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:
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 | |
Extend FAT32 Partition | Yes, if unallocated space is available on the right |
Yes, if unallocated space is available on the right |
|
Extend FAT32 C Drive | NO | NO | |
Extend NTFS C Drive | Yes, if right unallocated space is available | Yes, if right unallocated space is available | |
Move Unallocated Space or Partition | NO | NO | |
Delete Recovery/OEM Partition | NO | 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.
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.
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.
Step 2: Move the border from left to right by shrinking the volume.
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.
Step 4: Tap the 'Apply' button to complete your task.
Note: To resize a volume in Windows 11 computer, you may want to
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 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.'
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.
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.
Step 3: Now, right tap on your left contiguous partition. Choose 'Extend Volume.' Follow the pop-up extend volume wizard through several clicks.
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 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.
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.
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.
You must first unlock the BitLocker to resize the partition. Follow the below process:
Step 1: Head over to Settings and enter 'encryption, and tap on "Manage BitLocker."
Step 2: You will notice a pop-up; opt for the drive; tap on "Turn off BitLocker."
Step 3: Hit "Turn off BitLocker" to affirm now you have successfully unlocked the drive.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.