You may need to resize a Server partition by extending it to increase available space or shrinking it to create unallocated space for other purposes. This post will explain how to do that using Disk Management and MiniTool Partition Wizard.
When it comes to resizing server partitions, common operations include shrinking and extending server partitions. You can accomplish this using Disk Management and MiniTool Partition Wizard Server. The differences between the two are as follows.
| Features | Disk Management | MiniTool Partition Wizard Server |
| Extend Partition | Extend a partition with unallocated space that sits directly next to the right of the target drive. | More flexibly. Can extend a partition with non-adjacent unallocated space and even with free space in another partition. |
| Shrink Partition | Shrinking may fail due to unmovable system files. | Can handle stubborn unmovable files more effectively. |
| Supported File Systems | NTFS and RAW | NTFS and FAT32 |
How to Resize Windows Server Partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard
Developed by MiniTool Software Ltd., Partition Wizard possesses powerful functions including Create Partition, Merge Partition, Resize Partition, Copy Partition, Delete Partition, Format Partition, Wipe Partition, Recover lost Partition, Convert File System, etc. To discover the full features of Partition Wizard, you can experience the FREE Demo Edition and then determine whether or not you need it.
MiniTool Partition Wizard DemoClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Furthermore, this program supports file systems like FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, Ext2*, and Ext3* (File systems marked with * indicate users can only execute limited functions like Create Partition and Delete Partition.).
Extend Server Partition
MiniTool Partition Wizard offers “Extend Partition” feature. It can:
- Extend a partition using unallocated space on the same physical disk, regardless of whether other partitions exist in between or where they are located.
- Extend a partition even when there is no unallocated space, as it can directly take free space from other partitions.
Here is how to use this powerful feature to resize server partitions.
Step 1. Right-click the target partition and select Extend, then a new window pops up.
Step 2. Drop down the small box to choose which partition you are going to take free space from. Also, you can slide the button to determine how much free space you want. Click “OK” to go back to the main interface.
Step 3. Click “Apply” to execute all the changes you have made.
Shrink Server Partition
If you want to shrink server partitions without damaging your data, you can use MiniTool Partition Wizard. It offers a higher success rate than Disk Management and allows for a greater reduction in size. Here is the guide.
Step 1. Right click the partition you want to shrink and select “Move/Resize“. Then a new window pops up.
Step 2. Drag the triangle to the left side to release some partition size and click “OK” to go back to the main interface.
Step 3. Press “Apply” on the top left corner of the main interface to execute all changes.
- It is recommended to turn off all running applications when you resize a partition.
- “Move/Resize” can be used to extend partition when there is unallocated space adjacent to the target partition.
- Based on the location of the unallocated space, you just need to drag the triangle to cover the free space.
If the operations involves system partition, you need to restart your computer for data safety.
How to Resize Windows Server Partition with Disk Management
Disk Management is a Windows built-in disk and management GUI tool. It also allows you to resize server partitions.
Extend Server Partition
You can extend a partition in Disk Management if there is unallocated space immediately adjacent to its right side. As shown in the image below, right-click the partition and select Extend Volume. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to extend the drive.
If there is no unallocated space, the unallocated space is not immediately adjacent to the partition you want to extend, or it is located to the left of the partition, the Extend Volume will become greyed out.
Shrink Server Partition
To shrink a partition in Disk Management, just right-click it and choose Shrink Volume. Enter the amount of space you want to shrink in MB and then click the Shrink button. Done!
However, you may sometimes find that the space available for shrinking is far less than the free space on the drive. In most cases, the cause is the stubborn unmovable files (like page files or hibernation files). To solve this issue, refer to this post: Can’t Shrink Volume on Windows! Here Are Solutions!
Resize Server Partition FAQ
Bottom Line
Resizing a Server partition can help you manage disk space more effectively when a system or data volume is running out of space. Windows Server provides a built-in GUI tool—Disk Management.
However, this tool has limitations, especially when the unallocated space is not directly adjacent to the partition you want to extend. In such cases, a dedicated partition manager like MiniTool Partition Wizard can provide more flexibility for moving and resizing partitions.
If you encounter issues when using this software. Contact our support team via [email protected] for help.
About The Author
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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