Windows 10 Partitions.

I've just bought a new laptop with Window 10 pre-installed. I've never done partitions before, so I read some posts on how to create partitions. This is the screen shot I got from the built-in Disk Management tool.

So I was expecting one Drive C, but there are others. Can you advise me how to proceed further? My aim is to have one partition for OS and program applications. This would be about 150GB. Is that okay? Should it be less or more? The other partition would be for my data storage. These are my main requirements. However I would like to be guided how to set up the HD for optimal performance. How do I manage the already existing partitions on the HD.

I haven't yet transferred any data from the old laptop to this one, so as to first set things up before playing around.

Also is there a thread somewhere on MG about how to get the most out of Windows 10. Thanks in advance.

 

I wanted to add, the laptop is HP Envy i5. So I do have one primary partition, but how should I proceed further. Should I use disk management of a partition software. Windows 10 is home version.

 

I'd use Disk Management, shrink the C: to the required size first. Then create a new partition from the new free space, format it and give it a drive letter + name.

 

Thanks Satrow. Using Disk Management I see that Disk C has a total size of 930 GB. After using Shrink Volume I get a maximum of 467 GB Free Space for Disk D. Like I said earlier I was thinking about giving 150GB for Disk C ie OS and about 750 GB for Data in Disk D. Am I wrong in my thinking?, since Disk Management prohibits me from setting these disk size limits. If so wouldn't 430 GB for Disk C (OS) be a bit too much since all that space might come handy for Data Storage and organization. I do not think Windows 10 OS and program applications would need 430 GB.

I'd appreciate feedback before I make the changes. See the image below:


Also do we have a thread in MG regarding tips and tricks for Windows 10 for all the new Windows 1o users--something like a sticky would be great.

 

Satrow, I have posted the reply above. I am getting used to the new format of MG Forums, so apologies for the two posts. Please also add any other advice you might want to give me before I do something stupid as I setup my Windows 10.

 

TBH, apart from ease of use of your specific backup/imaging regime, there's little reason to use multiple partitions these days, if you want to use a smaller partition for Windows than is currently offered, you would need to use a 3rd party software.

No, I don't know what the safest/best/easiest one is, I've used multiple drives for several years now so I've not stayed current.

 

Personally I much prefer having a data partition because, as satrow says, it makes imaging and backing up a lot easier. HERE are one or two third party apps that will do what you want. I always use Partition Wizard but I've seen mdonah here speak well of Aomei Partition Assistant. I've found 60 GB about right for Windows and my installed software.

 

Thanks Earthling. Is the 60BG you use for Win 10? What about updates to the OS, would they fill up the 60GB? Also, previously, I've always run the program applications from C. Is that recommended? Same question that would the new programs and apps fill the 60GB? If they do what would be my options?

I'll look up the two partition softwares.

 

Yes, I'm using 60GB for Win 10 x64 and all my installed software, everything in fact other than my personal stuff. It's currently using 41GB of the 60GB but with a cleanup I could save a lot of that space if necessary. Maybe if I was doing it again I'd go for 75/80GB though.

Yes. You would defeat the purpose of the partitioning if you installed your software to a different partition.

Unless you start keeping a lot of stuff on C that shouldn't be there in a partitioned system it won't fill up, and if it did you would need to move some stuff off of C. You really don't want to be adjusting partitions later on. A very useful utility for understanding how your disk space is being used is Treesize Free.

 

Thanks Earthling. Exactly the details I was looking for.

 

I just wanted to report for the benefit of anyone else following this: I used Partition Wizard, and it was a breeze to use. Took me no more than a few minutes. Thanks Earthling.