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How to Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic on Windows 11
The process requires deleting all data and volumes from the disk
5 min. read
Updated onJune 25, 2024
updated onJune 25, 2024
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Key notes
If you want to convert a dynamic disk to basic in Windows 11, you should first create a backup because the process will wipe all the data from it.
Why convert dynamic disk to basic in Windows 11?According to Microsoft, dynamic disks have been deprecated from Windows and are not recommended anymore. Plus, Windows Home editions don’t support dynamic disks, so you won’t be able to access these logical drives.
They recommend using basic disk or Storage Spaces if you want to merge more disks together into larger volumes. In this article, we will show you how to convert a dynamic disk to basic on Windows 11
How do I convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk in Windows 11?
Before starting the process, you will need to perform several preparation steps:
This procedure will also come in handy if youcan’t install Windows on a dynamic disk partition.
1. Use Disk Management to convert the disk
That’s the easiest way to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk and it’s the solution recommended by Microsoft in this case. Deleting the dynamic disk volumes first is the way to go.
2. Convert the disk using Command Prompt
This solution is basically the same as the first but you’re using DISKPART in Command Prompt instead of Disk Management. You can also use this tool toextend your disk volume.
3. Use third-party software
As you have seen, it’s not that hard to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk in Windows 11 by using the built-in tools from your OS.
However, you may perform the same procedure by using athird-party disk management tool. They have more features and sometimes they are even more convenient to use.
Why can’t I convert dynamic disk to basic?
There are a few errors that you may encounter during the process so let’s explain them:
Dynamic disk vs basic disk
Dynamic disks can be split into volumes and can have an infinite number of them. The basic disks are structured in partitions and can have a maximum of four partitions (three primary and one extended).
Dynamic disks also have some advanced features like software RAID, fault tolerance, disk spanning, and more so they are used especially by IT specialists in server environments.
By default, when you set up a disk, you are recommended to opt for a basic one, a great option for a personal computer.
That concludes our guide on how to convert a dynamic disk to basic on Windows 11. You should know that these methods also work seamlessly on Windows 10 as well.
You might also be interested in reading our guide onmerging two SSDs without losing data.
If you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to use the comments section below and let us know about them.
More about the topics:disk management
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
