How to Partition in Windows 10 in 2026? Step-By-Step

A partition is simply a logical section of your hard drive. For example, if your computer has a 1 TB drive, you can divide it into two 500 GB partitions. One partition can store Windows system files while the other can store personal documents, videos, or backups. This separation makes it easier to manage files and reduces the risk of losing everything if Windows needs to be reinstalled.

Still, most computers use the NTFS file system and the GPT partition style. These technologies support larger drives and better performance. When you partition your drive using Windows tools, the system automatically handles compatibility and formatting.

Before starting, always make sure you have a backup of important data. Although partitioning using Windows tools is generally safe, any disk-related operation carries some risk. Saving your files to an external drive or cloud storage ensures you are protected.

Now, you are ready to do partitioning!

Table of Contents

How to Partition in Windows 10?

To partition in Windows 10, open Disk Management, shrink an existing volume to create unallocated space, then create a new partition by formatting that space with a file system like NTFS. Assign a drive letter and complete the setup to start using the new partition without reinstalling Windows or losing data.

Now, let us explore the detailed process to partition in Windows 10.

Step 1: Open Disk Management Tool

The first step is to open the Disk Management utility in Windows 10. This is a built-in tool that allows you to create, delete, resize, and format partitions without installing extra software.

To open Disk Management, press the Windows key and type Disk Management in the search bar. Click on the option called Create and format hard disk partitions. This will open a window that displays all the drives connected to your computer, including internal and external storage devices.

Inside Disk Management, you will see a graphical representation of your disk layout. Each drive is displayed with its partitions, file system, and available space. You may notice partitions labeled as C drive, System Reserved, or Recovery. The C drive usually contains your Windows installation and main files.

Take a moment to understand your current disk structure. You need to identify which drive has enough free space to create a new partition. Most users choose to shrink the main C drive to create additional partitions.

Make sure you do not modify system reserved or recovery partitions. These are essential for Windows to function properly. Only work with the main data partition where you have enough free space.

Step 2: Shrink an Existing Volume

Before creating a new partition, you need unallocated space on your drive. Unallocated space is free storage that is not assigned to any partition. To create this space, you will shrink an existing volume.

Right-click on the partition you want to shrink, usually the C drive, and select the option called Shrink Volume. Windows will analyze the drive and calculate how much space can be safely reduced. This process may take a few seconds, depending on your disk size and data.

A dialog box will appear showing the total size of the partition and the available shrink space. Enter the amount of space you want to shrink in megabytes. For example, if you want a new 100 GB partition, enter 102400 MB.

Click on Shrink to begin the process. Windows will reduce the size of the selected partition and create unallocated space next to it. This unallocated space will appear as a black bar in the Disk Management window.

It is important to leave enough free space on your main partition for Windows updates and applications. Do not shrink too much space from the system drive. A safe approach is to keep at least 20 to 30 percent of the drive free.

Once the shrinking process is complete, you will see the newly created unallocated space. This space is now ready to be converted into a new partition.

Step 3: Create a New Partition

Now that you have unallocated space, the next step is to create a new partition from it. Right-click on the unallocated space in Disk Management and select New Simple Volume. This will launch the New Simple Volume Wizard.

The wizard will guide you through the process of creating the partition. Click Next on the welcome screen. You will then be asked to specify the volume size. By default, Windows uses the entire unallocated space. If you want multiple partitions, you can enter a smaller size and repeat the process later.

Click Next to continue. You will then assign a drive letter to the new partition. Choose any available letter, such as D, E, or F. The drive letter helps you identify and access the partition in File Explorer.

After assigning the drive letter, click Next. You will now need to format the partition with a file system. Select NTFS as the file system because it is the most reliable and widely used in Windows 10. Enter a name for the partition in the Volume Label field. For example, you can name it Data, Backup, or Work Files.

Ensure the option Perform a quick format is selected. Click Next and then click Finish. Windows will create and format the new partition. Within a few seconds, the new drive will appear in Disk Management and File Explorer.

Your new partition is now ready to use. You can store files, install software, or use it for backups.

Step 4: Verify the New Partition

After creating the partition, it is important to verify that everything is working correctly. Open File Explorer and look for the newly created drive under This PC. It should appear with the drive letter and name you assigned.

Click on the drive to open it. Try copying a small file into the partition to confirm that it is functioning properly. If the file transfers without errors, the partition is ready for use.

You can also check the partition properties by right-clicking on the drive and selecting Properties. This will show details such as total capacity, used space, and file system type. Make sure it displays NTFS and the correct storage size.

If you notice any issues, such as a missing drive letter or incorrect size, you can return to Disk Management and adjust the settings. In most cases, the process completes smoothly without any problems.

How to Manage and Resize the Partitions?

Partitioning does not end after creating a new volume. You may need to resize or manage partitions later. Windows 10 allows you to extend or shrink partitions whenever required.

If your new partition becomes full, you can extend it by using adjacent unallocated space. Right-click on the partition and select Extend Volume. Follow the wizard to add more space. Similarly, you can shrink a partition if you need to create another one.

Always ensure you have a backup before resizing partitions. Although Windows tools are reliable, unexpected power loss or system errors can cause data loss. Using a backup drive or cloud storage keeps your files safe.

Proper partition management helps maintain an organized and efficient storage system. Many users create separate partitions for system files, games, work documents, and backups. This makes it easier to find files and maintain performance.

Benefits of Partitioning

Partitioning remains useful in 2026 for several reasons. One major advantage is improved organization. By separating personal and system files, you reduce the risk of losing important data during system errors or reinstallation.

Another benefit is easier backup. You can dedicate one partition for backups and keep your important files secure. This approach simplifies recovery if Windows encounters problems.

Partitioning also helps with dual-boot setups. If you want to install another operating system, such as Linu,x alongside Windows 10, you need a separate partition. This allows both systems to run independently without interfering with each other.

Performance improvements can also occur when partitions are properly managed. Keeping system files on one partition and heavy data on another can make maintenance tasks like defragmentation more efficient.

Faqs

Is partitioning safe in Windows 10?

Yes, partitioning is generally safe when done using built-in tools like Disk Management. However, always create a backup of important data before making changes to disk partitions.

Will partitioning delete my data?

Shrinking and creating new partitions does not delete existing data if done correctly. However, formatting a partition will erase data on that specific partition. Always double-check before formatting.

How many partitions can I create?

On a GPT disk, you can create many partitions depending on available space. Most users create between two and five partitions for practical use.

Can I merge partitions later?

Yes, you can merge partitions by deleting one partition and extending another into the unallocated space. Make sure to back up data before merging because deleting a partition removes all its files.

Do I need third-party software?

For basic partitioning, Windows Disk Management is enough. Third-party tools are only needed for advanced features like cloning or complex recovery.

Is NTFS the best file system?

NTFS is recommended for Windows 10 because it supports large files, better security, and improved performance compared to older file systems.