Cannot Shrink Partition More, Even If Space Is Available on Windows 7

My laptop runs Windows 7 and has a 465 GB internal hard disk formatted in MBR. Since there is currently only one partition on the entire drive, I wish to create two more. However, I can reduce my C drive partition to 230 GB using diskpart. But I still have roughly 200 GB of room remaining.

Best Answered by

Roxanne· Answered on Feb 21, 2024

Regarding the reason that the Windows system will not allow you to shrink the C drive, I rounded up some main causes as follows:

  • Unmovable System Files: There are usually unmovable system files or boot files at the end of the C drive, making it unable to shrink.
  • Fragments Pile Up on the C Drive: Too many fragments will hinder the C drive's performance.
  • File System Error: The partition will become inaccessible after a file system error happens.
  • Non-NTFS Formats: Windows only supports NTFS, so Disk Management and Diskpart cannot shrink partitions that format to other file systems.

You can retort to an applicable 3rd party partition shrinking software based on the above reasons. EaseUS Partition Master is an all-in-one software that can help you shrink the C drive, format the partition as NTFS, and check file system errors.

Way 1. Shrink the C Drive via EaseUS Partition Master

EaseUS Partition Master can break Windows' limitations and easily resize the C Drive. Launch it and follow the steps:

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Step 1. In the "Partition Manager" section, locate the C drive and select "Resize/Move."

Step 2. Change the shrink size manually by holding the mouse or write the shrink size in MB. Once done, click "OK" to go on.

Step 3.Click the "Execute Task" and "Apply" to finalize the operation.

Way 2. Format the C Drive to NTFS

If your drive is not formatted as NTFS, EaseUS Partition Master will assist you in this case:

Read More: How to Format USB to NTFS

Way 3. Check the File System Errors

If you want to check the file system error on your C drive, you can refer to the guide in the following article:

Related Article: Check File System Error Using EaseUS Partition Master

People Also Ask

EaseUS Partition Master Takes Too Long, What Should I Do?

Have you ever used EaseUS Partition Master, and it stuck or didn't work? This guideline will show you what to do if the EaseUS Partition Master takes too long.

Roxanne

Apr 19, 2024

How Do I Combine Unallocated Partitions

If you have two or more unallocated partitions on your hard drive, this post will tell you how to combine unallocated partitions even when they are separate.

Roxanne

Mar 26, 2024

Is It Safe to Partition My C Drive with Files on It

Is there a large C drive or only a C drive on your computer? You may want to partition it, but wonder, 'Is it safe to partition my C drive with files on it.' Continue reading, and we will answer the question in the following post.

Oliver

Apr 19, 2024

Is There Any Way to Create a New Primary Partition on My Hard Disk in Windows 7?

Are you finding a reliable way to create a primary partition in Windows 7? Follow this post and learn the detailed guide on how to create a new primary partition on your hard disk in Windows 7.

Roxanne

Apr 19, 2024

Why Can't I Extend a C Drive With Free Space? How to Fix It?

Many users are puzzled by the problem: why can't I extend a C drive with free space? How to fix it? Don't worry. This guide will provide full information about the reason for this problem and how to solve it.

Roxanne

Apr 19, 2024

Why Does My PC Only Have C Drive?

Is there only a single partition on your new computer? Why does my PC only have a C drive? How do you create more partitions? Continue reading, and you will find answers in this post.

Oliver

Apr 18, 2024