The basics on Windows hard drive partitioning and why you should consider separate Windows partitions.
There thousands of references on this topic and many go into great detail. I wrote this article with the basics in mind so that you might go away with answers and new ideas rather than more questions you had to start with.
Note: I basically use the same principles below when partitioning for Linux.
There are three main variables and one main process I consider when partitioning Windows hard drives.
- How long files live on the hard drive
- How often files are accessed and updated
- The size of the files
The biggest reason to consider the variables above in a partitioning scheme is fragmentation. The Windows system partition is very active. Operating system files and software are being accessed, updated, changed, added and removed. This drive should be defragmented on a regular basis.
Some files rarely become fragmented to the point of performance loss. These include documents, audio, video, images of all types (including large ISO images) and even virtual machine files if applicable. Some of these files are huge and if located on the system partition, your defrag software will move the large files around while defragmenting the drive whether they are fragmented or not. This increases the time it takes to defrag the volume, not to mention the added and unnecessary stress on your machine.
- Reinstalling Windows
There are times (for whatever reason) Windows needs a fresh install. After formatting and installation, it’s only logical to have your work, pics, audio, video, downloaded software, virtual machine files, etc., already in place on separate partitions. This saves time and system wear and tear by eliminating the need to recover files from backup. Although this does not eliminate the need for backups; your partitions will not help you if your entire drive should fail.
Partition Sizes
Determining the size of any given partition can be the most difficult part of the procedure. There are many variables, the biggest one being the size of your hard drive.
Fortunately, if you are doing a fresh Windows installation and intend to use a partitioning scheme similar to the one below, you only need to determine the size of your first partition. This is where you will install Windows and will be the system partition. The rest can be done from within Windows (from Administrative Tool > Computer Management in Control Panel on XP) post installation or using software like GParted.
Example Windows Hard Drive Partitioning Scheme
NOTE: You are able to create 4 primary partitions per disk (unless you have converted your disk to dynamic), or 3 primary partitions and one extended partition to hold however many logical drives. These logical drives will have letters assigned just like primary partitions. Just remember, if you think you need more than four partitions, create an extended partition over the rest of the free space after your third primary partition.
C:\ Defrag Frequency - Every 6 to 8 hours of use
Windows System Drive (usually C:\)
I have Windows XP, a LAMPP server for localhost, and 32 programs/utilities (not including those installed with Windows) running on this partition. All this uses only about 14GB. Since I like running system partitions below 50% full, I give this partition 40GB.
D:\ Defrag Frequency - Much less often (As needed)
My Documents along with downloaded software, work files and other stuff that’s not too large. In my case, this volume needs to be as large as my Windows system drive. So I give this partition 40GB.
In my opinion, if your hard drive is at least 60GB - 80GB you should at least have the two partitions above.
E:\ Defrag Frequency - Almost never
Large video (over 5 minutes playtime), and saved ISO images.
We have created three primary partitions. It is now time to create an extended partition to span the rest of the free space to hold more logical drives so we are not limited to four partitions.
F:\ Defrag Frequency - Never
The next partition (logical drive) could be used for whatever. Install a Linux OS, or keep your virtual machine files and hard drives.
My partitions go on to other hard drives. Including external drives for backup. Which leads us to one more thing. If you like your partition letters to stay in order. You will need to change your other device letters and paths. This includes CD-ROM 0, CD-ROM 1 and some printers. Anything you see listed in My Computer other than your partitions.
For example, my ROM drives use the end of the alphabet.
CD-ROM 0 is Y:\
CD-ROM 1 is Z:\
Tips
1. Make your partitions available via the Quick Launch on your Desktop. Create a Desktop shortcut and drag it to the Quick Launch bar. Then delete the Desktop shortcut. Or just use the shortcut from your Desktop and forget adding it to Quick Launch.
2. Name your volumes something appropriate when creating them. Like D:\ Docs
As always your questions and comments are welcome.
Tim Valentine
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