Create a D drive from the C drive in two simple ways

Updated By

Linda 

Last Updated on April 26, 2024

Many newly purchased computer hard disks come with multiple partitions. However, some users might encounter a situation where there is only one partition on the disk, usually labeled as C:. Partitioning the hard drive into more sections is necessary to install operating systems or software and store various data.

In this article from Tools, you will learn how to create a D drive from the C drive in Windows 11/10, the possible issues you may encounter, and the reasons behind doing so.

Creating a new drive partition, such as D:, from the C: drive in Windows typically involves shrinking the existing C: drive and then using the unallocated space to create a new partition. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it: 1. **Open Disk Management**: - Press `Win + X` keys together, then choose 'Disk Management' from the menu. 2. **Shrink the C: Drive**: - In the Disk Management window, locate the C: drive (usually labeled as "OS" or "Primary"). - Right-click on the C: drive and select 'Shrink Volume'. - Enter the amount of space you want to allocate for the new D: drive. Make sure to leave enough space for your C: drive needs. Click 'Shrink'. 3. **Create New Partition**: - After the shrink process is complete, you'll see an 'Unallocated' space. - Right-click on this unallocated space and select 'New Simple Volume'. - Follow the 'New Simple Volume Wizard': - Click 'Next' on the welcome screen. - Assign the new drive letter 'D:'. - Choose the default file system (usually NTFS) and allocation unit size. - Confirm the settings and click 'Finish'. 4. **Format the New Partition**: - The new partition will now appear as 'Unformatted'. Right-click on it and select 'Format'. - Choose the file system (NTFS is recommended), allocation unit size, and give the volume a label if desired. - Click 'OK' to start formatting. Wait for the process to complete. 5. **Confirmation**: - Once the formatting is done, the new D: drive will be ready to use. Please note that this process may take some time, especially if you're shrinking a large C: drive. Also, make sure to back up your important data before making any changes to disk partitions, as errors can lead to data loss.

We will introduce you to two methods that can help you create a new partition from the C drive. Read on and follow the instructions.

Method 1: Use Partition Master Tool

To easily partition C drive and create more partitions, you need a reliable and versatile third-party tool like tools Partition Master Professional. With this software, you can create a D drive from unallocated space by either shrinking C drive or directly splitting the C drive.

Shrink C drive and create D drive:

Here are the steps to shrink C drive and create D drive.

Step 1: Locate and select the partition to shrink

In the Partition Manager section, right-click on the partition you want to shrink, and select Resize/Move.

Step 2: Resize to Shrink the Partition

Resize the target partition by dragging its end with mouse to shrink the partition space.

You can also adjust the partition size sliders to shrink the target partition. Click “OK” when you're done.

Third step: Perform the action.

Click the Run Task button and choose Apply to save all changes.

After shrinking C drive, you can create D drive from the unallocated space.

Step 4. Right-click on the unallocated space, and select "New".

Step 5: Next, you can adjust the size, drive letter, and file system of the new partition.

Step 6. Click “OK” and “Run xx Task” to finish the operation.

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Resize C drive to create D drive:

Another operation that can be performed with this software is to split C drive.

Step 1: Select the partition you want to split, and then click “Split Partition” from the function list.

Step 2: Resize the partition, and click OK.

All changes to the disk layout are pending until you apply them from the Apply Changes menu.

Step 4: After applying the changes, you have successfully split your disk partition into two.

Notes:

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

Aside from creating new partitions, the Partition Master tool also features disk and partition cloning, combining disk partitions, password reset, and bootable media creation, among others. Download this fantastic software now to explore more of its capabilities.

Method 2: Use the Built-in Tool “Disk Management”

If you don't want to download any third-party software, the built-in Microsoft tool can help you. The Disk Management utility comes with various features that let you manage disks and partitions on your device. Follow the tutorial below to create a D drive.

Step 1: Right-click the “Start” button and select “Disk Management.”

Step 2: Right-click on the C: drive and select “Compress volume”.

Step 3: Type the amount of space you want to shrink from the C: drive, and then click Shrink to create the unallocated space.

Step 4: Right-click on the unallocated space and select "New Simple Volume."

Step 5: Type the amount of space you want to allocate to the new volume, and format it to create a new partition.

If you try to extend the volume using the unallocated space on the right, but find the “Extend Volume” option grayed out, it's because unallocated space can only be used to extend the partition immediately to its left.

There are many limitations to using Disk Management that can be frustrating, especially for beginners, such as the need to format after every hard drive partition. In contrast, professional software like Partition Master is a better and easier choice for disk management and partitioning in Windows.

If you find any useful information, remember to share it with friends who might face the same problem.

Why can't I shrink the C drive space?

There may be times when you encounter a situation where you can't shrink a volume. Several factors can contribute to this. Here are the primary reasons why you can't shrink a partition on a Windows PC:

C Drive is out of space.

At this point, you may see a message that says "There is not enough space on the disk to perform this operation."

There are multiple fragments on drive C:.

Too much fragmentation on the C drive can prevent you from resizing it properly. You can use the built-in Windows Disk Defragmenter tool to defragment the C drive.

• Files that cannot be moved are at the end of the C drive

For example, the page file, hibernation file, and System Volume Information folder. You cannot shrink a volume that is immediately followed by a volume that contains immovable files.

File system error

File system errors can make a volume invisible or inaccessible. You might be able to fix the problem by checking the disk for errors.

Advantage: Creating D drive from C drive

There are several benefits to creating multiple partitions on your hard drive. Here are some key advantages of separating the D drive from the C drive: 1. **Data Management**: By installing the operating system and applications on the C drive and storing personal files and data on the D drive, you can better organize and manage your files. This way, even if the C drive becomes cluttered or requires a system reinstallation, your personal data remains unaffected. 2. **Performance Optimization**: Partitioning the hard drive can enhance system performance. For instance, keeping large files (like media files) on the D drive prevents excessive fragmentation on the C drive, maintaining smooth system operation. 3. **Backup and Recovery**: Creating the D drive simplifies the backup and recovery process. You can back up the data on the D drive separately, ensuring that if issues arise with the C drive, the content on the D drive remains untouched, reducing the risk of data loss. 4. **Security Isolation**: In certain cases, viruses or malware may primarily target the C drive. With a D drive, your important files and data are isolated from system files, reducing potential security risks. 5. **Convenient Software Installation**: Some software recommends being installed on a non-system drive to prevent affecting system files during updates or uninstallation. The D drive offers an ideal installation location for such programs. 6. **Effective Resource Allocation**: Based on your needs, you can allocate different disk space to the C and D drives, ensuring ample space for essential system files while accommodating storage requirements. These advantages contribute to a better computer usage experience, safeguarding your data, and optimizing system performance.

• Organize your data sensibly. You can keep your operating system separate from your personal files.
• Minimize disk fragmentation. Creating a new partition helps to keep your disk unfragmented.
• Avoid data loss. Storing your personal data on a separate drive can prevent data loss in case of system failures.
• Create a dual-boot system. Multiple partitions allow you to run different operating systems on one computer.

Conclusions

If you have only one partition on your disk, you may encounter many potential problems. Partitioning C drive into two or more partitions can optimize your experience with Windows 11/10 PC or laptop. With the Partition Master tool, you can safely and quickly create D drive from C drive. Download it now and enjoy these features.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creating a D Drive from C Drive 1. What is creating a D drive from the C drive? Answer: Creating a D drive from the C drive involves partitioning part of the C drive's space into a new disk partition, commonly known as the D drive. This lets users store files and apps separately for better data organization and management. 2. Why would I need to create a D drive? Answer: A D drive provides enhanced file management and system maintenance. You can keep personal files on D and the OS and programs on C. This ensures the D drive remains usable even if C fills up, and data on D may be protected if issues arise with the C drive. 3. How do I create a D drive? Answer: Use a disk management tool. On Windows, go to "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > " Administrative Tools" > "Disk Management." Select the C drive, right-click, then "Compress Volume." The system will find available space. Create a new simple volume, assign D as the drive letter, and finish formatting. 4. Does creating a D drive affect my existing C drive data? Answer: Correctly done, it shouldn't. But backing up crucial data beforehand is advised just in case. 5. Can I resize the D drive later? Answer: Yes, you can expand or shrink the D drive. But you'll need unallocated space on C or free space next to D. 6. Can any computer create a D drive? Answer: Most modern computers let you customize disk partitions, depending on the current硬盘partition setup and OS support. Some older or pre-configured systems might not allow this, especially single-partition SSDs. 7. Do I need extra hardware to create a D drive? Answer: No, you just need the built-in hard drive space on your computer. There's no need to buy an additional hard drive for a D drive.

After successfully creating a new D drive from the C drive, you might also be interested in the following common questions and answers.

1. Can program files be transferred from the C drive to the D drive?

Yes, you can move the Program Files from the C drive to the D drive. However, you shouldn't directly copy them manually. To facilitate the transfer, you can use a tool like Todo PCTrans, or utilize the "Apps & Features" within Windows Settings.

2. Can I add the space from Disk D to Disk C?

Yes, you can add space from Drive D to Drive C. First, download a tool called "Partition Master." It offers a feature named "Allocate Space" that will allow you to increase the space on Drive C directly from Drive D. During this process, you won't need to delete Drive D to create unallocated space. Moreover, this operation won't result in data loss.

Why is my C drive full?

Here are the main reasons why your C drive might be filling up and running out of space:

• The Windows operating system, system files, and settings.
• Built-in Windows apps, downloaded software, and applications installed on the C drive.
• User data (like documents and photos) and personal files saved on the desktop or elsewhere on the C drive.