Merge partitions - how it works

If space on one partition becomes scarce, you can merge it with a second partition to increase capacity. This practical tip shows you how this works with Windows' own on-board equipment.

Merge partitions under Windows (quick guide)

Important: When merging two partitions, the data from the partition that you want to resolve will be lost. Therefore, make a backup first before deleting the partition.

1. Open Windows 10 Disk Management.
2. Right-click the partition you want to delete.
3. Select "Delete Volume ...".
4. Right-click on the partition you want to enlarge.
5. Select "Extend Volume ...".
6. Select the unallocated partition.
7. The two partitions are merged.

1. Start Windows search

Click the search icon (magnifying glass) in the Windows 10 taskbar and enter "hard disk partitions" in the search field.

2. Open disk management

Select the entry "Create and format hard disk partitions" from the hit list. The "Disk Management" opens. Here you can see all your partitions listed under "Disk".

3. Select the partition to be deleted

Find the partition or volume that you want to delete and make available for merging.

4. Delete partition

Right-click on the volume and select "Delete Volume" in the context menu

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5. Confirm warning

Confirm the warning that all data will be lost. Note: A partition that the system has reserved or serves as a start partition and crash image cannot be deleted.

6. Unallocated data medium appears

Then an unallocated disk appears instead of the partition.

7. Select the partition to be enlarged

In Disk Management, locate the partition or volume that you want to enlarge.

8. Extend partition

Right-click on the volume and select "Expand volume

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9. Select the correct partition

A Windows wizard opens, asking you which disk you want to use to expand. To do this, mark your unallocated partition and continue by clicking on "Next".

10. Partitions are merged

Finally, your partitions are merged and united into a hard disk partition.

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Tip: zoom out instead of delete

Alternatively, you can shrink one of the two partitions beforehand and create a new volume. You can then attach this to the other partition.

This article refers to Windows 10, but works similarly under Windows 7 and 8. If you do not want to work with Windows standard tools or if the range of functions is not enough for you, you can also set up your partitions with tools such as Paragon Partition Manager. In the next practical tip, we will show you how to connect two hard disks with one another and set up a RAID array.

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