Member Avatar for kenadams

I couldn't help to notice that there are more and more people who started to dive into windows 8. I wonder how it works for them. Recently I am thinking to get a windows 8 OS PC as well, but since my hard-drive's memory allocation issue (I don't know exactly about the issue, but it always automatically assign the least amount of memory to my system disk, which is C in my case), no matter what OS I used: winXP, win7. So I always have to reallocate some memory after I set up the system. So I am wondering if windows8 can be customized for partition? I was always using this and I am not sure if windows 8 supports it. Thanks.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by angelina410319

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As described, the common cause of a tiny C: after setup is the installer or OEM creating small "system" and recovery partitions (or using default sizes) so the main Windows volume ends up smaller than expected. is correct that Windows includes a built-in partition tool for basic tasks, but that tool has specific limitations that explain a lot of confusion.

Best-practice checklist (safe, offline-ready):

  • Create a full disk image or backup first (image-based backups protect against mistakes).
  • Inspect the layout with Disk Management (Win+X then Disk Management or run diskmgmt.msc) and check the disk partition style (MBR vs GPT) from the disk Properties -> Volumes tab. Look for small "System", "EFI", "MSR" or "Recovery" partitions and note whether any unallocated space is immediately to the right of C:.
  • If unallocated space is adjacent to C:, the built-in Extend Volume works. If it is not adjacent (or another partition sits between C: and unallocated space), Disk Management cannot move partitions to make space.

Options when the built-in tool cannot help:

  • Use a reliable offline partitioning utility (live-media or a tool that can move the start/end of partitions) to move or merge partitions while preserving data. Moving the start of the boot partition and altering recovery/EFI partitions can break booting, so a recent image and recovery media are essential.
  • As alternatives, restore from a freshly created recovery image after reinstalling with desired partition sizes, or clone the OS to a larger drive and repartition during restore.

Practical cautions: suspend BitLocker or disk encryption before resizing; do not defragment SSDs; verify the tool supports GPT/UEFI if the system uses it. These steps resolve most C: sizing complaints while minimizing risk.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for aluya

Partition Star is recommended. Powerful and professional

Member Avatar for sophiaya

While, you can try the Partition Wizard Home Etdtion.

Member Avatar for shdwmage

Microsoft's partition manager is really robust now of days. You can try using that. Search for "Manage Partitions" and it should show up in the list.

Member Avatar for angelina410319

so many partition tool! yeah, a free partition tool is needed for us. i once download a free partition master, and expand the capacity of my C disk. i think it is very easy to use and useful.

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