How To Convert a Dynamic Disk Into a Basic Disk
And vice versa – we’ll show you 3 different methods
For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, thebasic diskis used for primary logic drives and partitions, and serves as the storage disk type most often used with the Windows operating system.
The basic disk provides a simple storage solution, and allows for the creation and deletion of primary and extended partitions, the creation and deletion of logical drives within an extended partition, and the ability to format a partition and mark it as active.
Adynamic diskwill provide features that are not possible on a basic disk. They allow the partitioning of various volume types such as spanned, striped, mirrored, and RAID-5. These disks tend to offer greater flexibility for volume management. Since the release of Windows 10, dynamic disks have been deprecated and are generally no longer recommended for use.
One of the primary reasons that a dynamic disk is no longer considered useful is the introduction of newer Storage Spaces technology that can help protect your data from drive failures. A long-standing problem with dynamic disks is the inevitability they become faulty, causing drive failures and the need to revert back to basic disk.
How To Convert a Dynamic Disk Into a Basic Disk
A great thing about both disks is that they’re interconvertible, meaning you can convert one into the other and vice-versa. The ways in which this is possible is two-fold; through the Disk Management tool or Command Prompt.
There are third-party tools you can use that are supposed to streamline the whole process. You can seek one out if you’d prefer though we can’t personally recommend any.
The process will require some computer competency but is relatively easy even for a novice. We’ll attempt to simplify both conversion methods and aid you in how you can convert a dynamic disk, failed or otherwise, into a basic disk.
Before you begin it is crucial that you back up all of the volumes located on the dynamic disk. Both conversion processes will wipe away all data completely during the transfer.
Conversion Method 1 – Disk Management
Likely the easiest method of the two due to the least effort involved, we’ll begin converting your dynamic disk into a basic disk using the Disk Management tool.
On the flipside, converting a basic disk into a dynamic disk will not require a data back up. So, if for some reason you feel the need to revert the dynamic to basic change, it’s as simple as following an on-screen Wizard.
You may receive a warning when attempting this change. The first informing you that the installation of an operating system from a volume that is not the current boot volume, will not be possible. This means that you already have a data or system partition set on the basic disk and should not convert. It would be better to dual boot if you’re dead set on using a dynamic disk.
Conversion Method 2 – Command Prompt
If you happen to be more familiar with the Command Prompt, this one may be easier for you. Though, it does require one additional step to that of the Disk Management tool. Regardless, the end result will still be a basic disk converted from a dynamic disk.
Follow the above steps up to the part you retrieve a list of available disks inDISKPART. In this process, you won’t have to delete anything. Simply executeconvert dynamicand the disk will do so.
The only time you should receive a warning is when you’re attempting to convert a system disk. In which case, you’ll be prompted with aVirtual Disk Serviceerror exclaiming that there is not enough space.
Former US Army IT communications specialist who began his online blogging career in 2016. Joseph has over 10 years experience in the IT industry as both an analyst and communications expert. He’s a night owl and an avid Red Bull consumer who spends most of his downtime enthralled by online gaming and website building.Read Joseph’s Full Bio
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