I am unable to enlarge my Windows 10 partition using various partitioning tools such as GParted from my Ubuntu installation, Partition Manager on Windows, or EaseUS Partition Master on Windows.
The probable reason for this is the absence of free space adjacent to the partition, even though there is some unallocated space available.
The disk structure is such that the EFI system partition is followed by Win10, Ubuntu, unallocated space, and a Linux distro. To expand the Windows partition, I attempted to utilize the unallocated space by extending into it, allowing me to shrink it from the right and generate unallocated space to the left of Win10. However, GParted cautioned me that this process is risky since it involves relocating the start of file systems.
Is it possible to relocate entire partitions so that I can move my Windows partition beside the unallocated space and expand it?
2 Answers
Introduction
Partitioning a hard drive is a common process that computer users perform to manage their disk space efficiently. However, sometimes we may encounter issues while partitioning, such as not being able to extend a partition due to the lack of free space. In this blog post, we will discuss the possibility of extending a Windows 10 partition when there is no adjacent free space available.
How Partitioning Works
Before we delve into the topic, let’s first understand how partitioning works. A hard drive can be divided into multiple partitions, each acting as a separate drive. The operating system recognizes each partition as a distinct entity, and users can store data and install programs on each partition independently.
When a partition is created, it is assigned a specific size and location on the hard drive. The partition’s size defines the amount of disk space that is allocated to that partition, and its location determines where it starts and ends on the hard drive.
The Problem with Extending a Partition
Extending a partition refers to increasing its size by adding free space from the hard drive. However, the free space must be adjacent to the partition that needs to be extended. If there is no adjacent free space available, the partition cannot be extended.
In the case of the author of the source article, the Windows 10 partition is not adjacent to the unallocated space, making it impossible to extend the partition using traditional partitioning tools.
Moving Partitions
One solution to this problem is to move the partitions around so that the unallocated space is adjacent to the partition that needs to be extended. However, moving partitions is a risky process that can result in data loss if not done correctly.
When moving a partition, the start and end locations of the partition are changed, and the data within the partition is also relocated. If any errors occur during the process, the data within the partition could become corrupted or lost altogether.
Tools for Moving Partitions
To move partitions safely, it is essential to use reliable partitioning tools that can handle the task without causing data loss. Some popular partitioning tools that can move partitions include EaseUS Partition Master, GParted, and Partition Manager.
Before moving partitions, it is crucial to back up all important data to ensure that no data is lost during the process. It is also recommended to create a system image or restore point in case any errors occur during the partitioning process.
The Process of Moving Partitions
The process of moving partitions involves several steps, including backing up data, creating a system image, and using a partitioning tool to move the partition.
First, create a backup of all important data on the hard drive to ensure that no data is lost during the partitioning process. Next, create a system image or restore point to ensure that the system can be restored to its original state in case of any errors during the process.
Once the backup and system image are created, use a reliable partitioning tool to move the partitions around. The process involves selecting the partition that needs to be moved, specifying the new location for the partition, and allowing the partitioning tool to move the partition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, extending a Windows 10 partition when there is no adjacent free space available can be a challenging task. However, by moving partitions around, it is possible to create adjacent free space and extend the partition successfully. Always remember to back up data, create a system image, and use reliable partitioning tools when moving partitions to avoid data loss.
GParted warned me that I shouldn’t do that because moving the starts of file systems is dangerous…
The warning mentioned here is relevant only to specific bootloaders that don’t utilize the partition table but store the “first sector” number of a partition or a particular file within that partition. This is the case with the older LILO bootloader. However, with UEFI, the firmware understands the partition table and can load files from the “EFI system partition,” which most bootloaders can also do.
In fact, even on ‘legacy’ BIOS systems, Ubuntu usually employs GRUB2 for booting, which has its own drivers for partitions and filesystems. The Windows BOOTMGR can also locate the necessary files on its own.
While changing the boot partition’s number may cause problems, moving it should not. Therefore, it is safe to move the Ubuntu partition to the right and create unallocated space after Windows, followed by extending the Windows partition to the right.
The primary concern is the time it takes to move a partition, which could be several hours, and the computer must not lose power during this process, or else the entire partition may be lost.