How to merge partitions on Windows server 2008

Summary

If you want to extend your partitions easily, sometimes you can merge the partition with another one which has a lot of unallocated space there. This article will show you how to use the easiest way to merge your partitions.

Updated on 2024/11/01

by Andrew Wright

Introduction

Merging partitions can be a challenging decision. When merging, one partition is typically deleted, resulting in the loss of its data. This process is often necessary when space on your C drive cannot be freed up through standard cleanup activities and additional space must be borrowed from another partition. However, it’s not a straightforward task and requires careful consideration.

How to Merge Two Drives in Windows Server 2008

Merging partitions may seem simple, but it involves complexities. While you can gain space for your C drive, deleting a partition like D drive will erase its data. To prevent data loss, it is crucial to back up all data from the partition you plan to delete.

If programs are installed on the D drive, you may need to reinstall them after merging. For step-by-step instructions, refer to this detailed guide.

Instructions to Merge Unallocated Space in Windows Server 2008

When you delete a partition, such as D drive, unallocated space is created. This space can be added to an adjacent partition like C drive using the Windows Disk Management tool or third-party software. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Disk Management.
2. Right-click on the partition you want to delete (e.g., D drive) and select Delete Volume. This creates unallocated space.
3. Right-click on the target partition (e.g., C drive) and select Extend Volume to add the unallocated space.

Important Notes:

• The unallocated space must be directly next to the target drive (e.g., C drive) to merge successfully using Disk Management.
• If the unallocated space is not adjacent, you will need third-party software to move it next to the target drive.

If you need to shrink another drive to create unallocated space, note that the unallocated space will be created next to the shrunk partition, not necessarily next to your target drive. Tools like IM-Magic Partition Resizer can help in such scenarios.

Combine Two Partitions on the Same Disk:

This is a common situation where two partitions from the same hard disk need to be merged:

1. Shrink or delete one partition (ensure a backup of its data is taken).
2. Use the unallocated space next to the target partition to extend it.
3. If the unallocated space is not next to the target drive, use a third-party tool to adjust partition positions.

Combine Two Partitions on Different Disks:

Merging partitions from different disks involves RAID construction and additional steps:

2. Buid the disks in RAID
3. Create unallocated space on the source disk by deleting a partition or you may shrink the large volume to create unallocated space.
4. Extend the target partition on the other disk using third-party software IM-Magic Partition Resizer that supports cross-disk operations if you have already built them in RAID.

Merge unallocated space with Disk Management on Windows Server 2008

Merge unallocated space with Disk Management on Windows Server 2008

Merge unallocated space with Disk Management on Windows Server 2008

Best Solution to Merge Partitions

Sometimes, the Windows Disk Management tool has limitations, such as an inability to merge non-adjacent partitions. For such cases, using a third-party tool like IM-Magic Partition Resizer is the easiest and most efficient solution.

With IM-Magic Partition Resizer, you can:

• Merge partitions without data loss.
• Resize, shrink, or extend partitions seamlessly.
• Reposition unallocated space to make it adjacent to the target drive.

Merge partitions with IM-Magic Partition Resizer server

The server edition of this tool is compatible with all Windows Server systems. You can download it for free: