Disk Management
First you need to run the Disk Management tool with administrator rights. Open the Start menu, type "diskmgmt.msc" without quotes in the search bar, right-click on the "diskmgmt" link in the search results and select the "Run as Administrator" option from the context menu (Fig. A).
Figure A Run the Disk Management tool as an administrator.
The window shown in Fig. B. As you can see, after shrinking the volume, there is free unallocated space on the disk.
Figure B There is free space on the disk.
Right-click on the unallocated space and select the New Simple Volume option (Figure C) to launch the New Simple Volume Wizard.
Figure C Run the New Simple Volume Wizard.
Figure D. The first page of the New Simple Volume Wizard.
You can create multiple partitions on unallocated space at once, but I'm going to use all the available space to create a new simple volume (Figure E).
Figure E Specify the volume size.
The next page prompts you to assign a drive letter or path to the new volume (Figure F). Three options are available:
"Assign the following drive letter". By default, Windows suggests the first free character, and this is usually the best choice.
"Mount volume as an empty NTFS folder" (Mount in the following empty NTFS folder). Instead of assigning a drive letter, you can mount the volume as a folder - in this case, it will look and work like a simple Windows directory.
"Do not assign a drive letter or drive path" (Do not assign a drive letter or drive path). You will still need to specify a drive letter or path later on in order for the volume to be used for data storage.
For example, let's leave the option selected by default and assign the letter "E" to the disk.
Figure F Assign a drive letter or path to the volume.
The next step is to set the volume formatting options (Fig. G). As a rule, it is recommended to format volumes, but you can also choose FAT32. The other default option is best left untouched unless you have specific reasons for changing the cluster size.
You should assign a label to the volume to make it easier to distinguish it from other sections. When you select a quick format, the operation takes less time, but the system does not mark bad sectors on the hard disk in this case, which can lead to problems in the future.
NTFS has a built-in compression system that operates invisibly to users and can come in handy if there is not enough free disk space.
Figure G. Setting formatting options.
The last page of the wizard lists the selected options, with the ability to go back and change them if necessary (Figure H). If you're happy with everything, click the Finished button.
Often, when buying a new computer, we encounter the problem that only one volume has been created on the hard disk, in other words, a local disk. To avoid such inconveniences, you can divide one volume into several, the main thing is to know what and where to do. Today, we will try to figure out how to make two, three or more local drives on a computer.
How to create an additional local disk?
Follow the following algorithm and you will definitely be able to create additional local disks.
Let's get started!
1. Open the "Control Panel", then go to the following items - "System and Security" - "Administrative Tools" - "Computer Management" - "Storage Devices" - "Disk Management".
2. Let's turn our attention to the lower part of the window that opens, we see a list of already created volumes, as well as those that can be created, they are indicated by a black bar.
3. To create a new local disk, select one of the empty disks and right-click on the black line. Then select "Create a simple volume".
4. Immediately we see how the "Create a Simple Volume Wizard" opens, click next and proceed to the next step.
5. In the new window, we see all the available memory, in the empty window we enter the amount of memory we need. The maximum and minimum size is indicated at the top, we need to select a number from this interval. We press "Next".
6. Now we need to select the letter that will be assigned to this drive. After selecting a letter, click "Next".
7. In this window, we need to specify the file system, as well as the cluster size. We recommend using the following data - NTFS file system and default cluster size. The volume label is its name, here we write whatever our heart desires. You should also click "Quick Format" to speed up the formatting process that will occur when creating a disk. We press "Next".
8. A window opens where we must check all the correctness of the entered information. If everything is written correctly, click "Finish".
The hard disk is designed to store permanently information used when working with a computer. They are also called hard drives or hard drives. The abbreviation HDD also stands for a hard drive in computer terminology. A hard drive is one of the fastest devices for writing and reading information, not counting the RAM.
Most often, it is not convenient to use a hard drive as a single storage of information, so most PC and laptop users divide the hard drive into partitions for convenience.
The concept of a hard disk partition
A partition (often referred to as a volume) is an area of a hard drive that can be formatted with a particular file system. A partition or volume is designated by a letter of the Latin alphabet, for example, F, E, H, Z, or other letters that are not currently used on this hard drive.
Type of computer hard drive
Types of hard disk partitions
Specialists in modern computer terminology associated with hard disk partitions distinguish three main types of volumes on a hard disk:
- Primary (Primary partition);
- Extended (Extended partition);
- Logical (Logical partition).
The primary partition of a hard drive typically stores user data, programs, and operating system files. There can be more than one primary partition on a hard disk, but there cannot be more than four. It is impossible to install more than one operating system in one primary volume of a hard drive, so if you want to use several operating systems on one PC, divide the hard drive into several partitions. And since there cannot be more than four primary partitions on one hard drive, there cannot be more than four installed OSes either.
During each session of working with the computer, only one primary partition is in the active state, the one from which the operating system was loaded. Many operating systems have the ability to boot only from the active volume on the hard drive.
An extended partition combines logical drives, which are also called logical partitions. You can create a huge number of logical disks in an extended partition. They can store various information, such as user data, applications, programs, personal photos, videos and documents, even operating system files that can be loaded not only from the primary partition.
Logical partitions are almost the same as extended partitions. Any logical drive is simply an area of an extended partition.
Computer hard drive
Dividing a hard drive into partitions
Many owners of laptops and personal computers after purchase think about the problem of dividing a hard drive into partitions. The essence of such a partition is to divide the computer's hard drive into two or more partitions. In most cases, they create a local drive C containing the operating system and system folders, as well as a local drive D, which mainly stores favorite movies, music, photos, text documents, etc. But not one, but several local drives can be used to store personal data and You can name them with any letters of the Latin alphabet.
The division of the hard disk occurs only formally
Benefits of partitioning a hard drive
Splitting a hard drive into multiple partitions has many advantages. So, for example, the most compelling advantage of this procedure is that personal files such as videos, photos and documents will be stored on a separate drive. Because if it becomes necessary to reinstall the operating system, and formatting the disk with the OS is simply inevitable in this case, then all your personal files and folders will be saved.
There is, of course, another solution to this problem. Before reinstalling the operating system, move all important data to removable media, but this is a rather laborious task, especially if the amount of information that needs to be saved is tens or even hundreds of gigabytes. And if a situation arises when an emergency reinstallation of the operating system is necessary, access to personal files stored on a shared local drive along with the OS is no longer possible, important information will simply be lost.
It looks like a computer hard drive when buying in a store
Storing system and personal files in different sections of the hard drive will be more convenient. It will be easier to find the information you are interested in, since the clutter of each section will be less, and you can easily find the necessary files or folders. In addition, the obvious advantage of partitioning a hard disk into partitions is that it is easier for the operating system to work with a less loaded partition, that is, the OS performance increases significantly.
Another advantage of dividing a hard drive into partitions is the ability to use several operating systems on one computer. For example, Windows 7 and Windows 8 or Windows XP can be installed on the same hard drive, but for this the hard drive must be partitioned. In the event of a failure in one of the OS, you will have another operating system installed and ready to work.
To summarize, it is worth highlighting the main advantages of partitioning a hard disk into partitions. So, the advantages of such a procedure include:
- ensuring the security of personal data even in the event of failures in the OS;
- high efficiency of organizing information stored on the hard disk;
- increase in OS speed due to less partition load;
- the ability to install and use multiple operating systems on a computer.
A hard drive is a very complex device that provides quick access to stored information.
Dividing a hard disk into partitions using the built-in tools of Windows OS
Since we have found out the main reasons for partitioning a hard disk into partitions, we have become acquainted with the main advantages that such a decision later brings, we should consider in detail how to practically partition a hard drive into local disks. Moreover, we will describe the algorithm for performing this procedure in relation to the most popular operating systems - Windows 7, 8 and 10.
Partitioning a hard drive in Windows 7
If your computer or laptop has the Windows 7 operating system installed, then to partition the hard disk, follow these steps:
Step 1. On the "Computer" icon on the desktop or in the "Start" panel, right-click, bringing up the context menu, click "Management".
Right click on the Computer icon
Step 2. In the window that opens, select the Disk Management utility from the menu. After that, you will have to wait for a few seconds until the window with the hard drive structure opens.
Select Disk Management
Hard disk partitions
Step 3. To partition a hard drive, you need to select a volume that has a sufficiently large space, but it is worth remembering that it is better to compress a non-system partition if possible. Right-click on the selected volume and select Shrink Volume from the context menu. A small window will open and you will still need to wait a while.
Select Shrink Disk and wait a few seconds
Step 4. The system will suggest available compression options. The maximum values will be indicated, but it is not recommended to use them, so reduce the size a little to the level required for you. This will be the size of the future logical disk. Enter the required values in the boxes and click on the “Compress” button. Next, we wait again until the compression process is completed.
Maximum allowed values for shrinking a volume
Step 5. When the process is completed, a new section will appear in the Disk Management window. A black stripe and the inscription "Unallocated" will be visible on top of it. To convert it to a hard disk volume, right-click, then "Create a simple volume".
Unallocated hard disk space
Step 6. The "Create Simple Volume Wizard" will open, click "Next" by selecting the maximum size.
Create a simple volume
Step 7. Assign from the proposed letters of the Latin alphabet the letter that will later become the name of the new section and click "Next".
Working with the Create Simple Volume Wizard
Select the name of the future partition in the Create Simple Volume Wizard
Step 8. Check the box next to "Format this volume as follows"; select the NTFS file system; cluster size - by default; check the box next to "Quick Format" and click "Next".
Manual setting of formatting options
Step 9. When the "Completing the Create a Simple Volume Wizard" window appears, check all the data and click the "Finish" button.
Completing the Create Simple Volume Wizard
Step 10. And the new hard disk partition is ready!
Finished new section
So, without the use of additional software, you can easily and simply partition a hard drive on a computer or laptop with the Windows 7 operating system installed.
Partitioning a hard drive in Windows 8
Owners of Windows 8 can also partition a hard disk into partitions using the Disk Management utility, but to open this window you need to hold down two Windows + R keys simultaneously. As a result, the Run window will appear, you need to enter “diskmgmt.msc” in the command line ” only without quotes and press the Enter button on the computer keyboard.
Next, the "Management" window will open, similar to that in the operating system discussed earlier. In order to create a new partition on your hard drive, you need to consistently follow the same steps as in the algorithm described in Windows 7. That is, you do all the manipulations described in steps 2-10.
Partitioning a hard drive in Windows 10
The hard drive on computers and laptops with the Windows 10 operating system installed can be divided into partitions using the same built-in Disk Management utility. You can open this utility in Windows 10 by opening the Start menu. We type "Control Panel", click on it with the left mouse button and select "System and Security".
Finding the Control Panel in Windows 10
Control Panel in Windows 10
Hard disk structure
In the window that opens, scroll down the scroll bar and find the "Administration" item. In this paragraph, you need to find "Creating and formatting a hard disk", click on it and wait a couple of seconds, after which a window with the Disk Management utility opens in front of us. We carry out the further steps in full accordance with the algorithm for dividing a hard disk in Windows 7, again we take steps 2-10.
Other ways to create a new volume on a hard drive
It is worth mentioning that the Disk Management utility also allows you to delete hard disk partitions. You will need this if, for example, there is no more free space left, and it is simply necessary to create a new volume. To do this, you can right-click on the hard disk partition to be deleted and select "Delete Volume". An unallocated volume will appear in place of the deleted partition, which can be formatted according to the parameters you need.
Deleting a volume using the Disk Management utility
The steps described in the algorithm show how to create a new partition using the compression method. But there is a way to create a new volume from unallocated space, which may appear after deleting a partition, as described in the paragraph above, or after previous divisions, just unallocated space could remain on the hard disk, from which you can create a new volume by following steps 5-10 of the above algorithm .
In addition, it is possible to expand one more of the existing volumes to the freed space after deleting the old volume, or the partition can be expanded to unused unallocated space. To do this, click on the "Expand volume" item in the context menu, select "Next" and "Finish".
Partitioning a hard disk when installing Windows
After starting the operating system loader, select the language, accept the terms of the License Agreement, and select the "Full installation" option. The bootloader will prompt you to select a partition on which the operating system will be installed later. Next, a window will open where there will be a "Disk Setup" button. By clicking on this button, you will have access to all the tools that will allow you to work with disk space.
In this window, using the buttons, you can format the disk or disks, delete partitions, create new disks and select the desired size for them. Any changes you make will only take effect after you click Apply.
External hard drive
Dividing a hard drive with special programs
In addition to built-in tools, such as the Disk Management utility, special programs are also used to divide a hard disk into partitions, they are also called volume managers. At the moment there are a huge number of them. The functionality of these programs allows you to perform many functions, not only dividing a hard disk into partitions. Among the most popular programs that have received a large number of positive reviews, it is worth noting the following:
- Acronis Disc Director;
- Paragon Partition Manager
- AOMEI Partition Assistant
- Norton Partition Magic;
- EASEUS Partition Master
- Ranish etc.
Most of these programs can be downloaded for free on the Internet, in addition, many of them are available in Russian.
Acronis Disc Director hard disk management software
Paragon Partition Manager Hard Disk Management Software
Conclusion
The above describes in detail how to quickly and easily divide a hard drive into partitions using the built-in tools of Windows operating systems in versions 7, 8 and 10. The option of how to partition a hard drive initially when installing an operating system on a computer or laptop is also considered. A list of the best programs for managing hard disk partitions according to users' opinions is given.
The described advantages obtained from dividing a hard disk into partitions are simply undeniable. After all, in this way you not only rationally use disk space, but also increase the speed of the operating system.
Some users do not know how to split one disk into several logical partitions, but this can be very useful. If there are several logical partitions, it will be possible to store information not on the system volume. At the same time, the risk of losing it when reinstalling the system or when formatting a disk is sharply reduced. This article will explain several ways to create a second volume D, both using standard tools and using third-party software.
Using Disk Management to Create a New Partition
The built-in disk management utility will allow you to perform all the necessary actions, while this program is present in all the latest versions of Windows. To run it you need presswin+R enter diskmgmt.msc.
In the window that opens, select drive C(or another section that you want to split), you need to right-click on it and select the item " Shrink Volume". In the next window, you need to write the size of the new volume D, according to the standard, all free space is indicated there. But it is worth leaving at least a dozen gigabytes of free space for the system disk for new programs and system files. 
After that it will start formation process. At the end of it, unallocated space will appear, on which you need to right-click. 
Here it remains to select the item marked in the figure. In the next window, select letter for new volume, in our case it is D. 
Then it was proposed write the title volumes, as well as select the file system and cluster. Here everything can be left by default. After that, formatting will be performed and the new logical partition will be available for use.
Using command line to partition disks
The separation can also be done using the console. To do this, you will have to open it with administrator rights and enter following statements:
Application of Aomei Partition Assistant Standard
There are quite a few applications that help manage logical partitions, as well as cut off and create new partitions, there are quite a few. You can find many examples on the Internet, but this one is about one utility. After the user downloads and installs it, you need to go to Main menu, select the desired hard, then right-click and select "". 
The next section will have enter the number of megabytes for the new section. 
Then just click OK, and then Go.
After that, the device will reboot and you can use the new partition.
So the question arose before you, how to partition a hard disk into sections. The reasons may be different, for example, you purchased a new HDD to increase the permanent memory of an existing computer, or you bought a new laptop, but without a pre-installed system, and you yourself have to install the Windows shell, or you simply did not have enough disk space for newly installed programs .
The main ways to divide the space of hard drives
Regardless of the reasons that prompted you, you want to partition the hard disk into sections yourself, but you have little idea how this is done in practice. Here we will try to help you by telling you not only about the main ways to properly partition a hard drive, but also pointing out certain nuances and difficulties that you may encounter during this difficult work.
Consider how to divide a hard drive of any kind (HDD or SSD) in three ways, namely, using:
- standard utilities running Windows installed on your computer;
- special programs for working with various storage media;
- Windows PE boot shell.
So, let's get started and try to follow the sequence of actions exactly, otherwise, this can either lead to a repetition of operations for a new drive, or the loss of important data when working with existing storage media.
We partition the disk with a standard Windows utility
This way of working with drives is not very complicated and, most importantly, does not require third-party programs. It is suitable for partitioning both the main “C” drive and for partitioning an external HDD into partitions. All versions from Windows XP to Windows 10 have this utility for working with storage media.
So, for direct work with hard drives, you need to open the standard Windows shell utility, and it can be called on the desktop in two ways:
In the opened window " Disk Management”All storage devices currently connected to your computer, including flash memory, should be displayed.
We move the mouse cursor over the desired partition and right-click the context menu for this disk. And here, depending on what we want to do, we decide on the team we need in the future.
Divide the disk into two
If this is one main “C” drive, then this is an easy way to split a hard drive into two and with absolute certainty not lose system information. To do this, perform the following steps:
Everything, the main disk is divided into two sections.
Partitioning a disk
But how to divide a hard drive into partitions, in the case of a new, just purchased drive, working with this standard utility is also not difficult, but the algorithm of actions will be somewhat changed. The sequence of actions will be as follows:
It is worth remembering here that the disk system MBR allows you to create up to 4 partitions per hard drive.
Working with disks using special utility programs
The following universal software utilities for working with various storage media have found the greatest popularity among users, namely:
- Acronis Disk Suite;
- Paragon Partition Manager Professional;
- AOMEI Partition Assistant Technician Edition.
These utilities are specially adapted to perform almost all basic operations with HDD, SSD and other storage media. They have a fairly clear interface designed to work with both specialists and ordinary users.
Partition a disk into partitions using such universal utilities, we will analyze it using an example program AOMEI Partition Assistant, which you can install on your computer as a standard application, or use it from portable mode.
And also for comparison, we will show the operation of the utility in two modes when dividing the main disk into two and dividing the new hard disk into several partitions.
We open the program and see a window with extensive information on all connected storage media and their sections.
We divide by two
The algorithm for partitioning the main hard drive "C" consists of a set of sequential commands:
After rebooting, having completed all the operations, the system will boot, but already with the main disk divided into two parts.
Sharing a new disk
Typically, the new HDD will represent unallocated space and will only be visible in the program window.
First, be sure to clearly designate the disk with which we will work by hovering the mouse cursor and obtaining the corresponding color gradation of the position. But in case of an error, you can lose all important information on a randomly selected existing storage medium.
The algorithm for working with other universal programs for resizing various storage media is very similar to the example above. The only significant difference will be the program interface and menu layout.
Partitioning the main disk using the Windows PE boot shell
If you decide to install a new operating system or completely update the old one, and the existing partition sizes of the main HDD do not suit you or do not meet the necessary requirements, then it is better and easier to reformat by entering the computer from a special simplified shell.
If desired, various versions can be downloaded from the Internet, and they are freely available there and are equipped with a set of all the necessary portable programs to work not only with storage media, but also have a whole set of various useful utilities. For example, you can take a distribution kit from the site https://diakov.net/8305-adminpe-30.html, which does not require additional registration from the user.
After booting to USB or CD / DVD media, we boot the system through the key to call up a menu in which there is a choice of boot device. As a rule, this is the function key F11, after pressing which, we select our media.
After loading the portable, a desktop will appear, almost completely repeating the familiar Windows shell, but with pre-installed software modules.
We open a universal program for working with various information storage devices and work according to the example given earlier in the background and without unnecessary reboots.
The main advantage of the shell is that program modules are in no way connected with hard drives, which allows you to perform all possible operations to reformat them in any possible way without any restrictions.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned how to partition a PC or laptop disk in different ways. Examples were considered: how to divide a hard disk into 2 parts, and how to create partitions on a hard disk. In similar ways, you can partition an external hard drive. Just connect it to your computer and follow the same steps.
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