Not long ago, after an install of Windows, future partitioning of a hard disk could be a daunting task for those without detailed knowledge of advanced commands. PC users had to use command line utilities such as fdisk or expensive 3rd party software to create a disk partition. A single mistake in the process could destroy an entire installation.
Windows 7 provides a handy partition manager called Disk Management that makes creating a disk partition easy and safe.
Key benefits of Windows 7 Disk Management include:
- a built-in partition manager free of charge
- graphical user interface
- can create new disk partitions within Windows 7
- ability to shrink existing disk partitions
- no system reboot required
Built-in Partition Manager
In the past, PC users had to use fdisk or purchase expensive disk partitioning utilities. Fdisk, although it still has functionality as a disk partitioning tool, is command-line based. Unless the user is familiar with cryptic commands, fdisk can be a confusing and dangerous partition manager. Many 3rd party partition manager alternatives are available with graphical user interfaces, but a cost to the user.
Windows 7 is an improvement from its earlier operating systems in that it includes a built-in partition manager free of charge. Once the user installs Windows 7, expensive utilities are no longer necessary.
Windows 7 and the Graphical Partition Manager
Windows 7 Disk Management features a graphical user interface. The Disk Management console lists each volume in alphabetical order. Each hard disk is then broken down into: Type, File System, Status, Capacity, and Free Space. In the second horizontal column, Each logical drive is labeled by its letter and given a color. Right-clicking on each drive opens a menu where users can extend volumes, shrink volumes or create new logical drives.
Creating New Disk Partitions within Windows 7
Today, hard disks are available in the terabyte range. With large amount of space, it makes sense to divide the hard disk into multiple partitions. Dividing a hard disk into multiple disk partitions with Disk Management allow the user to:
- store large amounts of data in a separate location from the Windows 7 installation drive, which helps maintain performance.
- store data in a more logical manner, such as large movies on one logical drive and music files on another.
- Storing user data a separate logical drive from Windows doubles as default backup in the event the user has to reinstall Windows. Data on other logical drives will not be affected.
- Multiple disk partitions allows the user to install multiple operating systems.
Shrinking Existing Hard Disk Partitions
After creating a new disk partition, the user may discover that the partition is too large for its intended use, thus wasting space. Windows 7 Disk Management allows the user to shrink an existing disk partition, freeing up hard drive space for new partitions.
No System Restart Required
After creating a new disk partition, the user does not have to reboot the computer. Once Disk Management completes the disk partition process, a window opens allowing the user to immediately begin placing data on the disk partition.
Windows 7 Disk Management, with is graphical interface, and ability to create and re-size disk partitions is a useful tool for both the experienced and novice user.
To access Disk Management:
- click the Windows logo
- click Control Panel
- click System and Security in the top left corner
- under Administrative Tools, click Create and format hard disk partitions option
Using Windows 7 Disk Management Console
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Free Online Storage: Online Backup Storage for Increased Flexibility and Productivity
Matthew Ferraton - Matthew Ferraton earned his Master of Arts in History at Cleveland State University in December 2008 and Certificate in Microsoft ...
