How to split a disk into two. We divide the computer space into new sections and save the data. Dividing a hard drive into partitions using built-in Windows OS tools
How to split a hard drive into two partitions without data loss, provided that there is one partition converted to the main volume with the letter (C:), the operating system is installed on it and nothing should happen to it, how do you like the problem?
- Note: If you have a new operating system installed, you can divide your hard drive into partitions using the operating system itself, without resorting to third-party programs, here is the article, if something doesn’t work, use the universal one and free program in Russian.
- If you are on Windows 7, read here. If you have a new laptop, then you need this article.
Such tasks are very easily solved with special disk management programs, for example: Acronis Disk Director, Paragon, I work with all of them. The fact is that when working with such programs, it is easy to damage the partition table of the hard drive, then the computer will not be able to determine the location of the main partition with the operating system among the new volumes created by you, what then? That's right, you simply won't be able to boot into Windows. Acronis, also working from a boot disk, sometimes confuses partition letters.
- Therefore, before working with Acronis Disk Director, you need to insure yourself as much as possible and create a backup of all partitions of your hard drive. Every user should be able to create a backup of the operating system and, if necessary, deploy it back.
I do not want to intimidate you in any way, but simply warn you to be very careful when working with software for working with computers. hard disk partitions. I remember in the old days, when everything was just beginning, I always had several floppy disks in my pocket with the Partition Magic program in bourgeois language, yes, floppy disks, it worked from them, you insert it into the floppy and you always don’t know how it will end, but I will say Honestly, I only let you down a few times. And then I met Acronis and have not left since then, although now I carry a large suitcase with me and there are always several boot disks with this program. Well, it's time to get down to business, otherwise you'll run away from the site and won't partition your hard drive.
How to split a hard drive into two partitions
As I said, we have the Windows XP operating system, but everything that will be said below can also be applied to Windows 7. The operating system has one system partition-disk (C:) with a capacity of 111.8 GB, which we will use divide into two sections, as a result we will have another drive (D:), don’t worry about your files on drive (C:) nothing will happen. Here it is our drive (C:), all alone.
Let's launch our program
In the main window of the program, our hard drive is visible as one partition-disk (C), with a capacity of 111.8 GB. Let's go with you to Actions and tools, and then Resize volume
change the size of a volume of 111.8 GB, for example, to 55.8 GB, so we will have a logical volume (D)
We have some unallocated space and we will convert it later into a logical volume (D)
Apply pending operations
Friends, now you can create the second partition you need, right in the operating system, go to Computer->Manage->Disk Management, right-click on the unallocated space and select Create Partition from the menu. Or you can use our program again.
We run our program again, select unallocated space with the mouse and click Create Volume
Select the type of volume to be created: Basic
Specify unallocated space
Dividing the hard drive into partitions in all Windows systems above Vista follows the same principle. Only the login procedure differs, but we will use the universal method.
Command line for partitioning disks
For our purpose, you can also use the console, for those who are used to working with the command line.
Disk partitioning during installation
Another convenient way is to create volumes during system installation.
We use third-party software
You can also use specialized utilities to create partitions. They differ from standard Windows tools in their expanded functionality and more stable operation. Also, such software is capable of splitting partitions without deleting data from them.
The first application that I would like to mention is Minitool Partition Wizard Free. As the name suggests, the application is completely free, but boasts quite powerful functionality.
All actions are intuitive. When the application loads, right-click on the section and select the required action. For example, to partition a disk, you need to select Split.
Then, by moving the slider or entering values manually, indicate the required size and we confirm changes. When the process is complete, the disk can be used. 
Another powerful free application is AOEMIPartitionAssistant. The interface and functionality are very similar to the above-mentioned application.
Launch the program and select the desired drive. Right-click on it and get the available actions.
Partitioning a disk into several partitions is a very common procedure among users. Using such a HDD is much more convenient, since it allows you to separate system files from user files and manage them more conveniently.
You can partition your hard drive into parts in Windows 10 not only during system installation, but also after it, and for this you do not have to use third-party programs, since this function is available in Windows itself.
In this article we will look at how to divide a HDD into logical partitions. This can be done in an already installed operating system and when reinstalling the OS. At his discretion, the user can use the standard Windows utility or third-party programs.
Method 1: Using programs
One of the options for dividing the drive into partitions is to use third-party programs. Many of them can be used both when Windows is running and as a bootable flash drive when partitioning a disk while the OS is running is not possible.
MiniTool Partition Wizard
A popular free solution that works with different types of drives is MiniTool Partition Wizard. The main advantage of this program is the ability to download an image with an ISO file from the official website to create a bootable flash drive. Partitioning a disk here can be done in two ways at once, and we will look at the simplest and fastest one.
The letter of the new volume can later be changed manually via "Disk Management".
Acronis Disk Director
Unlike the previous program, Acronis Disk Director is a paid option that also has a large number of functions and can partition the disk. The interface is not very different from MiniTool Partition Wizard, but it is in Russian. Acronis Disk Director can also be used as boot software if you cannot perform operations while running Windows.
EaseUS Partition Master
EaseUS Partition Master is a program with a trial period, like Acronis Disk Director. Its functionality includes various features, including disk partitioning. In general, it is similar to the two analogues listed above, and the difference mainly comes down to appearance. There is no Russian language, but you can download a language pack from the official website.
Method 2: Windows built-in tool
To perform this task you need to use the built-in utility "Disk Management".
Method 3: Partitioning the disk when installing Windows
It is always possible to divide the HDD when installing the system. This can be done using the Windows installer itself.
Now you know how to partition a HDD in different situations. This is not very difficult, and will ultimately make working with files and documents more convenient. The fundamental difference between using the built-in utility "Disk Management" and there are no third-party programs, since both options achieve the same result. However, other programs may have additional features, such as file transfer, that may be useful to some users.
Today we’ll look at how to partition a disk in Windows 10 without resorting to third-party software, because virtually all users of the new operating system have this need.
No matter what supporters of specialized programs say, if the operating system has the appropriate functionality, there is no point in using them. Therefore, we will take a closer look at how to partition a hard drive using the Windows 10 integrated storage tool.
What is important, we will work from under the operating system itself, without even resorting to using the installation drive with the Tens distribution kit.
What is it for?
First of all, dividing the drive into volumes is necessary if you purchase a new device, it does not matter whether it is a laptop, a computer or a larger hard drive. This is done for several reasons, the main ones being ease of use and safety.
Imagine what will happen to a 500-1000 GB hard drive if you format it during the reinstallation of the operating system in order to get rid of all the files of the old OS. Installing a new system on top of an old one makes little more sense than simply updating it from Windows itself: all the garbage will remain, which will soon affect the performance of the computer.
And it’s more convenient to store different types of data on different volumes (games on one, video collection on another). The operating system with software must be located on the first logical disk due to the nature of the HDD.
Running a utility to change disk layout
Working with partitions begins by launching the Disk Management program, which has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction into the Windows 7 operating system. The tool is launched in several ways.
Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel via Start, Win→X (by holding down the appropriate key combination) or a shortcut in a convenient place.
2. Change the visualization style of window icons to “Small icons”.
3. Call the “Administration” applet.
4. Launch the last utility in the list “Computer Management”.
5. Expand the “Storage devices” section in the left vertical menu.
6. Click on the “Disk Management” item.
Command interpreter
The second, and more effective, method to call the tool for partitioning the hard drive into volumes is to use the capabilities of the Run window.
1. Call up a dialog to quickly execute system commands and open resources using the Win+R key combination.
2. Enter the command “diskmgmt.msc”.
3. Launch it using the “Enter” key.
As a result, the same window will open as in the previous version, but without unnecessary interface elements.
How to use the built-in disk manager
The application window displays a list of all detected digital information storage devices, including those operating using flash memory technology (solid-state drives and flash drives).
The first in the list are the partitions reserved by the operating system, where the files necessary to reset the operating system to its original state and its boot loader are stored. These volumes of 100-350 (sometimes more) megabytes in size should not be touched in any way.
1. In the main frame or panel below, select the hard drive or its volume that needs to be divided into the nth number of partitions.
The main thing is that there is a sufficient amount of free space on it, which is at least slightly larger than the size of the partition/partitions being created. And if the system volume is divided, at least 10 GB of free space should be left on it. You will need it to store temporary files and install missing software.
2. Call the context menu of the selected object and select “Compress volume...”.
This operation will allow you to “cut off” the specified number of gigabytes from the partition and form a new partition or several in this place, but their total size will not exceed the amount of data allocated for this.
3. In the parametric window that opens, set the volume of compressible space.
This is exactly how many megabytes will be freed (turned into unallocated area) in order to subsequently mark it up in the desired way.
After specifying all the information, click “Compress” and wait. Depending on the size (and the degree of damage to the hard drive - this factor primarily affects the speed), you will have to wait from ten seconds to a couple of minutes until the application completes the task of reassigning free clusters of the unallocated area.
Upon completion of the operations, an unallocated space of the specified volume will appear on the diagram; this area is distinguished by the presence of a black stripe at the top.
4. Through the context menu of this space, call the command “Create a simple volume...”.
By default, its size will be equal to the unused space, which is important for forming one volume in this area. If you need to create several partitions, enter the size of the first one in megabytes (taking into account that 1 gigabyte equals 1024 megabytes, not 1000).
5. In the Create Simple Volumes Wizard, select the file system. Set the cluster size and label.
It is better to choose NTFS as the file system. Even with many shortcomings, it is the best solution from Microsoft. Cluster size: if small files will be stored on the disk, it makes sense to set it to 2096 KB or less in order to optimally use the space, and for storing video collections and images it is better to use a larger cluster size. Nothing depends on the volume label, and it can be easily changed through Explorer at any time.
As a result, the file system of the new partition will be formed and a new volume will appear on the hard drive. When creating several partitions with an unallocated area, you will have to do the same as in steps 4-6.
Volume partitioning during Windows 10 installation
If your computer does not yet have an operating system, you can also crash your hard drive while installing it. The difference between this option is the impossibility of dividing the drive into logical volumes without formatting, and this method is not suitable for hard drives with important information.
1. Boot from the installation distribution using the Boot Menu.
2. We get to the stage of selecting a disk for installing “ten”, choosing the “Custom” option.
3. Remove unnecessary volumes to make them an unallocated area.
4. As before, select this space and create sections of the specified sizes in it.
“Attention This article is in no way intended for PR purposes or to convince experienced users to do otherwise. This article is just a set of modest conclusions of the author based on his own experience and changes in the IT world around us.”
The question is interesting BUT controversial. On many modern computers you can encounter a similar situation - the hard drive is divided into two or more partitions, the computer freezes when loading or the system does not start - cause: The system drive C: has run out of free space. And other logical drives are 10-20% occupied with information at this time
On the Internet, you can ask the following question: Why partition your hard drive?
And of course see very convincing answers
I, in turn, will try to refute the answers by explaining the reasons.
So let's go
WHY PARTITION YOUR HARD DISK?
Answer:
-for comfort
Refutation
How convenient is it that the disk is divided into several partitions? It takes longer to move from one section to another.
Answer:
-Do you have a closet with shelves or do you put everything in one chest?
Refutation
Why is there a comparison with a closet? Creating thematic folders on a disk (for example, movies, games, music) is much more informative than the mysterious designations Local drive C, Local drive D, etc.
Answer:
-In short, that’s how it should be!
Refutation
I agree - this has been the custom since the days when Windows 95-98 was in use and when the system was reinstalled, the new OS was installed in the same folder where the old OS was. New files were mixed with old files - which led to zero effect after reinstallation. Therefore, it was necessary to format Disk C, deleting all the information on it; at that time there were no flash drives or disks to save the necessary information, and therefore the solution was to create an additional partition where important information could be copied or even stored. In those days, computers were more aimed at advanced users or specialists and were used exclusively for work, now computers have become home computers - aimed at ordinary users who do not need to delve into the intricacies of the computer - today the computer has become a powerful multimedia and gaming device in our home. This is how it has been customary since ancient times to split a hard drive into partitions, and today no one can clearly explain why this is done.
Answer:
-for example, it’s convenient for me if the system crashes, then the files will remain on another disk, I have all the important files on another disk
Refutation
Well, if we have one logical drive C - and the system crashes - Where will our files go from the computer? They will remain in place. If we need to install Windows XP on top of an existing already installed Windows XP, then during installation we can choose actions - erase all the files in the existing Windows folder (delete everything from the folder) and install a new version of Windows there? Or create a new folder and install the operating system there (the folder will be called Windows.0), no mixing with the old system occurs, we get an absolutely functional, new operating system. No deletions occur from the local drive C - important information remains in place in its folders. Unless of course you format your hard drive. And the need to format the hard drive itself disappears. Windows Vista and Windows 7, when installed on top of an existing operating system, will automatically determine whether any operating system was installed before and will save all old system files in a separate folder called Windows.old. Again, without affecting Our information. If you install a Linux-like operating system, then during installation you will also be asked to save part of the disk with the Windows operating system and the FAT32 or NTFS file system separately, and install the Linux system on another part of the disk with a different file system from FAT32 or NTFS. And also, when you boot the computer, you will be given a choice of which OS you can boot into: Windows OS or Linux OS.
Answer:
-Convenient if you rearrange Windows. You format drive C and install Windows from scratch, but on drive D all files remain untouched.
Refutation
If you format Disk C, then all your documents from the “Desktop” and from the “My Documents” folder will disappear forever. Because these documents are physically stored on Drive C in the Documents and Settings folder. And it turns out that all the films and music will remain in place, but the documents and photographs will disappear somewhere. Please note that when installing a new version of Windows, these folders are not deleted or changed.
Answer:
-Acceleration of defragmentation and disk checking processes, because you can perform these steps at different times on each drive
Refutation
Modern disk defragmentation programs are improving every day and currently support STEALTH mode (invisible), assigning defragmentation tasks, and automatically turning off the computer when defragmentation is complete. Using these modes, disk defragmentation will take place without user participation in this process. Or in the background - while the user is working on documents or is on the Internet.
Answer:
- Yes, to separate flies from cutlets. The operating system is on C:, and everything else is on other partitions. And if the axis falls off, then the necessary files on other partitions will remain safe and sound
Refutation
And finally – Games. All programs are installed on the C drive by default. The installer does not know whether there are any additional logical drives on the computer. To install the game in another partition, during the game installation process you must independently select a drive and folder different from the proposed installation option on Drive C. Which in turn causes inconvenience and confusion during installation. I came across games that were installed only on Drive C:, or without the ability to select a drive for installation at all. Most users use a computer for games and entertainment - and why should they delve into the intricacies of installing a game if they just need to install the game and play. So it turns out that everything is installed on Disk C, while Disk D and other local drives remain free or partially occupied.
RESULT
Of course, I don’t insist that you should never split a hard drive into logical drives - I just came to the conclusion over time that it’s better to make one whole hard drive. This will eliminate a number of the problems described above related to the stability of the computer and the availability of free disk space. If the hard drive fails, it will happen as a whole, not in parts. (28.12.2010)
UPDATE —03.2013—
Later 2 years I also have not changed my opinion that there is no need to partition the hard drive into partitions; for myself, I have long been using the scheme of 2 or more physical disks in a computer:
1. Disc– System (for this, it’s better not to spare your money and buy an SSD drive.) It’s best to take a disk with a capacity of 120 GB or higher. Tested 60GB SSD on myself - installed the system and main programs - only 10-15GB of free space (constantly have to be monitored)
2. Disc– multimedia, entertainment, games, storage, in general, everything you need. (Regular HDD capacity 1-2TB)