Unlike earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows 98, the fdisk command is no longer used to set up partitions. If you've installed a new hard drive on a computer that is running Windows or want to change its partitions, use the Windows Disk Management tool. However, if you still prefer a command line interface to set up drives, you can use the diskpart command.
TipAfter formatting the external hard drive, you should partition the drive reasonably for better management. As for partitioning tool, you can choose freeware MiniTool Partition Wizard. How to Use an External Hard Drive in Windows 10 Extra Storage Device. It has been mentioned that an external hard drive has many benefits. Beside normal way of allocating a drive letter, it's also possible to assign a folder or directory (on partitions formatted as NTFS) to represent the hard disk drive, partition or volume too, eliminating eliminating the use of drive letter and enabling browsing the volume and partition contents as in folder, or path.
Users may also set up partitions during the Windows installation process. For further assistance with installing Windows, see: How to install the Microsoft Windows operating system.
NoteTo set up a new hard drive or partitions in Windows, you must have administrative rights.
How to open Disk Management
Windows 10, 8, and 7
From the Windows desktop, press Windows key, type Create and format hard disk partitions, and then press Enter.
Windows XP and 2000
- Click Start, then click Run.
- In the Run text field, type diskmgmt.msc and press Enter.
How to set up a new drive
- The Windows Disk Management tool should look similar to the image above. Any disks not yet set up are shown as Not Initialized and Unallocated.
- Right-click the disk you want to set up select Initialize Disk. If you are dealing with a disk already set up, skip to the next section.
If you're running a more recent version of Windows that supports GPT, you'll be prompted to select a Partition Style. For most users, leaving as MBR will be sufficient. If you're setting up a drive or partition larger than 2 TB or want to use the latest partitioning style, select GPT.
- Click the button.
How to create a partition
TipIf you are unfamiliar with any of the terminologies in the following steps, the next section should be helpful to you.
- Once the drive is initialized, right-click it.
- Select New Partition or New Simple Volume from the drop-down menu that appears.
- A New Simple Volume Wizard opens. Click the button.
- Specify the size of the partition you want to create, and click the button.
- Select a drive letter for your new partition, and click the button.
- Ensure the drive format is NTFS, change the volume's name (optional), and click the button.
- Click the button.
How to create a partition
TipIf you are unfamiliar with any of the terminologies in the following steps, the next section should be helpful to you.
- Once the drive is initialized, right-click it.
- Select New Partition or New Simple Volume from the drop-down menu that appears.
- A New Simple Volume Wizard opens. Click the button.
- Specify the size of the partition you want to create, and click the button.
- Select a drive letter for your new partition, and click the button.
- Ensure the drive format is NTFS, change the volume's name (optional), and click the button.
- Click the button, and your new partition appears.
Further information on partitions
Partition or Volume Size - By default, the size is the maximum capacity in MB of the drive. If you want the drive to have multiple partitions, change the size to that which you desire. The remainder of the drive can be allocated later and, if you specify the maximum size, you can also shrink this size at a later time.
How To Partition An External Hard Drive
Drive letter or Path - Each drive or partition in Windows can be assigned an available drive letter. Most Windows users prefer this setting. However, versions of Windows which support NTFS can also mount a drive to a folder on an existing drive. If you plan on using the drive to store only a specific type of file, such as pictures, music, or programs, this can be especially useful.
Format - The format of the drive specifies the type of file system you want to use on the computer. For most users, we highly recommend leaving it at the default NTFS file system. How do i download and install chrome os. Other options may include FAT32 or exFAT depending on your version of Windows.
How To Partition Drive C
Additional information
How To Unpartition Hard Drive
- See the Disk Management definition for further information and related links.
