you could open Disk Management in any version of Windows, fromWindows XPthroughWindows 11.

If you’re viewing theLarge iconsorSmall iconsview of the Control Panel, you won’t see this link.

System and Securityis only found in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.

System and Security button in Control Panel in Windows 10

In Vista, the equivalent link isSystem and Maintenance, and in XP, it’s calledPerformance and Maintenance.

SeeWhat Version of Windows Do I Have?if you’re not sure.

SelectWindows Tools(Windows 11) orAdministrative Tools.

System and Security panel showing Administrative tools button in Windows 10

This window is calledSystem and MaintenanceorPerformance and Maintenancein Vista and XP, respectively.

In the window that’s now open, double-tap or double-clickComputer Management.

ChooseDisk Managementon the left side of the window.

Computer management button in Administrative Tools panel in Windows 10

It’s located underStorage.

Mostfree disk partitioning software toolscan also accomplish these hard drive tasks.

Just executediskmgmt.mscfrom either of thosecommand line interfaces.

Disk Management tab in Computer Management panel in Windows 10

SeeHow to Open Disk Management From the Command Promptfor more detailed instructions.

Here’s how:

Right-click or tap and hold any empty space on the desktop.

Go toNew>Shortcut.

New and Shortcut highlighted in a Windows desktop menu.

Customize the name if you want, and then selectFinish.

Just right-tap the Start button or try theWin+Xcombination on your keyboard.

What you’ll see looks exactly like the Run dialog box; enter thediskmgmt.msccommand there to initiate the program.

FAQ

double-check you’re logged in as an administrator before you open Disk Management.

Go toStart>parameters>Accounts.

Open Disk Management as an administrator and pick the drive you want to change.