Partition your hard drive. How to partition a hard drive - detailed instructions

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 HDD for 2 or more sections. This example will be brought to 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... she has everything required 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, click on it right click mouse 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 it is possible to get by 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.

Sometimes the hard drive (HD) of a computer or laptop consists of only one partition. Initially, this does not bring any inconvenience: all data is saved in one space, searching is easier, etc.

However, over time The root folder there are more and more branches, and sometimes you find required file impossible.

And as soon as a lot accumulates on the railway various files: images, videos, documents, etc. It happens that you need to divide the C:/ drive into one or more independent partitions.

Why do you need to divide? hard space disk?

However, why divide the railway anyway? When there is only one partition on the computer, there are no shortage situations free space for recording necessary programs, no need to waste time and move information from one disk to another, etc. But there are also positive aspects.

When partitioning a disk:

• You can structure the data.
• Reinstall the computer system, but save the data.
• Limit access to data.

How to split the C:/ drive into two Windows 7 drives without losing data using external programs

Owners of laptops and PCs who want to change hard drive partitions often have a question: how to create a new partition, but still save all the data. To date, several programs have been created to help solve this problem.

Acronis Disk Director

The program helps not only to divide hard drive partitions, but also to restore lost or damaged information. Acronis Disk Director is easy to use. A simple and intuitive interface, translated into Russian, allows you to quickly master the program.

Advantages:

• Installed under different versions Windows;
• The program allows you to create, delete, copy and edit hard drive partitions;
• The process of partitioning and compressing the disk takes place while preserving all data;
• With Acronis Disk Director you can view data on hard drive partitions.

The program is distributed in free access and absolutely free. You can also work with Acronis Disk Director from a USB drive.

MiniTool Partition Wizard

The MiniTool Partition Wizard program will also help with the problem of partitioning the C:/ drive in Windows 7 without losing data. It is designed to work correctly with hard drive partitions. The interface is designed for both advanced users and ordinary users.

Advantages:

• The program tests the operation of the railway;
• Saving and backup all data;
• Supports working with partitions of 2 terabytes or more.

Built-in Windows utility 7

In addition to third-party programs, solve the problem of how to split drive C:/ into two Windows disk 7 without data loss. A utility built into the software of a personal computer system will help you perform this complex operation.

First, you need to open the control panel. This can be achieved in different ways:

1. Menu “Start” - “Control Panel” - “System and Security” - “Administrative Tools”. In the window that opens, select from the options “Create and format hard disk partitions”, and then: “Disk Management”.
2. Open the My Computer pop-up menu with the right mouse button. Select “Manage” from the pop-up menu. In the Computer Management window, select Disk Management.

The window that appears will display options for exactly how the disk space is divided. For example, a divided hard drive looks like this:

In addition to the main partitions, drive C:/ and E:/, there are:

• Hidden recovery partition, in in this case it takes up 457 megabytes. The space of this partition is responsible for restoring the PC system after unexpected failures.
• System partition. 500 megabytes of space in which to store system programs, responsible for the normal startup and loading of the operating system.

The rest of the space is space for information. This can be one section or several. If there is a disk marked with a black stripe in the list, it means there is unallocated space left on the computer.

Shrinking a Volume and Creating a New Disk

After the Disk Management menu has been opened, you need to compress required volume and allocate space for the new disk. The operation is performed in several steps:

Use system utility or third-party programs for splitting or compressing hard drive space - everyone decides for themselves. Programs may offer additional functions, but changing the disk size through the Control Panel will help avoid unexpected errors.

But it is worth remembering that before starting volume compression you must:

• Transfer as soon as possible more information on external media and cloud storage.
• Save the most important data separately.

If partitioning is successful, you will be able to freely reinstall the operating system, roll back Windows, install programs on separate media and not worry that any important information will be lost in the event of an unexpected breakdown.

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 the operating system, they forget to save something and “crashe” (format) the entire hard drive, subsequently remembering that there are important documents left on the desktop or in some folder and photographs.

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 other versions Windows tools similar.

There are only 14 small steps, or if you want action and you have not one local drive C, but two or more, again optional, but it’s better not to get carried away :). I’ll use an example to share existing disk"D", you perform this operation with 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 the name for the new disk, by default it is " New volume", check if the checkbox is checked " 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 to everyone.

The physical drive is displayed in the system as virtual volumes, also called local disks or sections.

The drive can be represented by only one volume that can contain everything disk space and stores all your files. Or it can be divided into several volumes, between which all available space and files are distributed.

The first option is very common, but not the most practical. Storing OS components in the same place with movies, games and other entertainment content is not best idea. You or other computer users may accidentally touch important files. And if the system fails and it is needed, then the rest of the volume’s contents will be deleted along with the old OS.

Fortunately, you can always split your drive into two or more partitions. IN general outline The procedure goes like this: you take a certain amount of space from an existing volume and use this amount to create a new one.

For example, you can leave about 40–50 GB for the volume with the installed OS, and allocate the rest of the space for a new partition reserved for programs and entertainment content. In this case, system and personal files will be stored separately. And if you have to reinstall the system, your content will remain on the computer.

Before partitioning the disk, be sure to copy important files to other media. Your personal data shouldn't be harmed, but it's better to be safe.

The listed separation methods are suitable for both types of drives: traditional (HDD) and solid-state (SSD).

1. How to partition a disk in Windows

By regular means

For partitioning and other operations with drives in Windows, standard utility"Disk Management". To open it, right-click on the “This PC” shortcut and select “Manage” → “Disk Management”. You can launch the utility even faster using special team: press Windows keys+ R, paste into field diskmgmt.msc and click OK.

In the Disk Management window you will see a list local volumes(partitions) into which your drive is already divided. Among them there may be hidden system partitions that are not displayed in Explorer. This is normal, don't pay attention to them.

In the lower half of the window, right-click on the volume you want to split and select the “Shrink Volume” option.

Then specify the amount of data you want to allocate to the new volume and confirm compression.

As a result, the screen next to the selected volume will display the specified amount of free space available for the new partition. Right-click on this area and select “Create Simple Volume”.

If you have Windows XP, the compression option will most likely not be available. Then just right-click on the one you want to split and select " New section». Further actions will be approximately the same for all OS versions.

When the New Volume Wizard appears on the screen, follow its prompts.

In the process, you will need to select the letter and label (name) of the section. When the wizard prompts you for a disk, select the NTFS system and confirm your choice. After formatting, the created volume will appear in Explorer. If this does not happen, restart your computer.

In exactly the same way, you can partition the disk in the future, adding new volumes.

In a third party program

If for some reason you are unable to partition the disk regular means Windows, try doing this in one of the third-party programs. For example, in the utility. It's free and compatible with everyone. Windows versions from XP to 10 and quite simple.

To partition a disk in MiniTool Partition Wizard, select the appropriate volume in the program and click Move/Resize Partition in the left panel. In the window that appears, in the Unallocated Space After field, specify the amount of free space that will be taken from the current volume in favor of the new one. Click OK.

A new nameless section marked Unallocated will appear in the main menu of the program. Right-click on it and select the Create command. In the next window, fill in the Drive Letter and Partition Label fields, select NTFS systems and click OK.

Returning to the main menu of MiniTool Partition Wizard, on top panel Click Apply to apply the changes. The computer will restart and display on a black screen white text. Wait and do not turn off the device. When Windows boots, the created volume will appear in Explorer.

2. How to partition a disk on macOS

If you have a Mac, then to split the drive you will need preset program"Disk Utility" It can be found in the Finder menu → Programs → Utilities.

By running " Disk Utility", in the left panel, select the disk that you want to partition and click on the "Partition" button.

A window will appear on the screen with further instructions, in which you can select the number, size and other parameters of new partitions.

When you have deposited everything necessary settings, click “Apply” and wait for the changes to take effect.

Partitioning a hard drive is a way to organize information storage, comparable to putting things on shelves in a closet.

In this article you will learn how to partition your hard drive and why.

Most users prefer to divide disks into 2-3 partitions for the following reasons:

• so as not to mix operating system and personal files in case of OS reinstallation;
• for comfort manual search information;
• to install more than one operating system on a computer;
• so that each user, if there are several of them, has his own “corner” for personal files;
• to hide some information from other PC users (along with the section).

Note! When installing operating systems service partitions are created - boot, recovery, for the swap file, etc., which are not visible in Explorer. These areas are hidden because changing or deleting their contents disrupts the operation of the OS.

Some people believe that it is necessary to partition the hard drive: this way, they say, personal files will not be damaged in the event of a system failure, they will be less fragmented, and, therefore, opened faster.

In fact, the files will not disappear anywhere, even if the OS crashes completely.

And this will not affect performance, especially since modern systems defragment themselves without user intervention.

Against, system partition tends to fill up quickly, and if there is not enough space on it, the computer will first slow down and then stop loading altogether due to the fact that the system has nowhere to expand.

Do you think you still need an additional section? Then read how to create it.

Two ways to partition a disk in Windows 7, 8, 10

Capabilities of the installed system

Starting with Windows 7, you can partition disk space using the OS itself, both during installation and after.

There is only one condition: when dividing an already existing section, it is important that at least free space than in the one that will be separated.

Let's look at how to divide a hard drive into partitions in a running Windows 10.

• Go to context menu Start button and launch Disk Management.
• Open the context menu of the section you will be splitting. Click Shrink Volume.
• The window that opens after this shows overall size compressible area and the space available for compression. From the last one, select a part that will be a new section.
  As you remember, it should not exceed half of the value specified here. Then click the “Compress” button.

• In the wizard window, specify the size of the new volume. If you leave the default value (which is the entire area of ​​unallocated space), the entire area you separated will become a new partition.
  If you specify a lower value, one part will become a volume and the other will remain unallocated. Click Next.

• Assign a letter to the new volume if you want it to appear in Explorer, or mount it as a folder. If you decide to do this later, select “Do not assign drive letter or path.”

• Next, the wizard will offer to format the volume and assign a label to it. The label is short title section explaining what is there. If desired, leave this line blank.

After formatting, the unallocated space will become a full-fledged partition.

Creating a volume during Windows installation

Creating new partitions during Windows installations differs from the method we discussed above in that the shared disk will have to be deleted first, that is, completely cleared of information.

And then build from unallocated space new structure sections.

The breakdown is done at the stage when the program asks you to indicate the location where the OS will be installed. What to do next:

• In the "Where do you want to install Windows?" window. Click the Disk Setup button.

• Mark the partition you are going to split and delete it. Instead, unoccupied space will appear.

• Click the “Create” button (meaning, create a section), specify the desired size and click “Apply”. If the partition being created does not take up all the unallocated space, repeat the operation until there is no unallocated space left on the disk.