If your C drive is running out of space on your Windows 10 computer, you can easily increase it by reallocating free space from the D drive. This process involves shrinking the D drive and then extending the C drive using the Disk Management tool. By following a few simple steps, you can redistribute your disk space without losing any data.
How to Increase C Drive Space from D Drive in Windows 10
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to increase your C drive space by taking some from your D drive. These instructions will help you free up additional space on your C drive, which is often the primary drive for your operating system and important applications.
Step 1: Open Disk Management
To start, open the Disk Management tool by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Disk Management."
Disk Management is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to manage disk partitions. This tool will help us shrink the D drive and extend the C drive.
Step 2: Shrink the D Drive
Right-click on the D drive and select "Shrink Volume." Enter the amount of space to shrink, then confirm.
When you shrink the D drive, you are creating unallocated space that can later be added to the C drive. Make sure to shrink only the amount of space you actually need.
Step 3: Create Unallocated Space
After shrinking, you’ll see unallocated space next to the D drive. This is the space we will use to extend the C drive.
Unallocated space is a section of your hard drive that isn’t assigned to any partition. It’s like a blank slate ready to be used.
Step 4: Extend the C Drive
Right-click on the C drive and select "Extend Volume." Follow the on-screen instructions to add the unallocated space to the C drive.
The Extend Volume Wizard will guide you through the process. Simply select the unallocated space and complete the extension.
Step 5: Verify the Changes
Check that the C drive now shows the increased space and that all data is intact.
After extending the volume, make sure to double-check that the additional space has been successfully added to the C drive.
Once completed, the C drive will show an increased amount of space. This newly added space can now be used for your operating system and applications, improving your computer’s overall performance and storage capacity.
Tips for How to Increase C Drive Space from D Drive in Windows 10
- Backup Your Data: Always backup your important files before making changes to disk partitions.
- Check Space Requirements: Ensure you know how much space you need to add to the C drive.
- Use Disk Cleanup: Free up additional space by using Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary files.
- Avoid Over-Shrinking: Only shrink the D drive by the amount you need; avoid making it too small.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your changes to avoid any confusion or accidental data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose data by shrinking the D drive?
No, shrinking the D drive will not delete any data on it. It only reduces the available space on that partition.
Can I reverse the changes if needed?
Yes, you can shrink the C drive and extend the D drive back, but be cautious and back up your data.
Is it safe to use Disk Management for this task?
Yes, Disk Management is a safe and reliable tool built into Windows for managing disk partitions.
What if I don’t have enough unallocated space?
You’ll need to free up space on the D drive before you can shrink it to create unallocated space.
Do I need any third-party software?
No, Windows 10’s Disk Management tool is sufficient for this task.
Summary of How to Increase C Drive Space from D Drive in Windows 10
- Open Disk Management.
- Shrink the D drive.
- Create unallocated space.
- Extend the C drive.
- Verify the changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to increase C drive space from D drive in Windows 10 can significantly enhance your computer’s performance by providing more room for essential system files and applications. This process is simple and can be done using the built-in Disk Management tool, eliminating the need for third-party software.
Remember to always backup your important data before making any changes to your disk partitions. This way, you can avoid any potential data loss. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully reallocate space from the D drive to the C drive, ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently.
Feel free to share this guide with others who might find it useful, and keep exploring ways to optimize your computer’s performance. Happy computing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.