AOMEI Partition Assistant
Does Shrinking a Partition Delete Data? Find Out the Truth
Does shrinking a partition delete data? If you're concerned about losing important files during the partition shrinking process, don't worry! This post will give you the answers you want and show you how to shrink a partition without losing data.
By Gia / Updated on January 20, 2025
I was trying to shrink 60GB of my partition (463GB) to create another partition. I want to make sure that no data will be lost first. How can I shrink a partition without losing data?
- Question from User
What is partition shrinking?
Partition shrinking refers to the process of reducing the amount of allocated space in an existing disk partition. By doing so, you can free up unused space for further use, such as creating another partition or expanding other existing ones. This action is typically done to optimize disk space and manage storage more efficiently.
For example, your hard drive is 500GB with a single partition that holds both your operating system and personal data. And you want to create a new partition for your work-related files. In such a case, you can shrink it to reorganize the disk.
Does shrinking a partition delete data?
If you’re considering shrinking a partition, you may be wondering, "Does shrinking a partition delete data?" The good news is that the process is generally safe, provided you take the necessary precautions and follow the proper steps.
This is because shrinking a partition only adjusts its size under normal circumstances, and it does not delete the data. However, it’s always important to be cautious, as unexpected errors during the process could result in data loss or corruption.
How to safely shrink a partition without losing data?
How can I shrink a partition without losing data? Don’t worry! In this section, we’ll guide you through the process step by step. Just follow the simple instructions below to safely adjust your partition space.
► Preparations Before Shrinking
☻ Check the health of your disk and ensure there’s enough free space within the partition to reduce its size safely.
☻ Backup your critical files to an external drive, cloud storage, or another secure location to protect yourself from unexpected data loss.
☻ Before proceeding, don’t forget to close all running applications on the resizing partition to avoid interference.
► Shrink Partitions with One Click
Once you’ve completed all the necessary preparations, it’s time to move on to shrinking the partition. The tool we’ll use is AOMEI Partition Assistant, a professional disk management tool and partition software. With its new feature, 1-Click Adjust Space, you can easily and flexibly resize partitions on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 without any data loss. Feel free to download it from the link below and give it a try:
100% SecureFollow these steps to shrink a partition without losing data using AOMEI Partition Assistant:
Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant on your device. Launch the software, right-click the partition you want to shrink, and select the 1-Click Adjust Space option.
Step 2. To shrink a partition without losing data, simply drag the dot at the beginning or end of the partition.
For example, if you want to shrink the F: partition, drag the dot to the right. This action will shrink the F: partition and enlarge the D: partition simultaneously. Then, click OK to proceed.
Step 3. After setting the desired adjustments, preview the changes in the Pending Operations window. Then click Apply and Proceed to apply the changes.
Step 4. Wait for the operation to be finished. It may take a few minutes. Once complete, the partition sizes will have been adjusted accordingly.
What if my data gets deleted unexpectedly?
While shrinking a partition typically only adjusts its size and leaves your files intact, there are always risks, especially if the process is not done properly. So, is there any way to restore files deleted during the shrinking process?
Absolutely! AOMEI Partition Assistant offers a powerful Recover Data tool that allows you to efficiently recover deleted files or folders from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and other Windows storage media. By scanning the partition where your lost files were stored, all missing files will be displayed and can be easily recovered with just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does shrinking a partition delete data?
No, shrinking a partition typically only reduces its size, leaving the data stored on it intact. However, there are risks involved, especially if the operation is interrupted or not done correctly.
Q2: Can I undo the shrink operation if something goes wrong?
Once a partition is shrunk, the operation is not easily reversible. Therefore, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and ensure that you’ve backed up any important data before attempting to resize the partition.
Q3: Will shrinking my partition cause my computer to slow down?
Shrinking a partition itself does not cause your computer to slow down. But if the partition is nearly full or highly fragmented, you may experience slower performance.
Final Words
Shrinking a partition is an effective way to manage your disk, but it does come with certain risks. Does shrinking a partition delete data? No need to worry! The process simply adjusts the size of your partition, keeping your data safe. By taking the necessary precautions and using reliable tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant, you can safely shrink your partition without losing data.
In addition to resizing partitions, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers a range of advanced features, such as merging partitions, allocating free space, and cloning partitions. These features streamline disk management, making it safer and easier than ever before. If you're using a Windows Server, the server edition can meet your needs.
