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Failed to create extended partition
Question: I just bought a 2TB external hard disk which has been partitioned to a primary partition, but I want to create an extra extended partition so that multiple logical partitions can be created. Unfortunately, it seems Windows Disk Management allows me to create primary partition only. Why I failed to create extended partition and how to resolve this problem?
In old versions of Windows OS, like Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, users are able to create an extended partition when they are creating the second partition. But in later operating systems, the first 3 partitions will be set as primary and the fourth partition be extended by default. This is why some users say they failed to create extended partition.
Well, is there a solution? Of course, there is. By using the free partitioning software MiniTool Partition Wizard, users are able to make extended partition or logical partition in simple operations. Next, let’s see how.
Create Extended Partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard
Firstly, please download the freeware to your computer. After successful installation, start and launch it to get the main interface shown below:
Here, both disk map and partition layout are shown. To create new partition requires unallocated space, so we must confirm there is such a space. If not, shrink an existing partition to get. For detailed steps to shrink a partition, please see Move/Resize Partition. Then, select the unallocated space and choose “Create Partition” function from the left action pane to get the window below:
Now we can set partition properties such as partition label, partition type (primary or logical), drive letter, file system, and cluster size for this new partition. Tip: an extended partition cannot be used to save data, and users need to create logical partitions in extended partition. MiniTool Partition Wizard creates logical partition directly rather than extended partition, which saves much time. Then, click “OK” to go back to the main interface:
Now we can see a new logical partition has been made. At this time, as long as users click “Apply” button, all changes will be made automatically.
When you failed to create extended partition in Windows Disk Management, try MiniTool Partition Wizard. Actually, lots of operations that cannot be completed in Disk Management, such as set partition primary/logical, recover lost partition, and copy partition, can be done in this free partitioning software. It’s worth trying.
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