How to split a disk into 2 partitions Windows 11
We bought a laptop with the system installed – we got one partition for the system and files. Using the Samsung 970 EVO 500 GB as an example, he showed how to split a disk into 2 parts. I got a laptop with a Samsung MZVLQ512HBLU SSD and Windows 11 preinstalled. We will share…
This article will show you how to split a disk into 2 partitions in Windows 11. I have only 475 GB of disk space available. I recommend allocating 125 GB for the current system, and the remaining 350 GB for games and other files. This division of the disk allows you to maximize space.
How to Partition an SSD Drive in Windows 11
Disk Management Tool
The Volume Shrink feature allows you to resize existing partitions. For example, unused space can be separated. Then expand or create a partition with an unallocated area. Supports multiple file systems including NTFS, FAT32.
Run the tool with the diskmgmt.msc command in the Win + R window . In the context menu of the Windows partition (C:), select Shrink volume … (or another disk). The system will request space for compression. Specify the Size of space to compress (MB), under the second partition and click Compress .
From the context menu of Unallocated Memory (which appeared), select Create Simple Volume… Using the Create Volume Wizard, specify the Size of the Simple Volume (150 GB). It remains to assign a new drive letter , perform partition Formatting , and then click Finish .
Please note that the capacity is 475.9 GB, and 354.4 GB was released. However, it is not possible to shrink the volume beyond the location of non-relocatable files. 180 GB is available for compression, you will have to make approaches – the first 175 GB. After data transfer – already the second 175 GB.
Updated system settings
Under System > Memory, select More. storage settings > Disks and volumes (or via search). Click on Drive Properties labeled Windows (C:) and then Resize . For the current partition, the minimum size is 306707 MB. The rest of the memory should become unallocated.
In the Disk and Volume Management section, an area appeared (Unallocated) , click Create volume . Volume Creation appeared , check the data and click Format . I managed to separate 180 GB, and I create such a disk. After the transfer, I shrink and expand the Windows 11 drive.
EaseUS Partition Master Free
Run EaseUS Partition Master as administrator. Only the English language of the interface is available. In the Partition Manager section , check how much free space is available. And in the context menu of the disk, select Resize / Move [Resize / move].
Select the partition to be resized. Adjust the partition size by dragging the slider. Allows you to immediately separate 300 GB of disk space. You can expand advanced settings and enter values manually. Click OK and confirm the action…
MiniTool Partition Wizard Free
The split function does not work with encrypted Windows 11 disks. In the context menu of the disk, I click Split and select the partition sizes using the slider. The application separates the C part and creates the D drive. Offers to close all programs or restart the computer.
Terminal & Command Line
Actually, the same thing can be done on the command line. The table provides a set of commands that will help divide the disk into 2 parts. This works not only in the system itself, but also during the installation of Windows 11. In the installer, press Shift + F10.
| diskpart | run the console utility for managing disks, volumes and partitions on the command line; |
| list volume | display a list of all disks; next to the partition, remember the volume number, for example, the partition (C:) has the number 0; |
| select volume 0 | select the desired volume (numbered zero), from which you will separate the unallocated disk space; |
| shrink desired=150000 | compress a certain amount of space; must be specified in megabytes (in our case, 150000); |
| list disk | display a list of all connected drives; remember the number of the one on which the compression was performed; |
| select disk 0 | indicate the number from the previous cell; it is important to specify the correct value, the list starts from zero; |
| create partition primary | create a new partition with all unallocated memory; the amount that was compressed somewhat earlier; |
| format fs=ntfs quick | quick formatting of a newly created partition; all this happens right on the command line; |
| assign letter=D | assign the letter D for the local disk; only after executing this command will it become available; |
| exit | exit the disk management console utility and close the command prompt window. |
Important! The command line does not warn you about the space available for compression. Choose this method only if you know exactly what you are doing. With the preservation of data and the system itself, this is more difficult to do. You can easily delete partitions and re-partition …
How to partition a disk when installing Windows 11
The Windows installation interface and process have not changed. To change disk partitions, start from a bootable USB flash drive Windows 11 . In the process, select – Custom: Install Windows only . This setting does not move files, settings, or applications on the system.
Select the drive, click Format and Delete . In this way, without deleting, it will not be possible to partition the disk. Next, click on Create and specify the dimensions. For example, we allocate 125 GB for the system and 350 GB for the rest. Of course, you will have to proceed with the installation of Windows 11 itself.
Conclusion
So, there are several ways to partition a disk into 2 partitions. So far, the built-in disk management tool has not gone anywhere. Disk and volume management appeared. The command line works as before. And in the same way they forget to partition the disk when installing Windows 11.
You can get by with third-party software. For example, EaseUS Partition Master or MiniTool Partition Wizard. The free version will be enough for you. But you will need to disable BitLocker Drive Encryption.
