How to Merge Two Partitions in Windows
Merging two partitions combines them into a single larger volume. This is useful when you have too many small partitions or need to consolidate storage. Windows Disk Management cannot merge partitions directly, but third-party tools like AOMEI and EaseUS make it possible without data loss.
Quick Answer
Can I merge two partitions in Windows?
Not with the built-in Disk Management tool. Windows Disk Management requires you to delete one partition first, losing its data. To merge without data loss, use a free tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard which can combine adjacent partitions while preserving all files.
Method 1: AOMEI Partition Assistant (Recommended)
Download AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard (free)
Download from the official aomei.com website. Install and launch the application.
Right-click the first partition and select Merge Partitions
Check the boxes for both partitions you want to merge. The second partition data will be saved to a folder on the merged partition.
Click Apply to execute
Review the pending operation and click Proceed. The merge process may take several minutes depending on data size. A restart may be needed for system partitions.
Method 2: Windows Disk Management (Data Loss Warning)
Warning: This method requires deleting one partition first, which erases all data on it. Back up all data from the partition you plan to delete before proceeding.
Back up all data from the partition you will delete
Copy all files to an external drive or another partition. This step is critical because deleting the partition erases all its data permanently.
Delete the second partition in Disk Management
Right-click the partition and select Delete Volume. Confirm the deletion. The space becomes unallocated.
Extend the first partition into the freed space
Right-click the remaining partition and select Extend Volume. Add the unallocated space and complete the wizard.
Important Notes
Both partitions must be on the same physical disk to merge
Partitions must be adjacent (next to each other) for most tools
System partitions (C: drive) can be merged with adjacent partitions but require a restart
NTFS partitions are easiest to merge — FAT32 partitions may need conversion first
Always back up data before any merge operation regardless of the tool used