Partitioning | Fresh Windows 10 install on 1TB SSD, can't shrink C: more than 189GB

[bostonkris34]

Hi, I wiped my SSD to reinstall a clean Windows 10 (via Reset This PC, not using the CD, though I suppose I could). I know with Windows 7, you could get a prompt at the beginning to create partitions and choose on which one you want to install. Here, I don't get that option.

It's relevant because I have a 1TB SSD (the Samsung one everyone has) with a clean install. And yet when I go to Shrink the c:\ volume it only lets me shrink it by 189GB - leaving a c: partition of 763GB. That to me seems like a huge waste of space. Was hoping to get a 120GB c: for Windows 10 and systems apps, then use the bulk of the space for creating Documents, Games and Media partitions. I also tried defragging and reducing the paging file... same result, 189GB max.

Since it was a clean install I figured what the heck, and did it again. Same problem - can only shrink it by 189GB. Is this normal, or are there programs that might help me work around this limitation?

THANK YOU!

 

[USAFRet]

During the install, you would delete ALL existing partitions, leaving one large space.
Then, you create the partition size you want out of that.

Having said that...I am not a fan of partitioning drives like that.
I much prefer individual physical drives.

But if you're going to have just the one drive, then yes...maybe partitions are the way to go.
This leaves the OS in its own in case of a reinstall.
But go for a bigger slice...200-250GB.

 

[bostonkris34]

thanks for the fast reply!

however, that is exactly what I did - straight format of the entire drive, and when using the "reset this pc" feature to install, I don't get the option to create or choose a partition. so it installs on the large drive and then I tried to shrink the volume via disk mgmt with the above issue.

fyi I will have other hard drives as well, but this is a ssd so I was hoping to take advantage of it at least for games on a separate partition so if the news arises to reformat again ill keep my games

During the install, you would delete ALL existing partitions, leaving one large space.
Then, you create the partition size you want out of that.

Having said that...I am not a fan of partitioning drives like that.
I much prefer individual physical drives.

But if you're going to have just the one drive, then yes...maybe partitions are the way to go.
This leaves the OS in its own in case of a reinstall.
But go for a bigger slice...200-250GB.

 

[Dugimodo]

The option is there somewhere to do it as USAFRet says, choose a custom install and check for options you haven't tried. I am not going to start an install to find it for you but I know it's there. I also agree with the single partition preference, the only advantage to a small OS partition is that it's easier to back up and I guess you can reinstall without wiping other partitions, but in reality that is rarely an issue for me.

The downside is if you install too many programs you can run out of space and some software does not allow installation anywhere but C: I've found 120GB OS partitions to be too restrictive in the past on my gaming PC.

Edit, don't format the drive. Delete the partition completely and start again
Edit 2: you may have to boot off the install disk and do it from there as opposed to using the reset option

 

[USAFRet]

No, not "reset".

Boot from your install media.
When it asks for where, select Custom.
You'll be presented with a list of all existing partitions.
Select each, DELETE.
Then you can create whatever size you choose.

And do this with ONLY the target SSD connected.
Disconnect ALL other drives.

 

[bostonkris34]

awesome! thanks everyone. have a great weekend. appreciate it