How to Split Partitions: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated by

Sherly 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 23, 2024

In this article, the tools offer two methods to partition disk on Windows 11/10/8/7. Let's explore how.

How do you partition a drive?

Due to only one partition (system partition) on the hard drive, many people want to split partition into several ones for different usage, and Partition Master can easily split partition without data loss. Besides, you can also use Disk Management to split partition, but data loss may occur during the operation. Let's start with the safer and easier method.

Method 1: Utilize Partition Master Tool

The best way to split a large partition into two smaller ones without losing any crucial data is by using a professional third-party partition manager called Partition Master. This tool features a specific "Split Partition" function that allows you to divide a hard disk partition into two in just three simple steps.

Compared with disk management, it doesn't require shrinking the partition in advance, so it's more secure (no data loss) and faster.

Download this tool and follow the guidance below to try:

How to split a partition:

Step 1. Select the target partition and click "Split Partition" from the Feature List.

Step 2. Resize the two partitions and click "OK".

Step 3. All the changes made to the disk layout are pending until you apply them in Execute Task.

Step 4. After applying the changes, you successfully split the partition into two partitions.

Notes:

• Tools Partition Master only supports splitting partitions on basic disks. It cannot split dynamic volumes.
• Only non-hidden partitions can be split.
• The unused space of the operating partitions should be more than 5% of the total partition space.

Following the partition split, please read the notice below for more details:

1. "The partitioning process may take some time, so please refrain from performing any other tasks and allow your computer to finish the partitioning first." 2. "If there are already 4 primary partitions on an MBR disk, the new split partitions will automatically become logical partitions." 3. "If there are four primary partitions on the hard drive, Windows does not permit splitting the system partition or the boot partition unless you first convert one of the existing primary partitions to a logical partition."

Aside from the disk partitioning feature in Windows 10/11/8/7, Partition Master tool also offers numerous other impressive functions to assist Windows users in resizing hard drive partitions without data loss, such as:

Create or delete partitions Move the partition to the end of the disk (link: /computer-instruction/windows-10-move-partition-to-end-of-disk.html) Merge unallocated space into existing partitions to extend them Merge two adjacent partitions into one partition (opposite of splitting a partition) Allocate free space from one partition to another partition

tools Partition Master is a powerful and secure partition manager that is easier to use than Disk Management and CMD, and more user-friendly for beginners.

Method 2: Use Disk Management

To split a large partition using Disk Management, you need to shrink the partition first to gain unallocated space and then use it to create a new partition. Here's how to split one partition into two partitions on Windows 10/11:

Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and select "Disk Management" to open it.

Step 2. Right-click on the large partition that you want to shrink, and select "Shrink Volume."

Shrink Volume in Disk Management

Step 3. Disk Management then calculates how much space can be reduced. In the next window, enter the size (in MB) you want to shrink and click "Shrink" to continue.

Step 4. You should then see the unallocated space following the shrunk partition. Right-click on it and select "New Simple Volume". Follow the New Simple Volume Wizard to create a new partition on the unallocated space.

This way, your big partition is split into two partitions. Disk Management has to shrink this large volume first. If you're not comfortable with computer operations, it's recommended that you use a tool like Partition Master to avoid data loss.

Conclusion

The Partition Master tool's split partition function enables users to divide a large partition into two smaller ones without compromising data. Hence, when a large partition has ample free space, users can utilize this feature to divide it into multiple partitions for improved data management and organization. If you found this article useful, please feel free to share it with others.

"Split Partition Windows 10 FAQs" in English would be "Frequently Asked Questions about Splitting Partitions in Windows 10."

In this article, we will guide you through the process of splitting a partition in Windows 10, 8, 7 with detailed steps. If you have any further related questions, please proceed to read this section.

**1. What is the difference between partitioning and splitting partitions?** Partitioning refers to the process of dividing a large table or database into smaller, more manageable sections called partitions. This is done based on specific criteria such as ranges of values (e.g., dates) or key columns. Partitioning helps in improving query performance, managing data more efficiently, and reducing storage costs by focusing on individual partitions rather than the entire table. Splitting a partition, on the other hand, is an operation that occurs within a partitioned table. It involves taking an existing partition and dividing it into two or more new partitions, usually due to the partition growing too large or the need for better data organization. When you split a partition, the data remains within the same table but is rearranged into separate partitions based on the new partitioning scheme. In summary, partitioning is the higher-level action of organizing a table into multiple partitions, while splitting is a specific operation that adjusts the boundaries or structure of an existing partition.

Disk partitioning involves creating one or more sections on a disk to enable users to manage each section separately. Splitting partitions refers to dividing a large, existing partition into two or more smaller partitions.

1. Right-click on the "This PC" option and choose "Manage." 2. Open "Disk Management." 3. Select the disk on which you wish to create a partition. 4. Right-click on the "Unpartitioned" space in the lower pane and choose "New Simple Volume." If there's no unallocated space, you'll need to shrink the existing large partition before proceeding with the split. 5. Enter the desired size and click "Next" to complete the process.

3. Why do I need to resize partitions on Windows 10?

If the computer only has one partition, the OS, applications, games, personal files, etc. will all be saved to the same drive. This will impact the OS's loading and running performance, and make it inconvenient for users to manage partitions.

Additionally, if one of your hard disk partitions is too large and is only utilized minimally, you can also divide it into two smaller partitions to store various data and fully utilize the disk space.