How to shrink c drive without losing data on Windows 11?

Shrinking C drive on Windows 11 computer can be done safely if proper precautions are taken, Run a disk check (chkdsk) on the C: drive to identify and fix any file system errors before shrinking. But this matter also needs to be done very carefully. Run a disk check (chkdsk) on the C: drive to identify and fix any file system errors before shrinking. Close all programs, especially those that might be using files on the C: drive, to prevent conflicts during the shrinking process.

Although Windows automatically defragments SSDs, defragmenting HDDs can help consolidate free space, making the shrink process more effective. Use the Disk Management tool or third-party partition managers that are reputable. The built-in Windows Disk Management utility is generally safe but may have limitations if there are immovable system files.

Some system files are immovable and can prevent shrinking beyond a certain point. If Windows cannot shrink the partition as desired, you might need to disable certain services or use third-party tools. Do not shut down or restart your computer during the shrinking process. While shrinking C drive without losing data can be safe if done carefully, it always carries some risk of data loss or system issues if something goes wrong. Proper backups and careful preparation are essential.