The question of how to combine two disks into one among computer users is one of the most frequently asked questions. This can be useful in many situations, including even moments associated with installing a single file system for all partitions, converting the GPT or RAW format, which the operating system may not perceive, installing software that requires a lot of disk space, etc. The user can be offered two basic methods of combining, which will be further discussed in more detail. The proposed solutions work equally well when performing such actions with logical partitions, and when working with RAID arrays, when two or more independent hard drives are installed on the computer.
Benefits of Combining Hard Drives or Partitions
It goes without saying that the first and main factor influencing the adoption of a positive decision in favor of merging partitions is the increase in available disk space on one disk, which is extremely necessary when installing some programs.
On the other hand, as already mentioned, if different types of file systems are installed on disks or partitions, quite often you can observe problems installing certain types of software. Bringing them, so to speak, to a common denominator, eliminates the problem completely and completely. Finally, if the system has unreadable partitions of RAW or GPT format for hard drives larger than 2 TB, which the operating system may not perceive, such a tool is simply irreplaceable.
Merge Options
Now a few words about how to combine two disks into one in Windows 7 and higher. First you need to decide exactly how the sections will be merged. First of all, we can distinguish ways of combining with the loss of information or with its preservation. The second is the use of regular system tools or third-party software.
It’s worth mentioning right away that the solution to the question of how to combine two disks into one, using the built-in Windows toolkit, does not imply the preservation of data that were originally in one of the partitions (this is not provided for at all). Therefore, before doing such things, all the information from the deleted partition (and it will actually be deleted, and only then attached to the main disk or partition) must first be transferred to another partition or to removable media. As already clear, there is no need to talk about the operability of the installed programs. When solving the problem of how to combine two disks into one, but so that the information is preserved and the applications work, you need to use additional third-party tools. About them will be discussed separately.
How to combine two disks into one in Windows 7 and higher versions by regular means?
To begin, consider the system’s own resources. This is the disk management section. Access to it can be obtained through the administration menu, but it is easier to use the Run console, in which you need to write the diskmgmt.msc line.
Here the section is selected, due to which it is necessary to combine, and through the RMB menu the item for deleting the volume is called up. The system will immediately issue a warning that all information on the selected disk will be deleted. We agree.
We repeat a similar operation, but for the section. After this, the so-called unlabeled area will appear.
Now you need to use RMB on the partition to which you will be connected and select the volume expansion line.
At the stage of selecting drives, most likely, free attachable space will be immediately added to the list. If this does not happen, you should use the add button yourself. After that, the continue button is pressed, and in the next window - the completion. If you look at the state of disks and partitions at the end of the operation, you will see an increase in the space of one of the partitions due to the other.
How to combine two disks into one using third-party programs
To manage disks and partitions when you want to merge with saving data, you can use third-party utilities that look much more powerful than the system’s own tools. These include software packages like Partition Assistant from AOMEI, Disk Director from Acronis, Partition Master from EaseUS and many others.
Consider the merging process based on the last utility mentioned. For example, we need to combine drive E and drive F, but so that after that there remains one partition E. In the main window of the Partition Manager section, use the Merge button, select the indicated disks (partitions) with flags, and click the “OK” button. After checking the merge, the process will be in pending status. Click the Apply button and confirm the action. After that, the process of unification will begin.
When he finishes, only one partition (E) can be seen in Disk Management. In the "Explorer" will be displayed two hard drives in one hard drive or partition. Only drive F in partition E will be shown as a local directory (Local Disk F) with all the information that was previously present on it.
Brief conclusions
As a result, it can be noted that if the user needs a quick merge, and there is no critical information on the attached drive or partition, you can use the system tools. If data storage is mandatory, third-party programs will be required. And further. Please note that if there is a second operating system in the attached partition on combined disks, it will not be possible to start it.