If your disk partitions are not properly configured or a partition is not large enough, you may need to merge partitions. This post shows you how to merge partitions without losing data, using MiniTool Partition Wizard and Disk Management.

Want to combine two partitions into one larger drive? This guide explains how to merge partitions in Windows 11/10 without losing data. You can use MiniTool Partition Wizard to directly merge partitions or use Windows Disk Management by deleting one partition and extending the other.

The main differences between these two methods are as follows. You can choose a method based on them.

MethodsData Loss RiskDifficultyBest For
MiniTool Partition WizardNoEasyBeginners who want to keep data
Windows Disk ManagementYes unless backed upMediumUsers comfortable deleting partitions
Tips:
During the partition merging process, be careful not to lose power or disconnect the disks.

Here is a video guide:

This post mainly shows how to merge 2 adjacent partitions, for example C drive and D drive. If the partitions you want to merge are not adjacent, you can refer to the two articles below.

  1. How to Merge Non-Adjacent Partitions
  2. How to Combine Unallocated Space to a Partition

Merge 2 Partitions with MiniTool Partition Wizard

MiniTool Partition Wizard is an all-in-one partition manager that can be perfectly compatible with 32/64-bit Windows Vista/XP/7/8/10/11 systems. This free partition manager can help you merge two partitions, move/resize partitions, and extend partitions for free.

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

How to merge partitions without losing data using this software? Here is the guide:

Step 1: Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard. Then, right-click the partition (D: drive) that needs to expand and choose Merge.

merge partitions without losing data with MiniTool Partition Wizard

Step 2: Review the partition you want to expand, and then click Next to continue. You can also switch the partition to be expanded.

what to expand

Step 3: Select the partition (F: drive) that will be included in the target partition and click Finish.

what to merge

Step 4: Preview the partition merge effect and click Apply to execute the operation.

click apply to merge partitions without data loss

After merging partitions, all content on F partition will be saved to a folder whose name can be changed according to actual demands. And the folder will be saved to the first-selected partition D automatically.

Merge 2 Partitions with Disk Management

To merge partitions without losing data via Disk Management, data backup and partition deletion are required. Here is the guide:

Step 1: Back up data in the partition to be merged.

Step 2: Open Disk Management and then delete the partition to be merged. It will turn to unallocated space.

Disk Management interface with the selected Delete Volume option.

Step 3: Right-click the partition to be expanded and select Extend Volume. Follow the wizard to merge the unallocated space.

Disk Management interface with the selected Extend Volume option.

How to Merge Partitions FAQ

Q1. Does Windows Disk Management have a merge partition option?
No. Windows Disk Management does not provide a direct Merge Partitions feature. To combine partitions, you need to delete one partition and then use the Extend Volume feature to add the unallocated space to another partition.
Q2. Can I merge C drive and D drive?
Yes, you can merge the C drive and D drive if they are on the same hard drive or SSD. Since the C drive contains the Windows operating system, using MiniTool Partition Wizard is usually safer because it can merge partitions without manually deleting the D drive.
Q3. Can I merge partitions from different hard drives?
No. You cannot directly merge partitions from two different physical drives into one normal partition. Partitions must be on the same disk to be combined. If you need more storage, consider moving files or upgrading the drive.
Q4. What is the difference between merging partitions and extending a partition?
Merging combines two partitions into one and may move data from one partition to another. Extending a partition only increases its size by adding adjacent unallocated space. Windows Disk Management supports extending partitions but not directly merging them.

Bottom Line

If you have any questions during the use of MiniTool software, send an email to [email protected] for help.

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About The Author

Linda
Linda

Position: Columnist

Linda has been an editor at MiniTool for seven years. She continuously learns about computers and puts her knowledge into practice. Moreover, she is particularly knowledgeable in disk management, data recovery, system installation, and PDF editing. Her articles typically reference multiple examples or are based on her own experience, providing users with the most suitable solutions.

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