Free to Resize Partition on Windows 11 (3 Ways)

Description: The process to resize partition free on Windows 11 includes re-allocating the Windows disk space by extending or shrinking the partitions to utilize your disk space effectively.

Background Introduction:

There are higher chances that your brand new PC is single-partitioned. Because of it, many users purchase a PC having more than a single scant partition. So the need to resize partition free on Windows 11 arises.

Below are three top reasons why every user look for methods to resize partition free on Windows 11:

  • Full utilization of the disk space: Accounting for a massive volume of data on the hard disk is tough. Hence, resizing partitions in your hard drive will make your job easier.
  • To deal with notifications like 'you are out of any storage or space': Partitioning is the only way you can deal with it.
  • To promote computation of dual-booting: Running more than one OS on your same hard drive to maximize the space requires partitioning the hard drive.

The above reasons deteriorate the working of the computer because of insufficient space. So, this article will guide you with different ways to resize partition free on Windows 11 without any risk of data loss to resolve the issue.

Disk Management Diskpart Partition Resizer*
Shrink FAT32 Partition NO NO Yes
Extend FAT32 Partition Yes
Yes, if unallocated space is available on the right
Yes
Yes, if unallocated space is available on the right
Yes
Extend FAT32 C Drive NO NO Yes
Extend NTFS C Drive Yes Yes, if right unallocated space is available Yes Yes, if right unallocated space is available Yes
Move Unallocated Space or Partition NO NO Yes
Delete Recovery/OEM Partition NO YES Yes
Price FREE FREE FREE
Download Win 11-7 (100% Free)
Download Win Server (Free Demo)

Note: Partition resizing always requires unallocated space. Whether you use Windows tools or third-party software, ensure unallocated space is available before resizing.

Part 1 – How to Resize Partition with IM-Magic Partition Resizer

IM-Magic Partition Resizer Free is a leading free partition software to resize partition free on Windows 11/10/8/7 without data loss(100% data safety with roll-back algorithm to protect data&OS); no disk formatting; no re-installation of the operating system, etc. Follow the step-by-step guide below.

download free windows 10 partition software

Step-by-step guide: (Shrink volume, and extend volume included)

Step 1: Firstly, run an IM-Magic Partition Resizer. Right-click on the partition that you need to resize. Click on the 'Resize/Move' function. For instance, resize the big volume if you need to change your volume size.resize partition

Step 2: Move the border from left to right by shrinking the volume.Steps to resize your disk partition

Quick Tip: If your target is C drive for resizing, you can proceed to shrink D or any other large volume. Drag your border from its left and move it towards the right to get enough free space next to your C drive.

Step 3: Right-click the 'C' volume, which requires an extension to get free space. Head over to the 'Resize/Move' function, and move the border right to enjoy free space.right click server c drive to extend

Steps to resize your disk partition

Step 4: Tap the 'Apply' button to complete your task.

Note: To resize a volume in Windows 11 computer, you may want to

  • 1, enlarge a volume => You need unallocated space to extend a volume, and unallocated space can be produced with Partition Resizer Free by shrinking another large volume that has free space
  • 2, shrink a volume size => Right click one large volume, and then shrink it by moving its border to narrow the size, or enter the size number in the shrink volume window to get a large volume shrinked with free tool Partition Resizer

Part 2 - How to Resize Partition with Disk Management in Windows 11/10/8/7

You can also use Disk Management to create a new volume by shrinking the NTFS partition or extending the NTFS partition to delete your contiguous partition on its right. Although if you look forward to expanding volume by shrinking, this option won't be helpful for you.

Step-by-step guide:

To shrink a partition:-

Step 1: Click on Windows + X keys simultaneously and then tap on Disk management.

Step 2: Right tap on the NTFS partition and select 'shrink volume.'shrink volume

Step 3: Enter a particular amount of space and then press the shrink button. For those who don't wish to enter any amount, the maximum free space available on the device will be set to default.

To extend a partition:

Step 1: Transfer all the necessary files in your right contiguous partition to another place.

Step 2: Right-click the partition to select "Delete Volume," and you will notice changing the disk space to unallocated.delete volume

Step 3: Now, right tap on your left contiguous partition. Choose 'Extend Volume.' Follow the pop-up extend volume wizard through several clicks.

Part 3 - How to Resize partition Windows 11 cmd diskpart

Instead of depending on third-party freeware to resize partition free on Windows 11, Windows 11 offers you an in-built program, DiskPart, to get the job done. Professional users should manage disks through the input of command lines. If you are not fond of computing, you may have to consider other methods.

Step-by-step guide:

Shrink a partition:-

Step 1: On the left side of your screen, enter "diskpart" in the search box. Click on "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Type' list volume' and tap on 'enter' to list all the partitions.

Step 3: Before pressing Enter, select "select volume x," where 'x' refers to the target partition.

Step 4: Type "shrink desired=xxxx" and click on Enter. 'xxxx' refers to the total amount of shrunk storage.shrink volume diskpart

Extend a partition:-

Step 1: Start with launching the DiskPart utility.

Step 2: Type' list volume' on your keyboard and enter. You would notice all the partitions on your device.

Step 3: To represent the target partition, type 'select volume x' and proceed further with the 'Enter' key.

Step 4: Type "extend size=xxxx" and go further with the 'Enter' key. Here, 'xxxx' tells about the total amount of storage that needs to increase.extend volume diskpart

Part 4 - How to Resize Partition Windows 11 BitLocker

The Bitlocker encryption tech primarily locks BitLocker Partition. Full volume encryption with excellent capability also comes in standard with the Microsoft Windows version, which initiates the Windows Vista. It interacts with the OS appropriately and eliminates the risk of data loss.

Step-by-step guide:

You must first unlock the BitLocker to resize the partition. Follow the below process:

Method 1. Unlock Bitlocker drive via Settings

Step 1: Head over to Settings and enter 'encryption, and tap on "Manage BitLocker."bitlocker open

Step 2: You will notice a pop-up; opt for the drive; tap on "Turn off BitLocker."turn off bitlocker

Step 3: Hit "Turn off BitLocker" to affirm now you have successfully unlocked the drive.turn off bitlocker

To resize the partition, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Right press 'This PC' on the device, go to 'Manage,' and tap on "Disk Management."

Step 2: Look for the partition that needs an extension—right-clicks it.

Step 3: Opt for "Extend Volume." Then go with the guide for adding volume to your target partition. For example, suppose your target partition is a C drive; consider rebooting your PC to finish the procedure.extend volume windows 11 disk partition

Part 5 - Resize Partition Windows 11 Powershell

The below step-by-step guide will acquaint you with the steps to use Powershell to resize partition free on Windows 11. Moreover, you can apply these same steps to Windows 8 and 10.

Step-by-step guide:

Extend a partition:-

Step 1: Press the 'Start' button and enter 'power.' Right tap on "Windows PowerShell." Choose to "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Type diskpart, list volume, and move further by clicking enter.

Step 3: To select your desired partition, type 'select volume #' and tap 'enter.'

Step 4: To extend the partition in megabytes, type extend size =# and hit 'enter.'

Step 5: Double press exit and click 'Enter' to exit Powershell and Diskpart. extend volume powershell

To shrink partition via Powershell:-

The steps are pretty similar to extending the partition through Powershell. Therefore, users are recommended to change the fourth step mentioned above with this step.

Step: Type shrink desired=# for shrinking the partition in terms of megabytes and then clicking enter.shrink volume powershell windows 11

Additional Tip: You may not be able to shrink the partition in the presence of unmovable files on your disk. Shrinking it is only possible to the immovable point of the file. The command automatically reclaims the maximum space required if you fail to specify a particular size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What's the reason behind the dysfunction of Extend volume in C drive?

A: When you notice the extend volume feature greyed out on the PC, it reveals that your hard disk is devoid of unallocated space. Since you won't see unallocated space after the C partition drive, you cannot access "Extend Volume."

Q2. Can I shrink a partition without data loss?

A: You are not at risk of losing data while shrinking the partition. If the partition consists of unmovable files like the shadow copy storage area or the page file, the volume will begin shrinking to the point where you will find the location of the unmovable files. The consumed space with the remaining data is unable to shrink space.

Q3. What's the process of merging partitions in Windows 11?

A: The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Look for the two partitions which require merging; remove one partition.

Step 2: Right-press your system partition and choose the "Extend Volume" option.

Step 3: To merge the partitions, ensure you accept the default alternatives and follow the extended volume wizard.

Q4. Why I'm unable to delete a partition?

A: If you cannot remove a partition on Windows 11 with the help of the Disk Management utility since the delete partition feature is not there, then you can access the "Recovery Partition" or an "EFI System" partition.

Q5. Why is my C drive full?

A: Malware or virus issues can consume immense space in the system. Since most of your files are in the C drive, your C drive might contain a huge file you aren't aware of. For example, windows might be full of temporary downloads, cache, or junk in the C drive.

Conclusion:

The creation of partitions in Windows 11 has gained more significance currently. Many users set their whole drive like a partition keeping all their files in it. It might have certain benefits, but not to ignore; it carries the most significant risk. For example, if your system stops responding or crashes, you won't be able to operate your Windows 11 system.

That's why it's necessary to get familiar with different safe and secure methods to resize partition free on Windows 11. After reading the article, you would be able to relieve yourself from such errors and permanently get hold of data loss risk.