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How to Split C Drive in Windows 11/10/8/7šŸ”„

What should I do when I get a new computer? Is it possible to improve the system performance by separating the C drive into partitions? In this article, we will show you how to split C drive in Windows OSs. Continue reading to learn more.

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Updated by Roxanne on Oct 10, 2023
Written by Tracy King

As the system drives in Windows, the C drive contains all the crucial operating system files that impact performance and stability. However, when you get a new computer, the C drive often takes up almost the entire hard disk space, leading to disorganized storage and affected efficiency. Thus, it is important to optimize the system and improve disk usage by dividing the C drive into partitions.

split c drive

This article from EaseUS provides 2 straightforward methods to split C drive on Windows 11/10/8/7 so that you can store different types of data on distinct partitions.

  1. 1. Split C Drive with Partition Software
  2. 2. Split C Drive in via Disk Management

Split C Drive with Partition Software

You may have already known that there's a built-in Disk Management in Windows operating systems. However, it is a little bit complex for some beginners and may cause data loss. To do it more easily, you need third-party partition software.

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With the help of EaseUS Partition Master, you can split the C drive easily.Ā It can split the unused free space of the C drive into two automatically. You don't have to format the disk, which means no need to go through data loss or re-install the system and reallocate disk space. You are also allowed to manually adjust the space capacity of the partitions and adopt other features like changing the drive letter and partition type,Ā setting cluster size,Ā partition C drive in Windows 7 without formatting,Ā etc.

After downloading the software, follow the detailed steps to solve your problem.

Step 1. SelectĀ your targeted partition and click "Split Partition" from the Feature List.

Step 2. Resize the size of the two split partitions and click "OK".

Step 3.Ā All the introduced changes to the disk layout will be pended until applied inĀ Execute Task.

Step 4. After applying the changes, you successfully split the partition into two partitions.

Notes:

  • EaseUS Partition Master supports split partition on basic disk only. It cannot split the dynamic volume.
  • Only the non-hidden partition can be split.
  • The unused space of the operating partitions should be more than 5% of the total partition space.

Besides splittingĀ partitions, below are the other several features of EaseUS Partition Master that can help you modify and optimize the disk space:

  • Create/Delete Partition: Creating new partitionsĀ for storing different kinds of data and files. Deleting unnecessary partitions to get more space for other partitions.
  • Merge Partitions: Merging two partitions to combine their storage capacity into one single larger partition.
  • Format/Wipe Partition: Formatting or wiping a partition protects your privacy by erasing all the data in it.
  • Convert MBR to GPT: Converting partition style from MBR to GPT enables using larger than 2TB partition capacity.
  • Resize/Move Partition: Resizing or moving a partition modifies its storage capacity or location without losing its data.

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Now that you have learned how to separate a drive, it's time to look at how toĀ create new partitionsĀ from unallocated space. Here is a worthy reading article for you to learn.

how to create partition from unallocated space

How to Create Partition from Unallocated Space

This passage will show you how to create a partition from unallocated space in Windows 10. You will get three methods, and you can choose according to your needs. Read more >>

Split C Drive in via Disk Management

There's a built-in tool in Windows OS called Disk Management that can help you divide the C drive into several partitions. This tool allows you to manage your disk in certain ways. But for separating the local disk with Disk Management, you can only shrink the C driveĀ first. Then, create a new partition from unallocated space to get more partitions on your hard drive.

Follow the steps in the guide below:

Step 1. Open Disk Management by right-clicking the Start icon and selecting Disk Management.

Step 2. Right-click C drive and select Shrink Volume.

shrink volume

Step 3. Type in the amount of space to shrink from C drive and then click Shrink to get the unallocated space.

shrink

Step 4. Right-click the unallocated volume and click New Simple Volume.

new simple volume

Step 5. Type in the amount of space you want to allocate to this new volume and then format it to get a new partition.

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Ā 

Why Do You Need to Split C Drive

To some beginners, it might be a little confusing about splitting C drive and the reasons why you should do it. Splitting partition refers to dividing a single large partition into several smaller partitions on a hard disk or SSD. It involves resizing the large partition into smaller desired sizes.

The rest of the space becomes unallocated, which can then be used to create new partitions. Some users might think that using C drive as the only one would save a lot of partition troubles. However,Ā this is not how it works.

If you want to know why you should split the C drive first when purchasing a new PC, check theĀ reasons below.

  • Keep the operating system separate from personal data to minimize risk and ensure stability.
  • Make full use of disk space and make the number and size of partitions more reasonable.
  • ToĀ Install two different Windows OSs in different partitions on one device.
  • Improve the loading andĀ performance of your computer.
  • Sort data for better management and easier backup.
  • Work with multiple file systems, such as NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT.

Conclusion

Ā It is essential to split C drive when you get a new computer. By learning the basics of partitioning and the various benefits of dividing the C drive into more partitions, we now understand its importance. If you don't do it, your computer will soon experience data chaos and severe damage to the operating system.

By splitting the C drive through EaseUS Partition Master, the potential of your computer can be maximized without losing data. Download the partition software now to save yourself a lot of trouble.

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FAQs on Split C Drive

1. How many GB should I leave on C drive?

You should have at least 20 GB on your C drive as free space. This can make sure the C drive hasĀ enough space for the operating system, important data, and other programs you may have installed.

2. How do I split C drive into D and E in Windows 11?

Check out the guide here:

  • Open Disk Management.
  • Right-click C drive, then select "Shrink Volume".
  • Type in the amount of space and click "next".
  • Right-click on the unallocated space and select "new simple volume".
  • Set partition size and add drive letter with D.
  • Reserve enough unallocated space and repeat the previous stepĀ to create E.

3. Can I split my C drive?

You can't repartition the C drive until you first format it. However, the Windows operating system has a protective mechanism that prevents you from formatting or deleting the C drive with normal disk partitioning tools. You can only adjust the size of the C drive if you want to increase or shrink the partition on Windows systems.

4. How do I split my SSD C drive?

  • Open Disk Management.
  • Right-click C drive, then select "Shrink Volume".
  • Type in the amount of space and click "next" to shrink the C drive.
  • Right-click the unallocated space and select "new simple volume" on the target hard drive.
  • Adjust the partition size, partition drive letter, file system, and more in the Advanced Settings.
  • Click "OK".

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About the Author

Updated by Roxanne

Roxanne is one of the main contributors to EaseUS and has created over 200 posts that help users solve multiple issues and failures on digital devices like PCs, Mobile phones, tablets, and Macs. She loves to share ideas with people of the same interests.

Read full bio

Written by Tracy King

Tracy became a member of the EaseUS content team in 2013. Being a technical writer for over 10 years, she is enthusiastic about sharing tips to assist readers in resolving complex issues in disk management, file transfer, PC & Mac performance optimization, etc., like an expert.

Read full bio

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