Windows 7

How to create a partition in Windows 7?

Similar to Windows Vista, Windows 7 has a built in utility to partition a hard disk. Many people like to partition their hard drive for several reasons. To boot from a different operating system (This is not necessary anymore if you have Windows 7 Ultimate, which supports booting from a VHD, see here) or to help you manage, where you store files and programs, etc. .... especially if you have a large hard disk.

1. Go to Start -> Right Click My Computer -> Manage
2. You will then be brought to the Computer Management Program
3. Click on the Storage bar and under it click on Disk Management
4. Then select the Drive you want to partition, In this example I will select the Drive D: “Vista”
5. Now right click on the drive and select Shrink Volume
6. Then be presented with a window that shows the size of the hard drive and the total amount available to decrease. Since my drive is pretty full I have a smaller amount available Shrink.Enter the amount you would like to reduce the size (This is the partition size again) Can not more than the amount available to you and remember that approximately 1000 MB = 1 GB.
7. After entering values, click the contract and let it do what it is. Depending on the size of the unit and to reduce the amount it could take some time. Be patient and once you have made will be unallocated space that is the only small volume. Select it and then right click and select New Simple Volume.
8. Follow the Wizard that appears and fill in the Size of the Partition, Generally the size you just shrunk the drive by.
9. Assign a drive letter, choose one of their choice does not make a difference.
10. Then on the Format page, Ensure NTFS is selected and then Enter a name for your Drive – ie. “Music” and click next followed by finish.

There you have it, a new partition on the hard drive to do whatever you want with it.