How to partition a drive on Windows

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Partitioning a drive on Windows involves dividing a physical hard drive into separate sections, allowing for better organization and management of data. This can be accomplished using built-in tools or third-party software, depending on user preference and requirements.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before partitioning a drive, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •A computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
  • •Administrative privileges to perform disk management tasks.
  • •A backup of important data to prevent data loss during partitioning.
  • •Sufficient free space on the drive to create a new partition.

Method 1: Using Disk Management

Disk Management is a built-in Windows tool that allows users to create, delete, and resize partitions easily. This method is recommended for users who prefer a straightforward graphical interface.
  • •Step 1: Press `Windows + X` and select `Disk Management` from the menu.
  • •Step 2: In the Disk Management window, right-click on the drive you want to partition and select `Shrink Volume...`.
  • •Step 3: Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB and click `Shrink`. This will create unallocated space.
  • •Step 4: Right-click on the unallocated space and select `New Simple Volume...` to create a new partition.
  • •Step 5: Follow the New Simple Volume Wizard to assign a drive letter and format the partition.
  • •Step 6: Verify the new partition appears in File Explorer.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 features a slightly updated interface but follows the same steps as Windows 10.
  • •Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select `Disk Management`.
  • •Step 2: Follow the same steps as outlined for Disk Management.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users will find the Disk Management tool similar to previous versions.
  • •Step 1: Press `Windows + X` and select `Disk Management`.
  • •Step 2: Follow the same steps as outlined for Disk Management.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, using Command Prompt can be a faster method to partition a drive.
  • •Step 1: Press `Windows + S`, type `cmd`, right-click on `Command Prompt`, and select `Run as administrator`.
  • •Step 2: Type `diskpart` and press `Enter` to open the DiskPart utility.
  • •Step 3: Type `list disk` and press `Enter` to view all disks.
  • •Step 4: Type `select disk X` (replace X with the disk number you want to partition) and press `Enter`.
  • •Step 5: Type `shrink desired=SIZE` (replace SIZE with the amount of space in MB) and press `Enter`.
  • •Step 6: Type `create partition primary` and press `Enter` to create a new partition.
  • •Step 7: Type `format fs=ntfs quick` and press `Enter` to format the new partition.
  • •Step 8: Type `assign letter=X` (replace X with the desired drive letter) and press `Enter`.
  • •Step 9: Type `exit` to close DiskPart.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are solutions for common issues encountered during partitioning:
  • •Error: 'Not enough space available on the disk' - Solution: Ensure you have sufficient unallocated space or free up space by deleting unnecessary files.
  • •Issue: 'Volume cannot be shrunk' - Fix: Ensure the volume is not fragmented; run `defrag` on the drive before attempting to shrink.
  • •Problem: 'Disk Management not responding' - Workaround: Restart your computer and try accessing Disk Management again.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Here are some tips for power users:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: `Windows + R` - Opens the Run dialog for quick access to tools.
  • •Command line: `diskpart` - Access advanced disk management features directly from the command line.
  • •Hidden feature: `Shrink Volume` in Disk Management can be used to resize partitions without data loss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For optimal performance and organization, consider partitioning your drives based on usage, such as separating OS files from personal data.