Unlock Full Disk Space: Easily Combine Unallocated Partitions
When multiple unallocated partitions exist on a hard drive, combining them into a single partition can help maximize available space and improve disk organization. This guide explores the best methods to safely combine unallocated partitions on Windows, helping you optimize disk management.
Why Combine Unallocated Partitions?
Multiple unallocated partitions on a hard drive take up valuable space that cannot be used for storing files or installing applications. This wasted space can lead to inefficient disk management and lower overall system performance. Combining these partitions into a single usable volume can help maximize disk space, improve file organization, and enhance system efficiency.
This guide will explore two effective methods to combine unallocated partitions on Windows 10, including a built-in system tool and professional partition management software. Please follow the steps below to ensure a smooth and error-free process.
Combine Unallocated Partitions via Disk Management
Disk Management is a built-in Windows utility that allows users to manage their disk partitions. It offers a simple way to combine unallocated partitions, but it has limitations. It only supports NTFS and RAW partitions. Here’s how to combine 2 unallocated partitions via Disk Management:
Step 1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management from the menu.
Step 2. Check if the two unallocated spaces are next to each other (black bars without gaps). If they are adjacent, right-click the first unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.
Step 3. After creating a new partition, right-click it and choose Extend Volume.
Step 4. Follow the Extend Volume Wizard prompts to combine them.
Combine Non-Adjacent Unallocated Partitions Using Professional Software
What if my unallocated partitions are non-adjacent? Don’t worry! AOMEI Partition Assistant can help you combine them effortlessly! This professional partition management tool allows you to create, move, merge, and manage partitions without data loss. With just a few clicks, you can optimize your disk space efficiently.
Why Choose AOMEI Partition Assistant?
✔ Merges non-adjacent partitions seamlessly.
✔ Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 (Server edition available for Windows Server).
✔ Ensures no data loss during partition merging.
✔ Offers advanced disk management tools (resize, move, create, and manage partitions).
Here’s how to combine 2 unallocated partitions using AOMEI Partition Assistant:
➤ Stage 1. Create a New Partition
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right-click the unallocated space and select Create Partition.
Step 2. In the pop-up window, click Advanced to specify the information for the new partition, including partition size, partition label, drive letter, files system, and partition type. Then, click OK to continue.
Step 3. Click Apply and Proceed to start the operation.
➤ Stage 2. Merge this Partition with Another Unallocated Partition
Step 1. Right-click the partition you just created (Partition D) and choose Advanced > Merge Partitions.
Step 2. Choose the partitions that you want to merge and click OK.
Step 3. After confirming the operation, click Apply and Proceed to combine them.
Bonus Tip: Allocate Free Space from One Partition to Another
Sometimes, your partition may become full, but there is no unallocated space available to extend it. AOMEI Partition Assistant can help resolve this issue by reallocating free space from one partition to another. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Right-click the partition which you want to allocate free space from, and select Allocate Free Space.
Step 2. Type in the size of the free space that you want to cut from the D: partition and this free space will be directly added to the destination partition.
Step 3. After confirming the operation, click Apply and Proceed to combine them.
Conclusion
Combining unallocated partitions is essential for optimizing disk space and improving system performance. Windows built-in tools like Disk Management and Diskpart work well for adjacent partitions but cannot combine non-adjacent spaces. If you want to combine non-adjacent space, consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant.
By following the methods in this guide, you can effectively combine 2 unallocated partitions or merge multiple unallocated spaces on Windows 10 and other versions. Always remember to back up important data before making partition changes to avoid data loss.
FAQs
❓ Why can't I extend my partition with Disk Management?
Disk Management only supports extending a partition if the unallocated space is directly next to it. If the unallocated space is non-adjacent, consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant.
❓ How do I move unallocated space next to a partition?
Windows does not offer an option to move unallocated space, but AOMEI Partition Assistant allows you to move partitions easily.
❓ Can I merge partitions with different file systems?
No, partitions must have the same file system format to be merged. You may need to format the partition before merging.