How to Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk

To convert a dynamic disk back to a basic disk using the standard method built into Windows, you must first remove all volumes from the dynamic disk. This process will erase all data currently stored on that disk.

Here are the steps based on common Windows administration practices:

Understanding the Conversion

Converting a disk from dynamic to basic is a fundamental operation, but it requires caution. Dynamic disks offer features like spanned, striped, mirrored, or RAID-5 volumes, while basic disks are simpler and typically used for primary partitions and logical drives that can be formatted with a file system (like NTFS or FAT32). The standard conversion process inherently involves data loss.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk

Follow these steps carefully to convert your dynamic disk:

1. Open Disk Management: Access the Disk Management tool. You can usually do this by right-clicking the Start button (in Windows 8/10/11) and selecting "Disk Management," or by typing diskmgmt.msc in the Run dialog (Windows Key + R) and pressing Enter.
2. Identify the Dynamic Disk: In the Disk Management window, locate the dynamic disk you intend to convert. It will be labeled as "Dynamic" in the disk list (e.g., Disk 0, Disk 1, etc.).
3. Delete Volumes: This is the critical step involving data loss. For each volume present on the dynamic disk:
   • Right-click on the volume (e.g., Simple Volume, Spanned Volume, Striped Volume) listed within the dynamic disk's graphical representation.
   • Select "Delete Volume".
   • Confirm the deletion when prompted. This action will permanently remove the volume and all data on it. Repeat this for every volume on that dynamic disk until the entire disk space is shown as "Unallocated".
4. Convert to Basic Disk: Once the entire dynamic disk shows as "Unallocated" space, the conversion option becomes available.
   • Right-click on the dynamic disk itself (the area labeled Disk 0, Disk 1, etc., not the unallocated space within it).
   • Select "Convert to Basic Disk".

The disk will then be converted to a basic disk, and you can proceed to create new basic partitions or volumes on the now unallocated space.

Important Note: As reiterated, deleting volumes is a necessary step for the standard conversion method and results in the complete loss of all data on those volumes. Ensure you have backed up any essential files before starting this process.