How to Merge C and D Drive in Windows 11

Merging partitions in Windows 11 is a common task when you want to increase storage space on your system drive (C:). If you have a C drive and a D drive on the same disk, you can safely merge them so that your C drive has more free space.

• The C: drive contains Windows system files, so you cannot delete it. Instead, the safe method is to merge D: into C:.
• This process deletes everything on D:, so backup all important data before you start.

Why You Need to Merge C and D Drive in Windows 11

• To increase storage space on the system partition (C:).
• To fix low storage warnings on C: drive.
• To simplify disk management if you don’t use the D: drive.
• To improve performance when Windows has more space to handle updates, apps, and temporary files.

Back Up Your Files (Mandatory)

Before making any changes, back up all important files from D:.

1. Open Settings → go to Accounts → select Windows backup.
2. Choose Manage sync settings to configure which folders sync to OneDrive.
3. Select your folders and click Start backup.

This ensures that if anything goes wrong, you can restore your files safely .

Method 1: Merge Drives Using Disk Management

Windows 11 includes a built-in tool called Disk Management that can merge partitions by deleting one and extending the other.

Steps:

1. Open Disk Management
   • Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
   (Optional Screenshot Note: Show Disk Management window with C: and D: listed.)
2. Delete D: Drive
   • Right-click on the D: partition → choose Delete Volume.
   • The space will now show as Unallocated.
3. Extend C: Drive
   • Right-click on C: drive → select Extend Volume.
   • Follow the wizard and add the unallocated space.
4. Done

Now your C: drive will now include the previous D: drive space.

Method 2: Merge Drives Using Command Prompt (Diskpart)

If you prefer commands, you can use the Diskpart tool.

• Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click, and select Run as Administrator.
• Enter these commands one by one:

diskpart
list volume
select volume D
delete volume
select volume C
extend
exit

• Your C: drive will now take over the deleted D: drive’s space.

Method 3: Merge Drives with Third-Party Tools (No Data Loss)

If Disk Management shows Extend Volume as greyed out, or if you want to merge without losing data, third-party tools are the best choice.

Recommended options include:

• MiniTool Partition Wizard
• EaseUS Partition Master
• AOMEI Partition Assistant

For example, with MiniTool:

1. Install and launch the program.
2. Select C: drive → click Partition → choose Merge Partition.
3. Select D: drive as the target to merge.
4. Apply changes.

These tools allow merging even if unallocated space is not adjacent to C: .

When You Cannot Merge C and D Drive

• Keep D: as a storage or backup drive.
• If C: and D: are on different physical disks, merging isn’t possible.
  • In that case, you can:
  • Move personal files from D: to C:

FAQs: Merge C and D Drive Windows 11

1. Will merging C and D drive delete my files?
Yes, everything on D: will be deleted if you use Disk Management or Diskpart. Always back up before starting.

2. Can I merge drives without losing data?
Yes, but you’ll need a third-party partition manager like EaseUS or AOMEI.

3. Why is Extend Volume greyed out?
This happens if the unallocated space is not directly next to the C: partition. Third-party tools can fix this.

4. Can I merge drives if they are on different disks?
No, merging works only if C and D are on the same physical disk.

Merging C and D drives in Windows 11 is a practical way to expand system storage. The most reliable method is to back up files, delete D: drive, and extend C: using Disk Management. For advanced flexibility and no-data-loss merging, use trusted third-party partition managers.

With a larger C: drive, Windows will run more smoothly, updates won’t fail due to space, and you’ll have one less drive to manage.