How to partition partitions on a hard drive. We divide the hard drive into partitions

Very often, stores selling computers and laptops, due to their laziness or some unforeseen circumstances, sell computer equipment with not separated hard drive, which can subsequently lead to very unpleasant situations, such as complete or partial loss of important data.

Most often this happens (data loss) due to inattention when, when reinstalling operating system, they forget to save something, and “crashes” (formats) the entire hard drive, subsequently remembering that there are important documents and photos left on the desktop or in some folder.

To avoid this, it is much more advisable to store everything important on the local drive “D”, so that in the event of an unexpected system failure, you can be calm and know that everything important is on another drive. So, if you bought a computer or laptop and discovered that you have one single “C” drive, do not despair, today we will correct this misunderstanding, and without the help of third-party programs, we will do everything standard tools Windows 7. By the way in others Windows versions similar tools.

Just 14 small steps, or if you want action and you have more than one local disk C, but two or more, again optional, but it’s better not to get carried away :). I will use the example of dividing the already existing drive "D", but you do this operation with the drive "C".

Step #1. Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel"

Step #2. In the "Control Panel" window that opens, find and click on the "Administration" link

Step #3. Find and select "Computer Management"

Step #4. In the window that opens, click "Disk Management"

Step #5. Here you need to do three simple steps, 1 - with the left mouse button, select the disk that you will share, 2 - Right-click on the disk area as in the figure below, 3 - select "Shrink Volume..."

Step #6. Wait while the system polls the disk to determine available space for compression

Step #7. At this stage you need to indicate what size it will be new disk, by default the system shows the maximum possible size. So, enter your value or leave it as it is and click “Compress”

Step #8. We “pinched off” a little space from the “C” drive and now we see a new, not yet allocated partition

Step #9. Right-click on it and select "Create simple volume..."

Step #10. In this and the next window, click the “Next” button.

Step #11. Select a letter for the new drive and “Next” again

Step #12. We write a name for the new disk, by default it is “New Volume”, check whether the checkbox is “ Quick formatting" and click "Next"

Step #13. We complete the creation of a new disk with the "Finish" button.

Step #14. Final, we check whether everything worked out successfully, in open window a new disk should appear with the status "Good"

As you can see, everything is very simple and now you have additional section on a computer where you can store your data and not worry that it will be lost. Although in fairness I note that for complete safety files, duplicate them to removable media, since it is not uncommon for not only the “C” drive to fail, but also the entire hard drive. Thank you for your attention, good luck everyone.

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 custom ones and manage them conveniently.

Smash HDD You can split partitions into parts in Windows 10 not only during system installation, but also after it, and for this it is not necessary to use third-party programs, since such a 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 own discretion, the user can use standard utility Windows 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 in running Windows, and as bootable flash drive, when it is impossible to partition a disk while the OS is running.

MiniTool Partition Wizard

Popular free solution, working with different types drives is . 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, - paid option, which 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 operations cannot be performed while Windows is running.

EaseUS Partition Master

- 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".

1. Click on the button Start right click and select "Disk Management". Or press on your keyboard Win+R, enter diskmgmt.msc in the empty field and click "OK".

   

2. The main hard drive is usually called Disk 0 and is divided into several sections. If 2 or more disks are connected, then its name may be Disc 1 or others.

   The number of partitions themselves may vary, and usually there are 3 of them: two system and one user.

   

3. Right-click on the disk and select "Shrink Volume".

   

4. In the window that opens, you will be asked to compress the volume to all available space, that is, create a partition with the number of gigabytes that is free. this moment. We strongly do not recommend doing this: in the future, for new Windows files there may simply not be enough space - for example, when updating the system, creating backup copies (restore points) or installing programs without the ability to change their location.

   Be sure to leave for C: additional free space, at least 10-15 GB. In field "Size" compressible space in megabytes, enter the number you need for the new volume, minus the space for C:.

   

5. An unallocated area will appear, and the size of C: will be reduced by the amount that was allocated in favor of the new partition.

   

   By region "Not distributed" right click and select "Create Simple Volume".

   

6. Will open "Simple Volume Wizard", in which you will need to specify the size of the new volume. If from this space you want to create only one logical drive, then leave the full size. You can also split the empty space into multiple volumes - in this case, specify right size volume you are creating. The rest of the area will again remain as "Not distributed", and you will need to do steps 5-8 again.
7. You can then assign a letter to the drive.

   

8. Next you will need to format the created partition with empty space, none of your files will be deleted.

   

9. The formatting options should be as follows:
   • File system: NTFS;
   • Cluster size: Default;
   • Volume Label: Enter the name you want to give to the disk;
   • Quick formatting.

   After this, exit the Wizard by clicking "OK" > "Ready". The newly created volume will appear in the list of other volumes and in Explorer, in the section "This computer".

   
   

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 functions, for example, transferring files, which may be useful for some users.

After purchasing a computer or installing a new one hard drive, as a rule, you will have only 1 section on it. We’ll talk about this today: how to divide a hard drive into 2 or more partitions. This example will be provided on Windows 7 OS via the operating system, without installing additional software.

How many sections should there be:

For correct operation In Windows 7, 1 partition “drive C” is enough. The system is installed on it and it doesn’t need anything else because... it has all the necessary folders. But, from the point of view of convenience and personal safety, it is recommended to have at least 2 partitions: drive “C” and drive “D”. Why 2? It's simple! It is advisable to leave drive C only for windows and programs, and use drive D for games, music, movies, photos, etc. Thus, in the event of a failure and reinstalling windows all important information will not be harmed.

How to split drive C into multiple drives

In order to partition the disk, open: Start Menu, Control Panel. Next we will have to work with the “System and Security” tab.

That's it, we've come to the right place and you should see a window like this:

To see which partitions are already installed, open Disk Management. The operating system is usually located on the C drive, so you need to be careful when working with it.

To split drive “C” into partitions, right-click on it and select “Shrink Volume”.

In the new window that opens, enter the desired size of the new partition:

Now click “create”. In the window that opens, enter what volume you want.

In the new window, on the unallocated area, right-click and select “create simple volume” as below:

Ready. You can start working, but it is advisable to restart your computer.

Program for partitioning HDD into partitions

Personally, I prefer to do without third-party programs if possible via windows That's what I do. I have already written above how to partition a HDD without a program, now let’s look at alternative way using third-party software.

For example, I took the simplest, free and very convenient program « disk manager free"

I uploaded it to Yandex disk, you can download for free— https://yadi.sk/d/c0A22sBs3ReiFh

Installation and use are as simple as doors. To partition a disk, you need to do everything the same as in the example above without programs. As you can see, it is of no use, in my opinion, and it is better to do everything as in the example above, without downloading anything.

Convenient distribution disk space on a computer one of the fundamental actions for comfortable work and operating system performance. After purchasing a new PC or reinstalling the operating system, the question arises - how to properly partition a hard drive? The standard division into two volumes C and D will not be enough when large size Winchester. 100-150 GB are usually allocated for system files; the rest of the disk space will be correctly divided into several parts. This simple action will guarantee the performance of the OS by reducing the fragmentation rate system volume. There are three simple ways division into parts in the Windows operating system:

1. Installation of a separate software.
2. Using internal Windows services.
3. Separation when installing/reinstalling the operating system.

Using separate program To partition the disk you need to prepare, namely:

• do backup copy important personal files;
• free up additional space on your hard drive;
• check the hard drive for possible errors.

Protect yours personal files from loss, during further work is the user’s primary task. Photos, contacts and other files should be copied to external media(hard drive, flash drive) or use the file storage cloud on the Internet. After backing up your data, you should make sure you have free space to create a new partition. To do this, just go to “Control Panel” - “Add or Remove Programs”. View the list and remove unnecessary software, which will provide additional disk space.

Once you have enough space new section, you need to check the hard drive for errors. Go to “My Computer” and select required disk and go to “Properties”. Then select the “Service” tab and click “Run check”, check both boxes and wait for completion. At the end of the check, the OS will ask you to restart the PC - confirm. The disk properties interface in Windows 7 and XP is identical, so there will be no difficulties.

Working with partitioning programs

The program interface is configured mainly to solve one problem - how to divide the hard drive into convenient parts. Most software works with different versions Windows 7 and XP, there is both paid services, and for free use. It would be more correct to use programs for free use with a Russian interface.

The following are very popular: “Partition Magic”, “Acronis Disk Director”, “ Aomei Partition Assistant". Each uses standard menu for working with the disk. All that remains is to select the disk that needs to be divided into parts. Then set the volume for the new partition, its name and file system. Any of the programs will offer two file options FAT systems 32 and NTFS. The first is installed when working with Windows 95/98 or Millinium Edition. Starting from XP, NTFS should be selected. For stable operation OS mandatory conditions– all hard drive partitions must be formatted to the same file system.

How to partition a hard drive without installing software

The ability to divide the hard drive into partitions using system services, provided in versions of Windows 7 and higher. To do this, find the “Management” item, located in the “My Computer” folder. In the “Computer Management” menu that opens, open the “Disk Management” tab. A list of disks that are on the PC will appear, as well as a hidden “System Reserved” section - a recovery system disk. We select drive C or the one that we will divide into two or three parts - additional containers. Open the list of disk functions: right button- “Volume compression.” In the window that appears, select the location where you want to compress the disk. Provided that the hard drive was not previously divided into separate parts, the system will offer to divide it into parts approximately equal in volume. Can be installed desired value. If a miscalculation is made, you can return the partition to its previous sizes by selecting “Uncompress volume” in the disk functions. System disk compressed and a new section called “Unallocated” will be displayed. Open the list of functions and click “Create a simple volume...”. The “Creation Wizard” window will appear on the screen. simple volume” and will ask you to designate the new section with a letter and give it a name. This is followed by the process of formatting into a file system. Having decided on the option, click “Continue”, and in a few minutes the work on creating a new section will be completed.

Partitioning the hard drive when installing or reinstalling the operating system

Partitions should be created at the moment when the OS installation reaches the point of selecting the partition in which it should be installed. Further actions:

1. Create a partition for the OS, let it be drive C, and enter its size. If the hard drive initially has 1 TB of memory, you can allocate 100-120 GB for the operating system - that’s enough.
2. Next, the computer will ask you to allocate some more space for backup files, you don’t need to skimp, but click the “Agree” button.
3. Create a second section: look for the line “ Free place on disk”, click “Create”. Next we set the size for it. We call it drive “D” and the button “Apply”. So, there are already two sections.
4. To create the third partition, proceed in the same way as described above: “Free disk space” - “Create”. We indicate the entire size remaining from the original one.
5. Click on the “C” drive, which is allocated for the OS and click “Next”. The installation of your Windows 7/8 continues.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is nothing complicated about dividing a hard drive into several departments. With this simple process Even a novice user can handle it. The main thing is to carry out everything clearly according to the written points, and you will succeed. If done correctly, you will have several disks, each of which can store specific folders, files, etc. This will solve the problem constant search necessary information on the computer.

The second important advantage of partitioning the hard drive is that when reinstalling the OS, for some reason, all information during the formatting process can be destroyed. And if the computer has the OS on one disk, and all the files on others, the process of destroying the contents will affect only one partition of the hard drive. And the speed of the system itself will be faster, the computer will not freeze, thanks to less “cluttered” departments. Ideal option: two to four sections, depending on the size of your hard drive.

How to partition a hard drive yourself in Windows? Basic requirements: it must be simple, fast and secure.

The simplest, so to speak, standard method is to partition the hard drive using the operating system itself. The main advantage is that everything is done in Windows Explorer. Below I will demonstrate how to do this on Windows example 7.

I believe that most users are familiar with the situation when, when buying a new laptop or computer, there is only one drive C in the system. And now we will analyze all the questions that arise in this situation, having first laughed at ourselves a little with the help of artificial intelligence technology.

Why do you need to divide (partition) your hard drive?

In fact, there are enough reasons: from banal convenience to safety. Imagine that you will have an operating system, which means that your Drive C will be completely formatted.

Of course, it’s good if you have time to transfer important files to another medium, and what if not? For example, after a virus attack. In other words, is it worth the risk of storing all your data in one place?

It would be correct to divide your hard drive into several partitions (two or more) in advance, where the operating system and other software will be stored on one drive (Drive C:), and the most important information, such as photos, videos, documents, on another disk (for example, let it be drive F:).

How to split (split) a hard drive into two partitions

Let's get started: Start → Computer → Management, or right-click on the My Computer icon → Management → Disk Management.

We have a typical picture that is typical for most new computers and laptops - there is only one drive C. The second partition is System Reserved. It is hidden and its main purpose is to store files Windows boot. You don't need to touch this section

Also, here you will see all the information about the hard drive that is connected to your computer. Using Windows 7's built-in disk management capabilities, you can perform a number of tasks:

– divide the hard drive in Windows 7 into two (or more) partitions;
– increase the size of existing volumes;
– compress Volumes, attach and delete.

As you can see, the built-in disk management functionality in Windows is comparable to the capabilities of a number of paid programs.

In the below picture you can see that I have one hard drive which is 250 GB in size → Disk 0. The drive has two partitions.

Let me remind you that you can create only four partitions on a disk with MBR recording. Three main ones (they are marked in dark blue) and the fourth is additional, also logical. This is especially true for laptops, which often have hidden partitions for storing an operating system image, special utilities, drivers, etc.

Using Disk 0 (i.e., the main hard drive) as an example, we will carry out all operations. By the way, before division of hard I strongly recommend defragmenting the disk. Let's see how to do this.

Let's start dividing a volume (Disk C) with a size of 249.9 GB into two parts. Right-click the volume and select the “Shrink volume” item in the drop-down menu.

We get the answer: Available space for compression → 200449 MB. Be very careful because re-execution this operation may cause some difficulties.

We indicate how much we will compress: The size of the compressed space. I indicate the size as 150,000 MB (of course, you will have your own numbers), which equals 146 GB. The size of the compressed space is the size that you take from Drive C for the new partition.

Of course, a lot depends on the overall size of your hard drive and how much software and games you will install in the future, but the approximate size of Drive C after compression should not be less than 60 GB. Usually 60 - 150 GB are left for Disk C.

Note that "Total size after compression" automatically changed the setting to 105,898 MB, or almost 103 GB.

As I said above, “Size of compressed space” is the size of your future drive (F:), and “Total size after compression” is the size of drive C after compression. For example, if your hard drive is 500 GB in size, then 100–150 GB is enough for drive C, and the rest (400–350 GB) can be allocated to drive (F:).

Now all we have to do is click “Compress”. After a short process, unallocated space appeared, which is what we will convert into a simple volume. Hover your mouse over the unallocated space, then right-click and select “Create simple volume” from the drop-down menu.

The wizard for creating a simple volume will start, just click “Next” and agree.

Now you can assign any letter to your future drive (take, for example, the letter F:).

But here I strongly advise you to select a file NTFS system. Despite the terrible inscription: “Formatting the partition”, your data that is now on Drive C is not in danger, since we create and format new volume.

As promised, our new volume F: