Hard Disk Partition all methods
Hard Disk Partition: All Methods Explained
A hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) is divided into multiple sections called partitions to improve storage management, data security, and system efficiency. Partitioning a hard drive helps in organizing files, installing multiple operating systems, and optimizing performance. In this guide, we will cover all methods of partitioning, hiding, and deleting hard disk partitions.
Understanding Hard Disk Partitions
Types of Hard Disk Partitions
- Primary Partition: This is the main partition that stores the operating system. A hard drive can have up to four primary partitions.
- Extended Partition: If more than four partitions are needed, an extended partition is created, which can house multiple logical drives.
- Logical Partition: Partitions created within an extended partition are called logical partitions.
Why Partition a Hard Disk?
- To separate system files from personal files.
- To install multiple operating systems.
- To improve disk performance and organization.
- To enhance data security and recovery.
Methods to Partition a Hard Disk
Method 1: Using Windows Disk Management
Windows provides an in-built tool called Disk Management to create and manage partitions.
Steps:
- Right-click on This PC (or My Computer) and select Manage.
- Click on Disk Management under the Storage section.
- Locate the unallocated space or shrink an existing partition.
- Right-click on the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.
- Follow the wizard to set partition size, assign a drive letter, and format the drive.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Diskpart)
Diskpart is a command-line utility for disk partitioning.
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type
diskpart
and press Enter. - Type
list disk
to see available drives. - Select a disk using
select disk X
(replace X with disk number). - Create a partition using
create partition primary
. - Format the partition with
format fs=ntfs quick
. - Assign a drive letter with
assign letter=X
.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
Many third-party tools offer advanced partitioning features, such as:
- EaseUS Partition Master
- MiniTool Partition Wizard
- AOMEI Partition Assistant
These tools provide an easy interface with additional options like merging, resizing, and converting partitions.
Hiding a Hard Disk Drive (Any Drive)
Hiding a partition prevents it from being visible in File Explorer, providing privacy and security.
Method 1: Using Disk Management
- Open Disk Management.
- Right-click on the partition to hide.
- Select Change Drive Letter and Paths.
- Click Remove and confirm.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Diskpart)
- Open Command Prompt and type
diskpart
. - Type
list volume
to display partitions. - Select the drive using
select volume X
(replace X with volume number). - Hide it using
remove letter=X
(replace X with drive letter).
To unhide, use assign letter=X
.
Method 3: Using Registry Editor
- Open Run (
Win + R
), typeregedit
, and press Enter. - Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
. - Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named
NoDrives
. - Assign a specific value corresponding to the drive you want to hide.
To restore, delete the NoDrives
entry.
Deleting a Hard Disk Partition
Deleting a partition erases all data and converts it into unallocated space.
Method 1: Using Disk Management
- Open Disk Management.
- Right-click the partition to delete.
- Select Delete Volume and confirm.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Diskpart)
- Open Command Prompt and type
diskpart
. - List partitions using
list partition
. - Select a partition with
select partition X
. - Delete it using
delete partition
.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
Partition management tools allow easy deletion of partitions with a graphical interface.
Precautions Before Partitioning, Hiding, or Deleting a Partition
- Backup important data to prevent loss.
- Check partition types to avoid deleting essential system partitions.
- Use reliable tools for safety and efficiency.
Partitioning a hard disk is essential for proper disk management. By following the methods above, you can efficiently create, hide, or delete partitions according to your needs.
Write here your comments and any question related to articles ...