through a wizard
Preview changes before applying them
Supports common file systems
what we don't like
Missing features in most disk partitioning tools
Not all features are free; Some require an upgrade to the Pro version
It's not free for commercial use; only personal
If you feel more comfortable going through the wizards when making changes to partitions, you'll like Paragon Partition Manager.
Whether you are creating a new partition or resizing, deleting or formatting an existing partition, this program will guide you through the process step by step.
Common file systems such as NTFS, FAT32 and HFS are supported.
Unfortunately, some additional features that are only available in the Pro version are disabled.
Supported operating systems include Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.
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IM-Magic Partition Resizer
what we like
quick installation
Lots of options
Accessing all options from anywhere is easy
Shows a preview of what will happen after saving the changes
what we don't like
Some features only work if you upgrade to the paid version
Free for personal/private use only
IM-Magic Partition Resizer works similar to the above tools. It installs quickly and is super easy to use.
With this tool, you can move partitions, resize partitions (even the active one), copy partitions, change drive letter and label, check partitions for errors, delete and format partitions (even with a custom cluster size), convert NTFS to FAT32, hide partitions and erase all data from partitions.
All of these actions areextremelyeasy to find as you just have to right click on the device you want to manipulate. As you perform these actions, you will see the program update in real time to reflect it, so you can see how it will look when everything has been applied.
Then when you're happy with the results, use the big oneApply changesbutton to put everything into action. If you need to reboot for something to take effect, IM-Magic Partition Resizer will let you know.
You can also view the properties of each drive to see NT Object Name, GUID, File System, Sector Size, Cluster Size, Partition Number, Physical Sector Number, Total Hidden Sectors and more.
The only downside that we can see with this program is that some of the features require an upgrade to a paid version. For example, you can only create the bootable media program they support if you pay for it.
The official list of operating systems on which you can install this software is Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000.
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NIUBI Partition Editor Free Edition
what we like
Queues all changes and applies them at once
Convert MBR to GPT without data loss
Convert between logical and primary partitions without data loss
Convert NTFS partition to FAT32 without data loss
what we don't like
Bootable Media Builder only works in the paid edition
Not free for commercial use
NIUBI's partitioning tool is extremely powerful despite the free version. Like most of the programs on this list, you can manipulate partitions in a variety of ways.
There is an OS migration wizard and a disk cloning wizard. So if you need to do those things, he will guide you through the whole process of choosing your origin and destination locations.
More than 10 operations are listed on the left side of the program for easy access. They allow you to do things like resize/move volume, merge two volumes, delete or format a volume, repair file system, perform surface test and much more.
This program runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.
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FAQs
What is the best disk partitioning software? ›
- #1) Mini Tool Partition Wizard.
- #2) Active@ Partition Manager.
- #3) EaseUS Partition Manager Free Edition.
- #4) G Parted.
- #5) Cute Partition Manager.
- #6) Macrorit Partition Manager.
- #7) Paragon Partition Manager.
- #8) IM Magic Partition Resizer.
Recoverit Data Recovery is the most reliable free partition recovery software out there. It requires no technical skill to recover data when partitions get deleted, lost, inaccessible, and RAW. It can recover various file types for a lost partition, including audios, videos, photos, emails, archiv and documents, etc.
Is there a free version of Partition Magic? ›Professional partition magic software for Windows with full version can be free downloaded to help you resize partition, extend system disk, update HDD, migrate OS to SSD with ease. Powerful partition magic with full version is free to download now.
What can I use instead of fdisk in Windows 10? ›Diskpart is the perfect successor, which replaces the fdisk in serving Windows users to partition disks and creating use of disk space on Windows 10 and even the latest Windows 11. It can manage not only larger disk sizes but also offers more features and stability.
Is EaseUS Partition Master free? ›EaseUS Partition Master Free Edition has been a go-to recommendation for a powerful yet easy-to-use disk management utility that just happens to be free.
Which is better parted or fdisk? ›The parted utility is an alternative to fdisk . It can perform all the operations of fdisk , but it has additional functionality, such as resizing and copying partitions and creating file systems. The utility is called from the "root" user, passing the disk device as a parameter.
Is iBoysoft free to use? ›iBoysoft free data recovery software provides an easy and quick way to recover critical documents, photos, videos, music, etc. deleted/lost from NTFS, exFAT and FAT drives. iBoysoft free data recovery software provides an easy and quick way to recover critical documents, photos, videos, music, etc.
What is the best free formatting software? ›- HP USB Disk Storage.
- JetFlash Online Recovery.
- HDD Low-Level Format Tool.
- Kingston USB Format Utility.
- IM-Magic Partition Resizer.
- Rufus.
- EaseUS Partition Master.
- AOMEI Partition Assistant.
Disk Drill is totally free, though they make their money on the bet that you'll love their program so much that you'll upgrade to pro (which I've done). With the free version you get free recovery up to 500 MB, recovery protection, can backup failing disks, preview all recovery methods, and undelete protected data.
What is the best partition scheme for Windows 10? ›We recommend performing Windows® 10 installations enabling UEFI with a GUID Partition Table (GPT). Some features may not be available if you use the Master Boot Record (MBR) style partition table. System acceleration with Intel® Optane™ memory is not available when using MBR.
How do I activate EaseUS Partition Master for free? ›
- First, you can download and install the Free Version on your PC. Then please click "Upgrade".
- Find and fill in the serial number. ...
- Click "Activate" and you will successfully upgrade to the full version.
To use the MiniTool Partition Wizard, you need to select the drive or partition you want to change and either right-click on it or use the menu items listed at the top of the application to select your changes and then click on the “Apply” button located at the bottom left of the screen.
What has replaced fdisk? ›It has been part of DOS, DR FlexOS, IBM OS/2, and early versions of Microsoft Windows, as well as certain ports of FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, DragonFly BSD and macOS for compatibility reasons. Windows 2000 and its successors have replaced fdisk with a more advanced tool called diskpart .
What is the new tool replaced for fdisk? ›Fdisk is a command line utility included with MS DOS that allows you to format or partition hard drives. Since Windows NT, Fdisk has been replaced by diskpart, a more advanced partitioning tool.
Which of the following utilities replaced fdisk? ›Disk Management is utility first introduced in Window XP as a replacement of the fdisk command.It enables us to view or manage the disk drives installed in their computer and the partition associated with those drives.
Which is better aomei or EaseUS? ›Reviewers felt that AOMEI Backupper meets the needs of their business better than EaseUS Partition Master. When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that AOMEI Backupper is the preferred option.
Is there a free alternative to EaseUS? ›Other interesting free alternatives to EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard are Recuva, PhotoRec, Glary Utilities and DiskGenius. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard alternatives are mainly File Recovery Tools but may also be Hard Disk Recovery Tools or Photo Recovery Tools.
Is EaseUS completely free? ›Pricing and Plans. EaseUS offers a completely free version that can rescue up to 2GB of data. Rival service's Stellar's free version recovers 1GB. If you want to recover more than 2GB, or if you want tech support from the vendor, upgrade EaseUS to the Pro version (which I tested) for $69.95.
Should I use fdisk or GDisk? ›GDisk is command-line driven and much quicker than FDisk. It allows you to define standard configurations in a batch file and apply them to multiple computers. GDisk uses disk space better. It is more aggressive in finding free space on the disk for new partitions.
How good is GParted? ›Overall, we think GParted is the best bootable disk partition program we've used, mostly because it provides a full user interface like you'd find in any Windows-based tool.
Why is GParted slow? ›
In new versions of ubuntu, gparted seems to take a long time shrinking and expanding partitions. I guess it's because it moves fragmented spaces and moving is very time-consuming, so the overall time of shrinking or expanding a partition is shrinking or expanding time plus time taken in moving fragmented spaces.
Is Recoverit free to use? ›Recoverit Free Product Overview
Free version is available, you can recover 100 MB file in the free version. Free data recovery for all major file types, including photos, videos, documents and other files.
Yes, we provide a free-download version(partial functions) for all our programs. If you would like to enjoy all features, we recommend that you can buy the full version.
Is iBeesoft free? ›Either way, you should take advantage of iBeesoft's free trial. You can install the software and run a search for free. Once you know you can recover the file you need, you'll have to pay to unlock the full version of the software.
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.
What is the best partition style for Windows 10? ›We recommend performing Windows® 10 installations enabling UEFI with a GUID Partition Table (GPT). Some features may not be available if you use the Master Boot Record (MBR) style partition table. System acceleration with Intel® Optane™ memory is not available when using MBR.
How do I partition my entire 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.
Overview of Windows 10 Disk Management
Disk Management is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that is widely known by PC users. It is able to help you manage hard disk partitions without rebooting the system and any interruption.
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.
Which is better UEFI or MBR? ›UEFI enables better use of bigger hard drives. Though UEFI supports the traditional master boot record (MBR) method of hard drive partitioning, it doesn't stop there. It's also capable of working with the GUID Partition Table (GPT), which is free of the limitations the MBR places on the number and size of partitions.
Does Windows 10 install on GPT or MBR? ›
Windows detects that the PC was booted into UEFI mode, and reformats the drive using the GPT drive format, and begins the installation.