{"id":6155,"date":"2022-01-11T19:51:35","date_gmt":"2022-01-11T14:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/?p=6155"},"modified":"2022-01-11T19:51:36","modified_gmt":"2022-01-11T14:51:36","slug":"partition-a-hard-disk-drive-on-windows-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/partition-a-hard-disk-drive-on-windows-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Partition a Hard Disk Drive on Windows PC?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-ad-id=\"3224\" style=\"text-align:center; margin-top:px; margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:px; margin-right:px;float:none;\" class=\"afw afw_custom  afw_ad afwadid-3224  \">\r\n                                                        \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n\tatOptions = {\r\n\t\t'key' : 'c403e99c13482c5d818e92434c3be687',\r\n\t\t'format' : 'iframe',\r\n\t\t'height' : 90,\r\n\t\t'width' : 728,\r\n\t\t'params' : {}\r\n\t};\r\n\tdocument.write('<scr' + 'ipt type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http' + (location.protocol === 'https:' ? 's' : '') + ':\/\/www.profitabledisplaynetwork.com\/c403e99c13482c5d818e92434c3be687\/invoke.js\"><\/scr' + 'ipt>');\r\n<\/script>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" src=\"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Partition-a-hard-disk-drive.jpg\" alt=\"How To Partition a hard disk drive On Windows  PC\" class=\"wp-image-6157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Partition-a-hard-disk-drive.jpg 700w, https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Partition-a-hard-disk-drive-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Partition-a-hard-disk-drive-150x84.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What do you do after you\u00a0install the hard drive? Partition the hard drive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yup!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, why would one want to partition a hard drive? To give the data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A Better Organization<\/li><li>Improved Security<\/li><li>Convenience for\u00a0backup\u00a0and restore<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And, above all:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boost up the disk performance and partition the hard drive for dual-booting (run two OS\u2019s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So why to wait? Skim through this comprehensive guide to completely partition your hard drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Method 1- Partition hard drive using \u201cDisk management\u201d \u2013 A conventional method to partition a hard drive<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note: Follow the easy steps below to partition a hard drive in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/download-windows-10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Windows 10<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/windows-8-1-pro-iso-download\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Windows 8, 8.1<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/download-windows-7\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Windows 7<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/download-windows-vista\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Windows Vista<\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/download-windows-xp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Windows XP<\/a><\/em>\u00a0\u2013 either on your PC or Laptop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Head all over to Start Menu. Type \u201cComputer Management\u201d in the search bar of the Start menu and press enter.<\/li><li>When Computer Management opens, click on \u201c<strong>Disk Management<\/strong>\u201c.<\/li><li>By doing so, you will see all of the disks and their partitions (if any) on your computer.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In Windows XP, you will see an \u201cInitialize and Convert Disk\u201d Wizard Screen. Make sure to not select the \u201cconvert\u201d the disk option, unless you are sure to<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, choose the partition style for the selected disk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>If the hard drive installed is 2 Terabyte or 3 TB or 4 Tb or maybe even larger, choose GPT.<\/li><li>If it\u2019s smaller, say 1 TB or (something) choose MBR.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Click \u2018OK\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note: Note: If you don\u2019t see the drive you want to partition, make sure to properly install the hard drive. For an external&nbsp;<\/em>or portable hard drive<em>, make sure to connect it with the computer. The following steps are then the same.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Now, select the drive \u2013 you want to reduce. Head over to that particular volume and right-click it.<\/li><li>Select \u201cShrink Volume\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In my case, it\u2019s the \u201cC\u201d drive. You may select your own \u2013 No worries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled161.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6127\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Enter the size (in MB) you wish to shrink your drive to. Then click the \u201cShrink\u201d button.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Remember: 1000 MB = 1 GB<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note: You can not exceed the volume limit provided in Size of available shrink space in MB section.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled163-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6146\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Now, select \u201ccreate new simple volume\u201d on the unallocated space.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In Windows XP, you see this option as \u201cNew Partition\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A window \u2013 (New Simple Volume Wizard) will not pop-up. Choose \u201cNext\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In Windows XP, a \u201cSelect Partition Type\u201d screen appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Choose Primary Partition.<\/li><li>Extended partition is helpful only if you\u2019re creating five or more partitions on a single physical hard drive.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Select \u201cNext\u201d to continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Now, choose \u201cNext\u201d on the \u201cSpecify Volume Size\u201d window to confirm the new partition.<\/li><li>Give your new volume a drive letter or a path step. Click \u201cNext\u201d.<ul><li>Drive letter is likely used to&nbsp;<em>identify<\/em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>navigate<\/em>&nbsp;to your new partition.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In my case, it\u2019s set to default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, before you can use this new partition to store data, you first have to format it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here\u2019s how you can format your hard drive without formatting or without losing data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Click on the small little dot that says \u2013 \u201cFormat this volume with the following settings\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For the file system choose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>NTFS \u2013 (New Technology File System). This is used for storing and retrieving files on a hard disk.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For Allocation unit size choose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Default<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Allocation unit size is also often called \u201ccluster size\u201d. This is because it is the smallest possible chunk of data or the block size on your hard drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, for instance, you have large or small files on your computer, each will be the size of your allocation unit. This means that even if one file grows, the file will at least increase the allocation unit size you set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me put it the other way round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If for example, you have many chunks of small files, keeping the allocation size small is a good idea. This is ultimately does not wasteful hard drive space. Or maybe you have lots of large files, keeping the allocation size higher will increase the system performance by having fewer blocks to seek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, using the system \u201cdefault\u201d is the best choice. But, the opinion\u2019s yours. In this case, if you have a larger number of smaller files, a larger allocation unit size will take up your drive space slightly faster. For everyday calculations, this is not suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it\u2019s best to stick with the \u201cDefault\u201d option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For volume label:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Enter the name you wish to assign your new drive.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Click on \u201cPerform a Quick Format\u201d. The quick format means that Windows just deletes the data and changes the file system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Hit \u201cNext\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled172.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6176\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Look over the settings and click \u201cFinish\u201d to confirm the partitioning process.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now go back to \u201cFile Explorer\u201d and check your new volume\/partition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled175.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6183\" \/><figcaption>You have successfully partitioned the hard drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Method 2- Partition hard drive using cmd \u2013 A powerful method to partition a hard drive<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can partition your hard drive through dos command also. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Run \u201ccommand prompt\u201d as administrator.<\/li><li>Type \u201cDiskpart\u201d in there.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled218-1.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6435\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Type \u201clist disk\u201d. This will show hard disk size and free space. In disk 0, you would have some free space allocated.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled219.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6433\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Further, type \u201cselect disk 0\u201d. This would mark the disk that you want to use.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled220.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6437\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Now, type \u201clist volume\u201d. This would make you show existing partitions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled221.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6438\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Next type \u201ccreate partition primary\u201d to start with partitioning process.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled222.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6440\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now comes the formatting part:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>type format fs=ntfs label=(assign any label to it) quick<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled224.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6445\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, wait a while until diskpart successfully formats the volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Type \u201clist volume\u201d to show the new partition.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled223-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6446\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But, because the volume (2) is without a drive letter. To assign a letter to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Type \u201cassign letter=d\u201d or any letter that you like.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled225.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6449\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now the new volume is available. You can type \u201clist volume\u201d to check it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To exit diskpart, simply key in the following command:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\u201cexit\u2019<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Super Simple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Method 3- How to Use GParted to Partition Your Hard Drive<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use GParted to<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>partition a hard drive<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>that already has data on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Launch GParted.<\/li><li>Type in the authentication password to run GParted Partition Editor.<\/li><li>You would see different partition as the interface opens up.<\/li><li>Now, on the desired volume, right-click and select \u201cResize\/Move\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled226.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6540\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Next, specify a partition size to your new volume. Here\u2019s how.<\/li><li>You can either drag the scroller or simply key in the size.<\/li><li>Then click \u201cResize\/Move\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled227.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6541\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Now, on the unallocated space, right-click it and select \u201cNew\u201d.<\/li><li>To make this space useful, you have to format it first.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled228.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6544\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Now the final step is to click \u201cApply\u201d to apply the changes. This is shown as the green tick.<\/li><li>A confirmation message appears. Click \u201cApply\u201d.<\/li><li>Now to see the new partition, you can close the software program and head over to \u201cFile Explorer\u201d. On the left pane you can see your new partition.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best hard disk partition software\u2019s for Windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>AOMEI partition assistant<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.partitionwizard.com\/free-partition-manager.html\" target=\"_blank\">MiniTool Partition Wizard<\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.easeus.com\/partition-manager\/epm-free.html\" target=\"_blank\">EaseUS partition manager<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After installing windows you can either use disk management or disk partition manager software\u2019s to partition the hard disk and these third-party tools are helpful. In-fact, these are the 3 best hard disk partition managers\u201d for windows that are super easy to use!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Use \u201cAOMEI\u201d to partition a hard drive<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 A powerful disk management software<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Launch AOMEI. Right-click the drive you want to reduce and select \u201cCreate Partition\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled191-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6266\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>On the appearing window, navigate to and select \u201cAdvanced\u201d.<\/li><li>Assign information to your new drive.<\/li><li>Here\u2019s how you can do it:<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>For the file system, choose preferably \u2013 (NTFS).<\/li><li>For partition type, choose (logical) or (primary).<\/li><li>Specify the size to the volume by \u201cdragging the edge circle rightwards or leftwards\u201d.<\/li><li>Assign a drive letter to it and click \u201cOK\u201d.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>You can click \u201cApply\u201d to preview the new created partition\/volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to partition a hard drive \u2013 Best free partition software<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Launch Minitool partition wizard.<\/li><li>Select the unallocated space and click&nbsp;<strong>\u201cCreate Partition\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;from the left menu.<\/li><li>Right-click the unallocated space and choose \u201ccreate\u201d from the list menu.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled199-1.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6321\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now comes the formatting part:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Assign your new drive a partition label.<\/li><li>Give it a partition type.<\/li><li>Assign a drive letter, file system, cluster size and partition volume.<\/li><li>Allot the drive a partition location and partition alignment method.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, here are few things to take account of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Newer Microsoft OS versions and Linux use the \u201cMB\u201d alignment by default. Therefore, let it be \u201cdefault\u201d. On the flip side, Windows XP and Windows Vista potentially align the partition to \u201ccylinder\u201d.<\/li><li>For a logical partition aligning to cylinder:<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>There will be 8MB unallocated space.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>For a primary partition which is a bootable partition:<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>There won\u2019t be 8MB unallocated space.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, with no changes, continue by keeping all the parameters as \u201cdefault\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Hit \u201cOK\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled202.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6326\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You can now preview the new partition and click \u201cApply\u201d button to confirm the process.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Use \u201cEaseUS partition manager\u201d to partition a hard drive \u2013 Safest partition management software<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Launch \u201cEaseUS partition manager\u201d. It is also one of the best disk partition software that effortlessly works for windows.<\/li><li>Right-click on the unallocated space on your hard disk or external storage device and select \u201cCreate\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled206.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6334\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, format the hard drive, before you can use it to store data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Assign your new drive a file system, label and size etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Click \u201cOK\u201d to proceed.<\/li><li>Confirm your new partition by clicking \u201cExecute Operation\u201d button. Then click \u201cApply\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Simple enough!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to re-partition a hard drive on windows 10<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The process of re-partitioning a hard drive is much easier. In-fact it is the same as partitioning the hard drive. All it involves is a two-step process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Shrink the drive<\/li><li>Allocate the new partition the volume size, file format, drive letter, etc.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All that you have just learned so far!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to partition a hard drive on your macOS without erasing data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Important: As a precaution, back up&nbsp;<\/em>your data to not erase the information stored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you use macbook air or macbook pro, the process involved \u2013 is the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Head over to \u201cFinder\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>On the following window that appears, navigate to \u201cApplications\u201d.<\/li><li>Now, move your cursor over to \u201cDisk Utility\u201d.<\/li><li>On the following window, navigate to and double-click \u201cDisk Utility\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Shift your cursor to the left pane of disk utility and select your hard drive. It might be named \u201cFusion,\u201d or \u201cMacintosh HD.\u201d<\/li><li>Highlight it and click on the \u201cPartition tab\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled185.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6196\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>By doing so, a new window will appear which will show all your partition into your mac device.<\/li><li>Now, move straight down to click the plus sign (+) to create the partition.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Change the size of the partition you wish to use by simply dragging the resize control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, under partition information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Name your new partition or volume.<\/li><li>Specify a file system format. To do so, you\u2019ll preferably choose \u201cAPFS\u201d if you\u2019re running macOS 10.13 or higher. In-case, its macOS 10.12 or older, go for \u201cMac OS Extended\u201d.<\/li><li>Click \u201cApply\u201d.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled187-1.png\" alt=\"How to Partition a hard disk drive on (Windows &amp; macOS)\" class=\"wp-image-6205\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A confirmation window will now appear. Just click \u201cPartition\u201d. Disk Utility will check the disk and make changes. This might take some long \u2013 Don\u2019t worry.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, you can go back to \u201cFinder\u201d to see the new partition. This way you can partition apple hard drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Easy right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to create a partition on your Time Machine external hard drive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By doing this, you have a dedicated partition for file storage, and a dedicated partition for your Time Machine backups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Head over to Finder.<\/li><li>Verify the location of your Backups.backupdb folder. This folder contains the backups of your Time Machine.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled229.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6594\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Now, open Disk Utility and select your external disk.<\/li><li>Move over to \u201cpartition\u201d tab.<\/li><li>Click on the \u201c+\u201d sign to add the partition.<\/li><li>Now, use the drag handle in between the partition to resize them. To make it more efficient leave 2-4 times the size of your Mac installation and all of its data.<\/li><li>Assign a name to make your storage obvious.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www2.softlay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Untitled230-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6604\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Click \u201cApply\u201d to get done with the partition.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, once it done, you\u2019ll now have two disks show up in Finder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Your original disk which contains Time Machine backups folder.<\/li><li>Your new file storage that stores data on your external drive.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, you can now enjoy the use of your external drive to the fullest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Partition Seagate External Hard Drive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Seagate external hard drive is pre-formatted with one NTFS partition, limiting its usefulness for some users. Yet, it can be divided into as many partitions as you wish with either Macintosh or Windows partition schemes and file systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Windows Disk Management<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Insert the Seagate external hard drive into the spare port on the computer.<\/li><li>Head-over to \u201cStart\u201d menu button.<\/li><li>Open \u201ccontrol panel\u201d.<\/li><li>Open \u201cAdministrator Tools\u201d &gt; \u201cComputer Management\u201d &gt; \u201cDisk Management\u201d.<\/li><li>Now, right-click the unallocated space on the Seagate external hard drive.<\/li><li>Click \u201cNew Simple Volume\u201d.<\/li><li>After clicking \u201cNext\u201d; assign the new volume a partition size ( in MB ). Click \u201cNext\u201d.<\/li><li>Assign also a drive letter to the new partition. Click \u201cNext\u201d<\/li><li>Now, comes the formatting part: Its all the same!<\/li><li>Go with the \u201cDefault\u201d settings. Click \u201cNext\u201d and follow the series of prompts to complete the partition process.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Macintosh Disk Utility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Plugin the Seagate external hard drive to you mac computer and launch \u201cDisk Utility\u201d program.<\/li><li>Select the hard drive from the list.<\/li><li>Click \u201cPartition\u201d and select the number of the partition you want to create on the Seagate drive from the \u201cVolume Scheme\u201d drop-down menu.<\/li><li>Now, enter a name for each partition, select a format and assign a partition size to it.<\/li><li>Click the \u201cpartition\u201d button to begin the partitioning process<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re good now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here a big problem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most users shout out that their seagate hard drive is not accessible or not showing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can perform basic troubleshooting steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Try connecting the drive to a&nbsp;<strong>different port<\/strong>&nbsp;on the computer.<\/li><li>If possible, try using a&nbsp;<strong>different cable<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Try using the drive on a&nbsp;<strong>different computer<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Verify the drive&nbsp;<strong>light is on<\/strong>. Desktop Drives typically require a power adapter. No light could indicate the power adapter is not connected to power.<\/li><li>Try a different power outlet. (Desktop Drives)<\/li><li>If using a surge protector or power strip, plug the power adapter directly into the wall outlet instead. (Desktop Drives).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For advanced troubleshooting, you can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.seagate.com\/in\/en\/support\/kb\/usb-external-troubleshooter-003581en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">head over to seagate support<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, over to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What exact method from today\u2019s guide helped you partition the hard drive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is it the use of disk management or command prompt? Or did you use a partition management software?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or maybe, you have a question about a strategy or technique from the guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, I\u2019d like to hear what you say.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What do you do after you\u00a0install the hard drive? Partition the hard drive? Yup! But, why would one want to partition a hard drive? To give the data: A Better Organization Improved Security Convenience for\u00a0backup\u00a0and restore And, above all: Boost up the disk performance and partition the hard drive for dual-booting (run two OS\u2019s). So [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":6157,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6155"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6155\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6157"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/windowslay.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}