Share this article
Improve this guide
Allocate Unallocated Disk Space on Windows [3 Ways]
You don’t necessarily need a third-party tool for the job
4 min. read
Published onAugust 16, 2024
published onAugust 16, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Sometimes, the available storage space on a drive appears less than what was advertised, and it’s often due to unallocated space. This space is not available for data storage and, in simple terms, is a waste of storage. So, how do you allocate unallocated space on a disk drive in Windows?
Allocating unallocated space is simple and can be done viaDisk Management, a built-in utility in Windows, orDiskpart, a command-line tool. The former is preferred for regular and basic disk partitioning and space allocation, while the latter is used for advanced operations. Let’s find out the steps to allocate using both!
How do I allocate the unallocated disk space in Windows 11?
1. Via Disk Management
The unallocated space should now be allocated and available as a separate drive with the chosen drive letter.
But the question is, how do you find unallocated space? The unallocated space always has a black bar at the top inDisk Management, in contrast to the allocated space or primary partition, which has a blue bar.
Also, you wouldn’t always want to create a new drive with the unallocated space and may like it to be added to an existing drive or perhaps allocate unallocated space to theC:drive.
To allocate unallocated space to an existing partition, right-click on the partition appearing before the unallocated space inDisk Management> selectExtend volume> clickNext> enter the space to expand in the text field > clickNext> click onFinish.
2. Via Diskpart
As soon as you assign the drive letter, the unallocated space will now be available for use as a separate drive and listed in theFile Exploreralongside the others.
While theDiskpartcommandsseem a bit confusing, you are less likely to run into errors and can perform a wide array of advanced operations, which is often not possible throughDisk Management.
3. Using a third-party disk management tool
The built-in methods, although feasible, cannot help perform all the operations. For instance, if the unallocated space appears to the left of an existing partition, you can’t allocate it there and will be forced to create a new volume.
Command problems like these can be quickly bypassed by using atop-rated disk management tool for Windows. With most of these, you simply have to drag a slider to adjust or allocate the unallocated space on the disk.
If you want to allocate unallocated space on an SSD, I recommend using a dedicated tool because partitioning and allocation have to be optimal on aSolid State Drive, given the cost factor. You should also carefullydivide the hard disk spaceso as to not waste any storage.
Now that you know how to allocate unallocated space, no storage will ever be left unused on your disk. Also, if you ever run low on storage, use the built-inDisk Cleanuputility in Windows!
For any queries or to share which method worked best for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:disk drive,disk management,DiskPart
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
