How To Create More Than Four Partitions On MBR Hard Disk

The Master Boot Record (MBR) contains only four entries (slots) for four Primary partitions one of which can be an Extended partition. This partition will contain Unallocated space within it where you can create unlimited number of Logical partitions.

Depending on current Basic MBR Hard Disk layout there may be different ways of creating additional partitions.

1. Disk does not have any partitions: use “Create partition” to create 3 Primary partitions, then create the last one with Extended type. More Logical partitions can be created within Extended.
2. Disk has 3 Primary partitions without available Unallocated space: use “Move/Resize” to shrink one of the partitions (the last one is preferable) and create Unallocated space, then use “Create partition” to create Extended type partition. More Logical partitions can be created within Extended.
3. Disk already has 4 Primary partitions: either delete one Primary partition or convert it to Logical. Then use “Move/Resize” to shrink this Logical partition to free Unallocated space for creating other Logical partition within Extended.

Note! It is not recommended to convert critical partitions like one with boot files or main OS (in case of multi-boot system). Depending on disk configuration it can cause boot problems.

Backup & Recovery, Drive Copy, Hard Disk Manager™ for Windows, HowTos: Paragon, HowTos: Windows, Partition Manager, Partitioning
Tags: general, howto, rcd, windows, WinPE

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