How to Merge Two NTFS Partitions in Windows: Safe Methods, Limits, and Tools

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If you've ever run out of space on C: or been bothered by too many volumes, you might have thought about merging them into a larger one. Merge NTFS Partitions in Windows It is possible with native tools and specialized software, but each method has limits and risks that should be known before touching the disk.

The goal of this guide is to help you decide the best path for your case and execute it step by step, without any setbacks. Here you will see requirements, restrictions, methods with and without programs, alternatives to expand C: and considerations for Windows Server, as well as other related tasks such as moving and resizing partitions.

What does merging partitions entail and why do it?

When “merging” 2 (or more) volumes are combined into a larger one, with the idea of gain usable free space on a single drive or reduce the number of drive letters that complicate your daily life.

Common motifs that are repeated in real-life scenarios: expand drive C: when you run out of space and everything slows down; centralize voluminous data (e.g. games) to simplify; or locate files faster by having fewer partitions to search.

Of course, it is not always the best idea: to expand C: it is often preferable shrink D: and extend C: with the freed space instead of deleting and merging, so you avoid breaking paths, shortcuts, and services that pointed to the disappearing drive.

Essential prerequisites

Before you jump in, it's a good idea to review several technical conditions that make the difference between a smooth process and a disappointment. First check that the partitions to be merged are contiguous. (they are next to each other on the disk) and share the same file system (NTFS or FAT32).

If there is an intermediate partition (including those created by Windows when installed) or there is unallocated space in the middleNative tools won't be able to merge directly; some third-party managers may move that space or allow non-adjacent merges with additional steps.

makes a Backup of the important thing on another physical drive, ensures a stable power supply and runs pre-checks of disk health (CHKDSK and, if applicable, SMART) and uses the DISM tool to repair Windows. Defragment Mechanical partitioning before moving large blocks of data can speed up and stabilize the process.

If you are going to treat the system partition (C:), please take extra precautions: the ideal is operate the system without booting (WinPE or a Live environment like GParted) to avoid file locks and reduce corruption risks.

Limitations of native Windows tools

Neither Disk Management nor Diskpart offer a “Merge” button. They only allow extending a partition to adjacent unallocated space to its right. This means that to "merge" indirectly, you must first delete the adjacent right partition to convert it to unallocated space, and then extend the left partition.

These tools add more restrictions: The destination partition must be NTFS, must be of the same type (primary or logical) and do not support merging nonadjacent volumes. If you remove a drive with programs installed, dejaran de funcionar even if you move the files.

How to do it with Disk Management (native method)

This method is simple and free, but it involves delete the right adjacent partition to free up space. Use it only if that drive is empty or you don't mind losing its contents (back it up first if you need to).

1. Open Disk Management: right-click the Start button and choose “Disk Management” (or run diskmgmt.msc).
2. On the adjacent right partition (e.g., D:), right-click and select “Delete Volume…”. Confirm.
3. Now right click on the left partition (e.g. C:) and choose “Extend Volume…”.
4. Follow the wizard to add contiguous unallocated space.

Keep in mind that although the process is quick, does not merge two partitions while keeping bothIn practice, you're extending one and sacrificing the other. If you want to retain data from both, consider using specialized software.

How to do it with Diskpart (command line)

Diskpart achieves the same thing as the graphical console, with identical limitations. It is useful on servers or environments without a GUI, but does not “join” two volumes without first removing one. Again, back up what is necessary.

1. Open CMD as administrator (Win + X > “Command Prompt/Terminal (Admin)”).
2. Run diskpart and locates disks and volumes.

diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list volume
select volume D
delete volume
select volume C
extend
exit

The command extend It only works when there is contiguous unallocated space to the right of the selected partition. It is not useful for merging partitions separated by another partition. nor to combine different discs.

Merge without losing data: recommended partition managers

To combine partitions while maintaining data and with greater flexibility, there are managers that make the task easier. IM-Magic Partition Resizer, NIUBI Partition Editor and EaseUS Partition Master They are the most repeated names and have free editions for home environments.

These tools allow, among other things, merge adjacent partitions without first deleting, move unallocated space to join non-contiguous volumes, and work with NTFS or FAT32 partitions (depending on the program).

IM-Magic Partition Resizer (Free on PC)

IM-Magic stands out for its focus on security: it integrates a rollback technology It reverts changes in the event of power outages or interruptions, and lets you cancel the operation during the process. The merge runs in just a few minutes and preserves the data, with a highly guided workflow.

Typical guide with IM-Magic: 1) Launch the program and select “Merge Partition” on the destination volume (e.g., C:). 2) Select the partitions to merge (e.g., C: and H:) and define where the resulting volume will be located. 3) Apply and confirm; the computer can be restarted to complete the task.

It is an especially convenient option if you are looking for a tool 100% freeware on Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP on PC. For Windows Server, there is a paid edition.

NIUBI Partition Editor (Free Home Edition)

NIUBI offers advanced features with multiple protections: Reversal in 1 second, “Virtual Mode” to preview and “Cancel anytime”, plus hot cloningIt is fast due to its data movement algorithm and provides wizards for merging and resizing.

Advantages of merger in NIUBI: melts NTFS or FAT32, left or right, primary or logical, and can move unallocated space to merge non-adjacent units. When combining contiguous volumes, move all files to a folder in the root from the destination partition, preserving the structure.

Usual steps: 1) Right click > “Merge Volume” on one of the two partitions; 2) select both and confirm; 3) click “Apply” to make the actual changes.

EaseUS Partition Master (Free Domestic)

EaseUS is very popular for its intuitive interface And because it shrinks/moves/merges partitions without data loss in most cases. It also includes additional utilities: migrate the system to SSD/HDD, convert MBR to GPT, and switch between supported file systems.

A practical advantage: your assistant guided partition joining It is accessible to novice users, with fewer restrictions than native tools and without the need to first delete the partition to be absorbed.

Other useful alternatives

There are more veteran managers who are worth keeping an eye on. MiniTool Partition Wizard It is powerful and in its free edition it imposes fewer limitations than others, making it ideal for home use.

AOMEI Partition Assistant is another known option that allows merge without data loss, manage SSD/HDD, migrate OS and maintain compatibility with most common file systems.

Disk Genius adds advanced level utilities: convert MBR/GPT, dynamic disks, rebuild MBR, repair partition table, scan bad sectors, SMART support and secure file erase.

Active @ Partition Manager recognizes multiple formats (FAT, NTFS, XFS), creates FAT/exFAT/NTFS, and converts MBR to GPT with a intuitive interfaceIt also supports various image formats.

Paragon Partition Manager It is free for non-commercial use and stands out for its simplicity with assistants. Compatible with NTFS, FAT32 and HFS, it covers most everyday needs.

Special cases: non-adjacent partitions, types and paths

If the partitions to be merged are not close together, some programs may move unallocated space to place it next to the destination partition. The usual flow is: delete/move the intermediate volume (if applicable), move the free space, and finally merge.

Remember that after merging or deleting a volume, routes, shortcuts and services that pointed to that letter can break. If you were using D: to install apps or for game data, recalibrate paths or consider shrinking D: and extending C: instead of deleting.

As for file systems, native tools restrict the extension to NTFSThird-party managers often also support FAT32 for merging and resizing, although it is recommended in Windows to standardize on NTFS.

Windows Server: Release Notes for 2012/2016/2019/2022/2025

Windows Server supports more demanding scenarios, including RAID volumes. For servers, the practical recommendation is to use NIUBI Partition Editor Server or IM-Magic Partition Resizer Server, since they provide security (rollback) and speed.

Disk Management in Server 2012/2016/2019/2022 shares the same limitations: : without “Merge” button, need to delete the right adjacent volume and can only extend to NTFS, with equal type (primary/logical).

Server-specific best practices: maintenance window, UPS to avoid outages, validation with CHKDSK, and, if possible, pre-testing on a clone. The technology of reversal in 1 second NIUBI's safety modes are especially valuable here.

Want to expand C:? Better than merging

Merging C: and D: may sound tempting, but it entails losing D:. The least intrusive strategy is reduce D: and extend C: This way only the sizes change, partitions do not disappear nor routes are broken.

With a partition manager: 1) Reduce D: to create unallocated space; 2) if the space is to the right of D:, move D: so that the space is next to C:; 3) extends C: absorbing that space. All this without eliminating D: or losing its letter.

Related operations: resize, move, and defragment

Shrink a partition Creates contiguous unallocated space. It's straightforward and doesn't require any special requirements, other than not trying to reduce the space to its full size.

Extend a partition requires contiguous unallocated space (on the left or right depending on the tool). If it isn't, volumes will first need to be moved to bring it together.

Move a partition allows it to be moved across a free space so that all unallocated space is concentrated and can then be extended or merged more easily.

Before large movements on mechanical discs it is advisable defragment, and it's always a good idea to run a CHKDSK or disk health utility to avoid surprises during intensive read/write operations.

Physical limits: cannot merge between disks

It is not possible to “merge” C: on disk 0 with a data partition on disk 1. The size of a physical disk is fixed and no partitioning tool can combine spaces between different devices.

Realistic options: move a partition from disk 0 to another disk and, after verifying, delete it to free up space that you will extend on C:; or clone the disk to a larger drive and then extend partitions with the additional space.

Risks and good security practices

Working with partitions always involves risk. A crash, a poorly timed reboot, or a power outage can cause damage. Minimize the danger with backups off the affected disk, UPS, and disabling sleep/hibernation and automatic restarts by Windows Update during operation.

If the tool offers technologies of rollback or “cancel at any time”Take advantage of them. When prompted, allow a reboot to complete tasks that require unmounting volumes in use.

Notes and extras to keep in mind

Some managers include interesting features: migrate OS to SSD, convert MBR to GPT without reinstalling, convert between supported file systems, repair partition tables, check for bad sectors, or delete files irretrievably.

If your computer is severely fragmented, old, or experiencing SMART errors, consider replacing the drive with a new one before making any major changes. Help communities and forums They can be useful for specific questions, although the official guides for each tool are usually more precise.

Quick FAQ

Does erasing a volume erase data? Yes. “Delete Volume” in Disk Management destroys the data on the volume. Make sure you back up your data before doing so.

Can C: and D: be merged without losing anything using native tools? No. Native drives require deleting D: before extending C:. It's possible to merge while maintaining data with third-party managers, but check the paths and programs installed on D:.

What if there is a recovery partition in the middle? You can move it with some programs or you will have to rethink the strategy: move unallocated space, resize, or use another combination of steps.

With all of the above, you now have the complete map: from the limitations of Windows to the safe shortcuts of the best managers. Choose the method that best suits your casePrepare the groundwork (backup, power, disk health) and execute without rushing; in most scenarios, you'll be able to do this without losing data and with complete control over the outcome.