To partition a hard drive in Windows 11, open Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management), right-click the drive you want to split, choose Shrink Volume, and enter how much space to free. Then right-click the new Unallocated space, choose New Simple Volume, and follow the wizard to give it a drive letter and format it. Back up important files first.
Quick Answer
Right-click Start > Disk Management > right-click C: > Shrink Volume > enter size in MB > Shrink > right-click Unallocated > New Simple Volume > Next through the wizard.
Steps to Create a Partition
- Back up your files.
- Right-click Start and choose Disk Management.
- Right-click the volume with free space (often C:) and choose Shrink Volume.
- Enter the amount to shrink in MB (1 GB = 1024 MB) and click Shrink.
- Right-click the new Unallocated area and choose New Simple Volume.
- Pick a size, drive letter and file system (NTFS for Windows use, exFAT to share with Macs), give it a label, and finish.
Using Settings Instead
Open Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes. Select a volume and click Properties > Change size to shrink it, then use Create volume on the unallocated space.
Partition Options
| Task | Where |
|---|---|
| Shrink a volume | Disk Management or Disks & volumes |
| Create a volume | New Simple Volume / Create volume |
| Extend a volume | Extend Volume (needs unallocated space right after it) |
| Delete a volume | Delete Volume (erases its data) |
| Set up a brand-new drive | Initialize Disk, then New Simple Volume |
Troubleshooting
- Can’t shrink as much as expected: Unmovable system files (page file, hibernation, restore points) sit near the end. Turn them off temporarily, shrink, then turn them back on.
- BitLocker is on: Keep your recovery key handy. See finding your BitLocker recovery key.
- Need more space on C: instead? See increasing C drive space.
- Setting up a new SSD: See setting up a new SSD. For Windows 10, see creating a partition in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does partitioning delete files?
Shrinking and creating volumes don’t, but mistakes can. Back up first, and never delete a volume you’re unsure about.
Should I partition an SSD?
It’s fine for organisation. It doesn’t speed up the drive.
Can I merge partitions later?
Delete the second volume (after backing it up), then extend the first into the free space.
Summary
- Back up and open Disk Management.
- Shrink an existing volume.
- Create a New Simple Volume in the unallocated space.
- Assign a letter and format it.
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.