How do I partition an external hard drive on Windows 11?

You need to partition external hard drive before using it because it prepares the disk for storing data in an organized and accessible way. When you buy a new hard drive, it often comes unallocated, meaning the operating system can't read or write to it until it's partitioned and formatted.

Creating partitions divides the drive into separate sections, each with its own file system, which allows the OS to manage files properly. This also helps improve system organization. The users can separate the operating system, applications, and personal files onto different partitions to reduce clutter and make backups easier.

Additionally, partitioning an external hard drive on Windows 11 can enhance performance and flexibility. For example, you can install multiple operating systems on different partitions or isolate system files from user data for better security and easier recovery in case of failure.