[Tutorial] Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic in Server 2008 (R2)

Can I convert the boot disk to basic in Server 2008 R2 without OS reinstallation?

“To use an app on my machine, I want to convert my dynamic disk to basic as the app isn’t workable on dynamic disk. The problem is that the hard drive is with Windows Server 2008 R2 installed. I don’t want to delete the volumes and reinstall Windows Server 2008 R2? Is there a way to directly convert dynamic disk to basic in Windows Server 2008 R2 without volume deletion? Thanks in advance!

A dynamic disk converter for Windows Server

It’s common to convert basic disk to dynamic as dynamic disks performs better in flexibility and reliability. However, there still some occasions where you need to convert the disk back to basic, like what mentioned in the Scenario. To complete the task in Windows Server, it’s highly recommended to use AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. The Dynamic Disk Converter in it enables you to change dynamic disk to basic without deleting any volume, saves the trouble of reinstalling OS when you need to convert boot dynamic disk. It is workable under Windows Server 2003/2008 (R2)/2012 (R2)/2016/2019/2022 and Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista.

Convert dynamic disk into basic in Windows Server without deletion

Now, install the converter on your device and see how it works. Take converting dynamic disk into basic without losing data in Windows Server 2008 R2 as an example.

Note: It’s available to free download the demo version of AOMEI Partition Assistant Server to stimulate the operation and preview the result.

Step 1. Run AOMEI Partition Assistant Server, click “Convert” in the top toolbar, and choose “Dynamic Disk Converter”.

Step 2. It will run AOMEI Dynamic Disk Converter, click “Next” to continue.

Step 3. Choose “Convert a dynamic disk to basic disk” and click “Next”.

Step 4. Choose the dynamic disk that you need to convert to basic and click “Next”.

Step 5. Then, you’ll be prompted to reboot PC to make the conversion take effect.

Windows Server Disk Management: Convert dynamic disk into basic with deleting volumes

If your dynamic disk doesn’t hold operating system and necessary files, you can change dynamic disk back to basic use Disk Management rahter than third-party software. And you need to delete all volumes on the target dynamic disk before conversion. Below are the detailed steps on how to convert a dynamic disk to basic using Disk Management in Windows Server 2008 (R2), 2012 (R2), 2016, 2019, or 2022.

Step 1. Press “Windows” + “R” simultaneously, input “diskmgmt.msc” and click “OK” button to open Disk Management.

Step 2. Locate the dynamic disk that is going to be converted. Right click every volume on it and choose “Delete Volume...”.

Step 3. Then, you need click Yes to confirm the deletion. 

Step 4. After deleting all volumes on the select disk, you'll see the dynamic disk become basic automatically. If not,  right click the dynamic disk and choose “Convert to Basic Disk.” 

Wrap things up

It’s not tough to convert dynamic disk into basic without losing data in Windows Server, if you use the great software, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. Actually, the tool is far more than a dynamic disk converter. It can complete many other tasks, like converting MBR disk into GPT without losing data, transferring all data from HDD to SSD, etc. What’s more, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant Unlimited, if you want to use the tool on unlimited PC within one company.