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

Third-party partition management tools are often recommended over Windows' built-in utilities (like DiskPart or Disk Management) for complex partition operations because they handle critical limitations of native tools, especially when data integrity is paramount. Here's why you should a disk partition software in order to shrink c drive without data loss.

Non-Contiguous Partition Handling:

Windows Limitation: DiskPart/Disk Management can only extend a partition if unallocated space is immediately adjacent to it. If another partition (e.g., a recovery partition) sits between C: and D:, extending D: is impossible.

Third-Party Solution: Tools can move/resize partitions to reposition unallocated space next to D:, without data loss.

Dynamic File System Optimization:

Windows Limitation: DiskPart may fail to shrink C: due to:

1. Immovable system files (pagefile, hibernation, system restore points).
2. File system fragmentation (large unmovable files blocking shrinkage).

Third-Party Solution: These tools temporarily disable pagefiles/hibernation, defragment files before shrinking, and bypass system locks.

Visual Operations & Previews:

Tools show a disk map and simulate operations before applying changes, reducing human error.
(Example: Seeing if unallocated space is truly adjacent to D: before committing).

Undo Functionality:

Most tools let you preview and cancel operations before finalizing. DiskPart executes commands immediately (no undo).

I could go with a dedicated disk partition manager when it comes to shrink c drive on Windows 11/10. It is more safe and without losing data!