AOMEI Partition Assistant
[Full Guide] Convert Logical Partition to Primary Using Diskpart
Want to convert logical partition to primary using diskpart but don’t know how? Follow our steps to get it done. You’ll also find an alternative method if using CMD is difficult for you.
By Dervish / Updated on April 11, 2025
What are the differences between primary and logical partitions?
Before converting a logical partition to a primary partition, it’s better to know what each type of partition is and how they function.
The table below summarizes the key differences between primary and logical partitions, the reasons why conversion of logical partition to primary may be necessary, and the available methods to perform the conversion safely.
| Category | Primary Partition | Logical Partition | Why Convert | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Capability | Bootable (can install OS) | Not bootable (OS cannot be installed) | Need to install OS or certain system programs | Convert to primary |
| Partition Limit (MBR) | Max 4 primary partitions per MBR disk | Exists inside extended partition; allows more partitions | Want to use a partition as primary on a disk with space left | Convert if less than 4 primary partitions exist |
| Set as Active | Can be set active (required for BIOS boot) | Cannot be marked as active | BIOS cannot boot from a logical partition | Convert to primary |
| Program Compatibility | Fully compatible (OS + all apps) | Some apps can't be installed | Some programs require a primary partition | Convert using tool |
| Data Loss Risk | DiskPart method deletes all data | — | DiskPart conversion erases everything | Backup or use a safer tool |
| Safe Method | — | Use AOMEI Partition Assistant to convert without data loss | Avoid losing data during conversion | Use AOMEI’s "Convert to Primary" option |
From the table, we can see that a basic MBR disk can have up to 4 primary partitions, or 3 primary partitions and one extended partition. Logical partitions are useful for organizing files and data, making it easier for users to find information efficiently. However, there are still some limitations with logical partitions.
For example, Windows system programs can only be installed on a primary partition, and some applications also cannot be installed on a logical partition. Additionally, tools like Disk Management or File Explorer in Windows 11/10/8/7 do not provide an option to convert a logical partition to a primary one. Therefore, we need to use Diskpart or a handy tool to perform this conversion.
How to convert logical partition to primary using Diskpart (DATA LOSS)
To convert logical partition to primary partition, Windows built-in tool diskpart can be very helpful. Let’s see the guides below:
Note: changing logical partition to primary partition will delete all files on the target partition, so backup important data beforehand.
Step 1. Click “start” to type “diskpart”, then right click on “diskpart” and select “Run as administrator”.
Step 2. In the pop-up window, input the following commands and hit “Enter” after each command.
select disk n (here “n” is the disk number of the disk which contains the logical partition you need to convert to primary partition)
list partition
select partition m (here “m” is the partition number of the logical partition you want to convert)
delete partition: this command will remove everything on the selected partition.
create partition primary
Tip: If there is no unallocated space on the disk, you should create unallocated space before creating an extended partition by shrinking or deleting the existing partitions.
🔥DiskPart alternative to convert logical partition to primary partition without losing data
Since using DiskPart (CMD) to convert a logical partition to a primary partition will delete all data on the selected partition, it poses a high risk of data loss. To avoid this, it's recommended to use a safer and more user-friendly solution—AOMEI Partition Assistant. This powerful partition manager allows you to convert a logical drive to a primary drive without losing any data, making the process both safer and more convenient. Below are the specific steps to change logical partition to primary partition using AOMEI Partition Assistant.
✍ Notes:
● This conversion won’t damage your data, but it is also suggested to backup important datain case that sudden power failure or other human operation error leads to data loss.
● If there are other applications running on the partition which you are going to perform, AOMEI Partition Assistant will notice you to close the applications or to execute this operation on PreOS Mode.
● To avoid the computer stop working, AOMEI Partition Assistant will not allow you to convert a system partition to logical.
AOMEI Partition AssistantThe Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
Step 1. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right click the logical partition you want to convert and select “Advanced” > “Convert to Primary”.
Step 2. In the pop-up window, click “OK” to continue.
Step 3.After that, it will back up to the main interface, preview the changes and click “Apply” > “Proceed” to complete this operation.
Wait for a while, and you will see the logical partition has been converted to primary partition successfully. If you don’t want that much primary partition, it is available to convert primary partition to logical partition too.
Apart from converting partition types between primary and logical drives without losing data, AOMEI Partition Assistant also supports:
1. Converting file systems between NTFS and FAT32 without formatting/losing data via the “NTFS to FAT32 Converter”.
2. Converting data and system disk between MBR and GPT partition style without deleting existing partitions or data loss.
3. Convert dynamic disk to basic without removing volumes, namely the stored data will not get lost.
Conclusion
In this post, we have not only demonstrated how to convert logical partition to primary partition using Diskpart, but also shared a great alternative to change logical drive to primary drive more easily and safely. AOMEI Partition Assistant is a versatile partition manager.
In addition to the mentioned functions, and it also provides you many other powerful functions like resize partition, delete partition, format partition, move partition, wipe partition, disk copy, partition copy, migrate OS to SSD, securely erase SSD and so on. To manage disk partitions through such an amazing tool, you can try AOMEI Partition Assistant Server.
