Creating a partition during the Windows installation process allows you to define where Windows will be installed and how your storage drive will be organized. This step is crucial if you want to create a separate drive for your data, install multiple operating systems, or clean install Windows on a specific part of your drive.
Understanding Disk Partitioning During Setup
When you install Windows, you reach a point where the setup asks "Where do you want to install Windows?". This screen displays the available drives and any existing partitions on them. Here, you have options to:
- Delete existing partitions.
- Format existing partitions.
- Load drivers for storage controllers.
- New - Create a new partition.
- Extend - Expand an existing partition (usually into adjacent unallocated space).
To create a new partition, you will use the "New" option.
Steps to Create a New Partition
- Select the Drive/Space: On the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen, select the unallocated space on the drive where you want to create the partition. If the drive has existing partitions you don't need, you might need to delete them first to create unallocated space.
- Click "New": With the unallocated space selected, click the "New" button below the list of drives/partitions.
- Specify Partition Size: A field will appear prompting you to enter the size of the new partition. It is important to note that the size must be entered in megabytes (MB).
- For example, as shown in the reference, to create a partition of approximately 20 gigabytes (GB), you would enter a value like 21000. (Note: The reference specifically shows '2 1 0 0', but this likely means 21000 or similar, as 1 GB is 1024 MB, so 20 GB is roughly 20480 MB. The example '2 1 0 0' might be a simplified or slightly different example value used in the video). Entering a value in MB is the key requirement.
- Conversion Tip: To convert gigabytes (GB) to megabytes (MB), multiply the desired GB size by 1024. For instance, 100 GB = 100 * 1024 = 102400 MB.
- Click "Apply": After entering the desired size in MB, click the "Apply" button.
- System Partitions: Windows setup will likely inform you that it needs to create additional system partitions (like the System Reserved, MSR, or Recovery partitions) for proper operation. Confirm this action by clicking "OK". These are small, necessary partitions that Windows manages automatically.
- Select the Main Partition: Once the new partitions are created (the one you sized and the small system ones), select the largest partition (the one you intend to install Windows on) from the list.
- Proceed with Installation: Click "Next" to install Windows onto the selected partition.
Tips for Partitioning
- Clean Install: For a clean installation on a new or existing drive you want to wipe, delete all existing partitions until the entire drive is shown as "Unallocated Space". Then, select the unallocated space and click "New". Windows will automatically create the necessary partitions and leave the rest as unallocated space you can partition later, or create one large partition covering the whole drive.
- Dual Booting: If you are dual-booting, select the unallocated space you set aside for the new Windows installation and create a new partition there. Do not delete or format the partition containing your existing operating system unless you intend to replace it.
- Future Data Storage: You can create a smaller partition for Windows (e.g., 100-200 GB) and leave the rest of the drive as unallocated space or create a separate partition for your documents, pictures, and other data. This can make future operating system reinstalls easier, as you can format only the Windows partition without affecting your data partition.
Partitioning during setup provides flexibility in managing your storage layout before installing the operating system.
