Forum Discussion
How to split c drive into multiple drives in Windows 11 or Windows 10?
Hi all,
I just made a mistake that installed Windows 11 on an SSD (512GB) with one partition. When I boot into the desktop, only C drive is available. This is not a good practice for managing files and apps efficiently on a PC. Usually, I tend to create 4 partitions for OS, apps, work and media files.
How can I split c drive into multiple drives without formatting in Windows 11 or Windows 10? I don't want to format the SSD drive again and reinstall Windows 11 as it takes a lot of time.
8 Replies
- MieowoIron Contributor
How to Split C Drive in Windows 11/10/8/7 without data loss:
https://www.microonn.com/split-c-drive-without-data-lost
- TomspricenIron ContributorBefore splitting the C drive into multiple drives, have a separate partition for data can streamline backups, but it also means you need to remember to back up to multiple locations if you aren't careful. If a partition goes south, you might be scrambling to recover your data—trust me, it’s a pain.
- Glenn_CaponeCopper Contributor
Anytime you're messing with partitions if you split C drive into multiple drives, there's a risk of data loss. Even though the Disk Management tool is pretty reliable, accidents can happen. If something goes wrong during the shrinking or partitioning process, you might end up losing files. Always back up your important data first—trust me, it saves a lot of headaches!
- SebastiancxyCopper Contributor
howreudoin When splitting a C drive into multiple drives in Windows 10/11, several important factors should be considered to ensure a smooth process and to minimize the risk of data loss. Here are key points to pay attention to:
Data Backup: Always back up important files and data before modifying disk partitions. This safeguards against accidental loss if something goes wrong during the partitioning process.
Available Disk Space: Verify that there is enough unallocated space on the C drive before splitting it. You may need to shrink the existing partition to create space for the new one.
Partition Size: Determine the appropriate size for the new partition based on your storage needs. Consider the types of files you will store and how much space is required.
File System Type: Decide on the file system format for the new partition (NTFS is commonly used for Windows). This ensures compatibility with your operating system and applications.
- CojemosCopper Contributor
howreudoin You can easily split c drive in Windows 11 by creating a recovery disk. Please use Windows' built-in tool to create a recovery disk or USB drive by searching for “Create a recovery drive” in the Start menu. Insert the recovery disk or USB into your computer, restart it, and make sure to boot from the recovery media
Once you boot from the recovery disk, navigate to the recovery options. Choose “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options,” and select “Command Prompt.” Type "select partition X", replacing X with the partition number of the C drive, and press Enter. Then, type shrink desired=SIZE, where SIZE is the amount of space (in MB) you wish to shrink the C drive. For example, to shrink by 20,000 MB (about 20 GB), type shrink desired=20000 and press Enter.
After shrinking, you’ll see unallocated space. To create a new partition, type create partition primary size=SIZE, replacing SIZE with the amount of space you wish to allocate for the new partition.
This is a super easy way to split drive into multiple drives in Windows 11. However, the data will be deleted with this trick!
- biggfoot_26Copper Contributor
howreudoin Steps to split C drive into multiple drives using Disk Management app. This can be applied to Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows 7:
- In the Disk Management window, find your C drive and right-click on the C drive and select "Shrink Volume." The system will take a moment to query the disk for available space.
- Specify the amount of space you want to shrink in megabytes (MB) by entering a value in the dialog box.
- Right-click on the unallocated space and select "New Simple Volume." The New Simple Volume Wizard will open. Click "Next," specify the volume size (you can use the maximum size or a smaller amount), and click "Next" again.
- Choose a drive letter for the new partition from the dropdown list and click "Next." Review your settings and click "Finish" to complete the operation.
- The Disk Management utility will create the new partition, and it should now appear in File Explorer as a separate drive.
- JigSawDingusCopper Contributor
howreudoin Splitting the C drive, or creating additional partitions on your hard drive, offers several valuable benefits that can enhance both system performance and data organization. By separating the operating system, applications, and personal files into different partitions, users can improve data management and streamline backups.
Additionally, partitioning can facilitate better disk usage, as it allows for more efficient allocation of space and helps prevent fragmentation. In the event of system failure or a need for reinstallation, having a separate partition for personal data can safeguard important files. Overall, splitting the C drive in Windows 11 or Windows 10 can lead to a more organized and efficient computing experience.
- MarinaraplCopper Contributor
You can split your C drive into multiple drives using the Disk Management app in Windows. This built-in utility allows you to resize partitions on a hard drive and create a new partition from the free space that is available after shrinking the C drive. By following a few simple steps, you can allocate space for new partitions without the need for third-party software. It is a straightforward option for managing your disk storage effectively.