How to partition a hard drive in Windows. What's the best way to partition a hard drive?
The computer hard drive is small device, located inside system unit or laptop case. But, despite its integrity, in the Windows operating system it can be displayed as several disks, each of which is assigned its own letter of the English alphabet. This is convenient for the user, as it allows you to logically divide the information stored on the computer, quickly access it and search.
But when buying a computer or a new one hard drive You get a storage device that appears as one solid logical drive in Windows. At this point, the task often arises of splitting one disk partition into several partitions, usually two or three. For example, the first (disk C) is where the operating system is installed, and the second is where personal documents, photos, music and videos are stored. This is convenient from the point of view of safety of information and access to it in case of failure of the operating system, because you can reinstall Windows. Even if you format the C drive, your personal files stored on other logical drives (D, E, etc.) will remain intact.
Attention: before partitioning the disk, close all running programs!
Partitioning using Windows 7
Windows 7 has its own management capabilities sections of hard disk: creating a partition, compression (shrinking a partition), deleting a partition, changing a letter. In Windows XP you cannot do this.
Right-click the Computer icon on your desktop or Start menu and select Manage. You will need system administrator rights.
In the Computer Management window that opens, go to Disk Management. In the central part of the window you will see lists of physical disks, logical partitions and their parameters.
Let's consider the most popular task - splitting logical drive C into two partitions. To do this, you first need to separate some of the free information from drive C, and then create a separate partition from the free space. Click right key mouse to drive C and select “Shrink volume...” from the context menu. Thus, we will reduce the size of the C drive to free up free space.
You will have to wait a bit, Windows will analyze the C drive being partitioned and display a window with partition options. Set the size of the compressed space (i.e. the amount of free space that needs to be taken from the disk) and click on the “Compress” button.
Wait while Windows splits the specified disk into two parts. The process takes a few minutes.
After compression of drive C is completed, you will see another one appear among the partitions, marked as “Not distributed”. Next, you need to create a new partition on this free space. Right-click on the unallocated partition and select “Create simple volume...” from the menu.
The Create Simple Volume (Share) Wizard window will open. Click Next.
The wizard will ask you to specify the size of the partition to be created. The window will indicate the minimum and maximum sizes, and by default the created partition will be the largest possible size. In most cases, you won't need to change anything here, so click Next.
In the next step, you will be asked to assign a letter of the English alphabet to the new section, or skip this action. It is convenient to assign a letter right now. Leave Assign Drive Letter (A-Z) selected and you can change the default drive letter if you wish. Click Next.
At the fourth step of the wizard, you need to specify formatting parameters for the new disk partition. This is necessary so that data can be saved to the newly created partition. Initially set parameters (File NTFS system and quick formatting) leave unchanged. Fill in only the “Volume Label” field, come up with a name for it, and click “Next”.
At the last step of the volume creation wizard, you can view all the selected parameters for creating a new disk partition and confirm them by clicking the “Finish” button.
Creating a partition will take a few seconds and a new one will appear among the list of volumes in the Computer Management window.
The new drive should also appear among the drives in the Computer window. You can use it.
Partitioning using MiniTool Partition Wizard
If you have another version of Windows installed other than Windows 7, for example Windows XP, then to break hard drive into sections, you will need special program. Well-known programs in this area are: Partition Magic and Acronis Disk Director. But you have to pay to use them. Therefore, below the text suggests a way to partition a hard drive based on free program MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition.
The task remains the same - to split the C drive into two drives.
Like |
On modern computers And laptops have relatively large data storage facilities that contain all the files necessary for work and entertainment. Regardless of the type of media and how you use your computer, keeping one large partition on it is very inconvenient. This creates a lot of chaos in the file system, exposing multimedia files and critical data to system disruption and physical damage sectors of hard disk.
For maximum optimization free space on the computer, a mechanism was developed to divide all memory into separate parts. Moreover, the larger the volume of the carrier, the more relevant the separation will be. The first partition is usually prepared for the installation of the operating system itself and the programs in it, the remaining partitions are created based on the purpose of the computer and the stored data.
Due to the fact that this topic is quite relevant, there are quite a few handy tool for disk management. But when modern development In the software industry, this tool is quite outdated; it has been replaced by simpler and more functional ones third party solutions, capable of showing the true potential of the partitioning mechanism, while remaining understandable and accessible to ordinary users.
Method 1: AOMEI Partition Assistant
This program is considered one of the best in its field. First of all, AOMEI Partition Assistant is reliable and reliable - the developers have presented exactly the product that will satisfy the most demanding user, while the program is intuitive out of the box. It has a competent Russian translation, a stylish design, and the interface resembles a standard one. Windows tool, but in fact significantly exceeds it.
The program has many paid versions, created for different needs, however, there is also a free option for home non-commercial use - we don’t need anything more to partition the disks.
- From the official website of the developer, download the installation file, which after downloading needs to be launched by double-clicking. Follow the very simple Installation Wizard, launch the program either from the last Wizard window or from a shortcut on your desktop.
- After a short splash screen and integrity check, the program immediately shows the main window in which all actions will take place.
- The process of creating a new partition will be shown using the example of an existing one. For a new disk, which consists of one continuous piece, the methodology will be absolutely no different. On the free space that needs to be divided, right-click to open the context menu. In it we will be interested in the item called "Separating Partitions".
- In the window that opens, you need to manually set the dimensions that we need. This can be done in two ways - either drag the slider, which provides quick but not precise setting of parameters, or immediately set specific values in the field "New partition size". The old partition cannot have less space left than in at the moment there are files there. Be aware of this right away, because an error may occur during the partitioning process that jeopardizes the data.
- After the necessary parameters have been specified, you need to click on the button "OK". The tool will close. The main program window will be shown again, only now another, new one will appear in the list of sections. It will also be shown at the bottom of the program. But for now this is only a preliminary action, which allows only a theoretical assessment of the changes made. In order to start separation, you need to click on the button in the upper left corner of the program "Apply".
Before doing this, you can also immediately set the name of the future section and the letter. To do this, right-click on the piece that appears, in the section "Advanced" select item "Changing Drive Letter". Set the name by right-clicking on the section again and selecting "Change Label".
- A window will open in which the program will show the user the previously created division operation. We check all the numbers before starting. Although it is not written here, you should know: a new partition will be created, formatted in NTFS, after which it will be assigned a letter available in the system (or previously specified by the user). To start execution, click on the button "Go".
- The program will check the correctness of the entered parameters. If everything is correct, she will offer several options for performing the operation we need. This is because the partition you want to "cut" is most likely currently in use. The program will prompt you to unmount this partition from the system in order to perform the action. However, this is not the most best option for those who run many programs from there (for example, portable ones). Most in a safe way there will be partitioning outside the system.
Clicking the button "Reboot Now", the program will create a small module called PreOS and insert it into startup. After which Windows will reboot (save all important files before doing this). Thanks to this module, the separation will be done before the system boots, so nothing will interfere with it. The operation may take a long time, because... the program will check the disks and file system for integrity to avoid damage to partitions and data.
- No user interaction is required until the operation is completed. During the separation process, the computer may reboot several times, displaying the same PreOS module on the screen. When the work is completed, the computer will turn on in the usual way, but only in the menu "My computer" Now a freshly formatted partition will hang, immediately ready for use.
Thus, all the user needs to do is just indicate the desired partition sizes, then the program will do everything itself, ultimately producing fully functional partitions. Please note that before pressing the button "Apply" The newly created partition can be divided into two more in the same way. Windows 7 is based on media with an MBR table that supports partitioning into a maximum of 4 partitions. For home computer there will be plenty of that.
Method 2: System Disk Management Tool
The same can be done without using third-party software. The disadvantage of this method is that the automation of the tasks performed is completely absent. Each operation is performed immediately after setting the parameters. The advantage is that the separation occurs right in current session operating system, no need to reboot. However, between performing various actions while following instructions, the system constantly collects current debugging data, so in the general case, no less time is spent than in the previous method.
- On the label "My computer" right click, select "Control".
- In the window that opens, select the item in the left menu "Disk Management". After a short pause, while the tool collects all the necessary system data, the user will see a familiar interface. In the lower area of the window, select the section that needs to be divided into parts. Right-click on it and select "Shrink Volume" in the context menu that appears.
- A new window will open with a single field available for editing. In it, indicate the size of the future partition. Please note that this number should not be greater than the value in the field "Space available for compression (MB)". Calculate the specified size based on the parameters 1 GB = 1024 MB (another inconvenience, in AOMEI Partition Assistant the size can be immediately set in GB). Click the button "Compress".
- After a short separation, a list of sections will appear at the bottom of the window, where a black piece will be added. It is called “Not distributed” - future procurement. Right-click on this fragment and select "Create a simple volume..."
- Will start "Simple Volume Wizard", in which you need to press a button "Next".
In the next window, confirm the size of the partition to be created, then click again "Next".
Now assign the required letter by selecting any one you like from the drop-down list, proceed to the next step.
Select the file system format, set a name for the new partition (it is advisable to use the Latin alphabet, without spaces).
In the last window, double-check all previously specified parameters, and then click the button "Ready".
At this point, the operations are completed; after a few seconds, a new partition will appear in the system, ready for use. There is no need to reboot at all; everything will be done in the current session.
The tool built into the system provides all the necessary settings for the partition being created; they are quite enough for the average user. But here you will have to perform each step manually, and between them you just sit and wait certain time while the system collects the necessary data. And data collection can take quite a long time. weak computers. Therefore, using third-party software will be the best option for quickly and efficiently dividing your hard drive into the required number of pieces.
Be careful before performing any operations with data, be sure to do backups and double-check the manual settings. Creating several partitions on your computer will help you clearly organize the structure of the file system and divide the files used by different places for safe storage.
Dividing the hard drive into partitions in all Windows systems Above Vista it follows the same principle. Only the login procedure differs, but we will use the universal method.
Command line for partitioning disks
For our purpose, you can also use the console, for those who are used to working with the command line.
Disk partitioning during installation
Another convenient way- this is to create volumes at the time of system installation.
We use third-party software
You can also use specialized utilities, to create partitions. From standard means Windows, they are distinguished by advanced functionality and more stable operation. Also, such software is capable of splitting partitions without deleting data from them.
The first application that I would like to mention is Minitool Partition Wizard Free. As the name suggests, the application is completely free, but boasts quite powerful functionality.
All actions are intuitive. When the application loads, right-click on the section and select the required action. For example, to partition a disk, you need to select Split.
Then, by moving the slider or entering values manually, indicate the required size and we confirm changes. When the process is complete, the disk can be used.
Another powerful one free application – AOEMIPartitionAssistant. The interface and functionality are very similar to the above-mentioned application.
Launch the program and select the desired drive. Right-click on it and get the available actions.
We are interested in the point - Splitting a section.
Further everything is similar to the previous program. Set the size and confirm the changes. After that, in the main window, click the button Apply and the volume partitioning process will start.
Today we’ll look at how to partition a disk in Windows 10 without resorting to third-party software, because virtually all users of the new operating system have this need.
No matter what supporters of specialized programs say, if the operating system has the appropriate functionality, there is no point in using them. Therefore, we will take a closer look at how to partition a hard drive using the Windows 10 integrated storage tool.
What is important, we will work from under the operating system itself, without even resorting to using the installation drive with the Tens distribution kit.
First of all, dividing the drive into volumes is necessary if you purchase a new device, it does not matter whether it is a laptop, a computer or a larger hard drive. This is done for several reasons, the main ones being ease of use and safety.
Imagine what will happen to hard drive by 500-1000 GB, if you format it during reinstallation of the operating system in order to get rid of all the files of the old OS. Install new system over the old one, it makes little more sense than simply updating it from under Windows itself: all the garbage will remain, which will soon affect the performance of the computer.
And it's easier to store various types data on different volumes (games on one, video collection on another). Operating system with software must be located on the first logical drive due to the nature of HDD operation.
Running a utility to change disk layout
Working with partitions begins with launching the Disk Management program, which has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction into the operating system Windows system 7. The tool is launched in several ways.
Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel via Start, Win→X (by holding down the appropriate key combination) or a shortcut in a convenient place.
2. Change the visualization style of window icons to “Small icons”.
3. Call the “Administration” applet.
4. Launch the last utility in the list “Computer Management”.
5. Expand the “Storage Devices” section in the left vertical menu.
6. Click on the “Disk Management” item.
Command interpreter
The second, and more effective, method to call the tool for partitioning the hard drive into volumes is to use the capabilities of the Run window.
1. Call up a dialog to quickly execute system commands and open resources using the Win+R key combination.
2. Enter the command “diskmgmt.msc”.
3. Launch it using the “Enter” key.
As a result, the same window will open as in the previous version, but without unnecessary interface elements.
How to use the built-in disk manager
The application window displays a list of all detected digital information storage devices, including those operating using flash memory technology (solid-state drives and flash drives).
The first in the list are the partitions reserved by the operating system, where the files necessary to reset the operating system to its original state and its boot loader are stored. These volumes of 100-350 (sometimes more) megabytes in size should not be touched in any way.
1. In the main frame or panel below, select the hard drive or its volume that needs to be divided into nth quantity sections.
The main thing is that there is a sufficient amount of free space on it, which is at least slightly larger than the size of the partition/partitions being created. And if the system volume is divided, at least 10 GB of free space should be left on it. It will be needed for storage temporary files and installation of missing software.
2. Call context menu selected object and select “Compress volume...”.
This operation will allow you to “cut off” the specified number of gigabytes from the partition and form a new partition or several in this place, but their total size will not exceed the amount of data allocated for this.
3. In the parametric window that opens, set the volume of compressible space.
This is exactly how many megabytes will be freed (turned into unallocated area) in order to subsequently mark it up in the desired way.
After specifying all the information, click “Compress” and wait. Depending on the size (and the degree of damage to the hard drive - this factor primarily affects the speed), you will have to wait from ten seconds to a couple of minutes until the application completes the task of reassigning free clusters of the unallocated area.
Upon completion of the operations, an unallocated space of the specified volume will appear on the diagram; this area is distinguished by the presence of a black stripe at the top.
4. Through the context menu of this space, call the command “Create a simple volume...”.
By default, its size will be equal to the unused space, which is important for forming one volume in this area. If you need to create several partitions, enter the size of the first one in megabytes (taking into account that 1 gigabyte equals 1024 megabytes, not 1000).
5. In the Create Simple Volumes Wizard, select the file system. Set the cluster size and label.
It is better to choose NTFS as the file system. Even with its many shortcomings, it is the best solution from Microsoft. Cluster size: if small files will be stored on the disk, it makes sense to set it to 2096 KB or less in order to optimally use the space, and for storing video collections and images it is better to use a larger cluster size. Nothing depends on the volume label, and it can be easily changed through Explorer at any time.
As a result, the file system of the new partition will be formed and a new volume will appear on the hard disk. When creating several partitions with an unallocated area, you will have to do the same as in steps 4-6.
Volume breakdown during Windows 10 installation
If your computer does not yet have an operating system, you can also crash your hard drive while installing it. The difference between this option is the impossibility of dividing the drive into logical volumes without formatting, and for hard drives with important information the method will not work.
1. Boot from the installation distribution using the Boot Menu.
2. We get to the stage of selecting a disk for installing “ten”, choosing the “Custom” option.
3. Remove unnecessary volumes to make them an unallocated area.
4. As before, select this space and create sections of the specified sizes in it.
Partitioning a hard drive is a way to organize information storage, comparable to putting things on shelves in a closet.
In this article you will learn how to partition your hard drive and why.
Most users prefer to divide disks into 2-3 partitions for the following reasons:
- so as not to mix operating system and personal files in case of OS reinstallation;
- for the convenience of manual search for information;
- to install more than one operating system on a computer;
- so that each user, if there are several of them, has his own “corner” for personal files;
- to hide some information from other PC users (along with the section).
Pay attention! When installing operating systems are being created service sections- boot, recovery, for the swap file, etc., which are not visible in Explorer. These areas are hidden because changing or deleting their contents disrupts the operation of the OS.
Some believe that it is necessary to partition the hard drive into partitions: this way, they say, personal files will not be damaged in the event of a system failure, will be less fragmented, and, therefore, will be opened faster.
In fact, the files will not disappear anywhere, even if the OS crashes completely. And this will not affect performance, especially since modern systems defragment themselves without user intervention.
Against, system partition tends to fill up quickly, and if there is not enough space on it, the computer will first slow down and then stop loading altogether due to the fact that the system has no room to expand.
Do you think you still need an additional section? Then read how to create it.
Two ways to partition a disk in Windows 7, 8, 10
Capabilities of the installed system
Starting with Windows 7, you can partition disk space using the OS itself, both during installation and after.
There is only one condition: when dividing an existing partition, it is important that there is no less free space in the part being divided than in the part that will be separated.
Let's look at how to divide a hard drive into partitions in a running Windows 10.
- Go to the context menu of the Start button and launch “Disk Management”.
- Open the context menu of the section you will be splitting. Click “Shrink Volume”.
- The window that opens after this shows the total size of the compressed area and the space available for compression. From the last one, select a part that will be a new section.
As you remember, it should not exceed half of the value specified here. Then click the “Compress” button.
- After compression, unallocated space will appear in the list of volumes - this will be your new partition. Right-click on it and select “Create Simple Volume”. The “Simple Volume Creation Wizard” utility will launch.
- In the wizard window, specify the size of the new volume. If you leave the default value (which is the entire area of unallocated space), the entire area you separated will become a new partition.
If you specify a lower value, one part will become a volume and the other will remain unallocated. Click “Next”.
- Assign a letter to the new volume if you want it to appear in Explorer, or mount it as a folder. If you decide to do this later, select “Do not assign drive letter or path.”
- Next, the wizard will offer to format the volume and assign a label to it. A label is a short name for a section that explains what is there. If desired, leave this line blank.
After formatting, the unallocated space will become a full-fledged partition.
Creating a volume during Windows installation
Creating new partitions during Windows installations differs from the method we discussed above in that the shared disk will have to be deleted first, that is, completely cleared of information.
And then build a new partition structure from the unallocated space.
The breakdown is done at the stage when the program asks you to indicate the location where the OS will be installed. What to do next:
- In the “Where do you want to install Windows?” window Click the Disk Setup button.
- Mark the partition you are going to split and delete it. Instead, unoccupied space will appear.
We showed the process of creating logical volumes using the example of installing Windows 7. On Windows 8 and 10 this is done in exactly the same way.
During the installation of Windows, it is not necessary to allocate all the disk space; it is enough to select the area where the system will be located. Rest free space You can mark it later whenever you want.
These are not the only ones, but only the most available methods partitioning disks.
Own functions for working with disk space, which are found in all Windows versions starting with “seven”, it is enough in almost any situation, so the need to use third-party programs such as Acronis Disk Director or Paragon Partition Manager has already disappeared.