How to Extend C Drive in Windows Server 2019/2016

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

By default, the C drive on your Windows Server stores all system files, the operating system, apps, and any files you download from the internet. While it has a certain storage capacity, it can quickly run out of space if you save most of your data on it. The most common issue with the C drive is that it runs out of space. This is a prevalent problem in Windows Server 2019/2016. You can solve this issue by freeing up some space, but this is not a long-term solution.

If a disk runs out of space, it's preferable to extend the volume by resizing the partition. Otherwise, you'll continue to receive notifications that you're out of storage.

This article will explore how to extend the C drive on Windows Server 2019/2016. We'll cover using Disk Management and Server Manager to expand the drive, as well as recommend a third-party tool for a quick and error-free volume expansion. By the end of this guide, you should be able to determine the best approach to increase your C drive space. Let's dive in.

Yes, you can extend the C drive space in Windows Server 2019/2016. Here's a high-level overview of the process: 1. **Check Disk Space:** First, ensure that there is unallocated space available next to the C drive. You can check this using the Disk Management tool. 2. **Open Disk Management:** Press `Win + X` and choose 'Disk Management' from the menu, or right-click on the Start button and select it. 3. **Shrink Volume (Optional):** If there's no unallocated space, you may need to shrink an adjacent drive to create it. Right-click on the drive next to C: (usually D:), select 'Shrink Volume,' and follow the prompts to free up space. This will create unallocated space. 4. **Extend Volume:** Now, right-click on the C: drive and select 'Extend Volume.' A wizard will guide you through the process. Follow the steps to allocate the available unallocated space to the C drive. 5. **Confirm Changes:** Review the changes and click 'Finish' to apply them. Remember that you might need administrative privileges to perform these actions. Also, make sure to back up your data before making any significant disk modifications.

In Windows Server 2019/2016, you can resize a partition. Users of Windows Server would like to extend the partition because the C drive is almost out of storage space and needs more room to increase its capacity. Besides, it can also take advantage of unallocated space from other partitions, which helps organize data better.

The preferred way to avoid such issues is by allocating some space. You can extend the C drive by getting unallocated space from other volumes. If there's enough unallocated space in other volumes, you can assign that space. When your C drive runs out of space, it affects the overall performance of the system. Eventually, the system speed slows down, hampering your ability to perform tasks.

Expanding C Drive Space on Windows Server with Disk Management

Windows Server can extend the C drive using its default feature called "Disk Management." This is a built-in utility that lets you create, delete, shrink, and extend partitions on your Windows Server. For instance, you can use Disk Management to increase the partition size on Windows Server 2016/2019.

Note: It is recommended that you back up all your data before you begin resizing an extended partition.

Here are the steps to extend a partition via Disk Management:

Step 1: Click on the Start menu, right-click on Disk Management.

Step 2. Next, select the drive with the unallocated space, and assign it to Drive C. Right-click on it and choose Delete Volume.

Right-click and select "Delete Volume":

Here we select disk D.

Step 3: Then right click on C drive and select “Extend Volume”.

Right click on C drive and select "Extend Volume"

Step 4: The Extend Volume Wizard will appear.

Step 5: Type the number of MB that you want to assign to Drive C.

Step 6: Click Finish to complete the process.

Click Next in the Extend Volume wizard:

Step 7: Allocate space for drive C.

Can't Extend C Drive in Disk Management? Try Alternative Ways

There are times when you might not be able to extend the C drive in Disk Management. To extend the C drive, you can use other methods. Let's first look at why you cannot extend the C drive in Disk Management. The reasons are as follows:

• No adjacent unallocated space
• FAT32, exFAT, or EXT partitions are not supported by the disk management
• There is no unallocated space on your disk
• On an MBR disk, the partition size has reached the 2TB limit

If you encounter any of the above issues, we have a solution for you. Partition Master Enterprise is an effective tool. This utility is the perfect way to keep your C drive extended. You can easily access the tool through its website. Here are some features of Partition Master Enterprise:

- Extend system partition with just one click - Comprehensive disk management tool for easy resizing/moving, formatting, deleting, and copying of files - Offers professional technical support - Enhances and improves partition recovery capabilities - Optimizes disk usage to make the most of available storage capacity - Allows for easy restoration of any partition to its previous state in case of interruption

The user interface of Partition Master Enterprise is simple and intuitive. The steps to partition a drive are self-explanatory, so much so that even a beginner can disk-partition in a few easy steps. Besides, using this program is safe. It not only safeguards your data but also recovers files and folders in case there's an interruption during partitioning. A free trial version is also available for download and a test run. So, give this tool a try and see what you make of it.

How to Extend C Drive with Server Disk Manager (No Data Loss)

To extend drive C: through Server Disk Management, you first need to back up your data. Then, select the drive with unallocated space. Using the default Windows Server Manager, click "Delete Volume" on the unallocated drive. This deletion is necessary to avoid the unallocated space turning gray. Right-click and choose "Extend Volume." Now, the unallocated space will be assigned to the C: drive that lacks disk space.

Option 1: Extend System C drive using unallocated space

1. Right-click on the System C drive and select "Resize/Move Partition." 2. Drag the system partition towards the unallocated space to add it to the C drive. Then, click "OK." 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to perform the operation and extend the C drive.

Option 2: Extend System C drive without unallocated space

1. Right-click on a large partition with enough space in the system disk and select "Allocate Space." 2. In the "Allocate space from (*) to" section, choose the system drive, then drag the end of the System C drive to the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task," which will list the pending operations. Click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend the system drive using unallocated space; 0:27-0:58 Extend the system drive without unallocated space.

Video tutorial

This video summarizes two effective methods to extend the C drive space on your server. If you'd like to follow the video guide, click here:

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Conclusions

In summary, extending the C drive using the default PC features can be accomplished. Normally, when a system fails to create partitions due to the reasons mentioned above, it should still be able to establish a partition without errors. In such instances, utilizing a third-party tool is advisable. Among these, "Partition Master Enterprise" is an excellent option. This useful tool enables you to create partitions with just one click. It safely creates partitions and helps you accomplish the task promptly. Give "Partition Master Enterprise" a try and form your own opinion.