PowerShell Resize Partition in Windows Server 2016/2019/2022

Many administrators want to resize the Windows server partitions after running the server for a period of time. Some people want to shrink a large partition to create a new volume, while others want to extend the C drive when it is running out of space. To repartition a hard drive in Windows Server, you may try PowerShell if you prefer not to use third-party software. However, this native command-line tool has many restrictions. This article explains how to shrink and extend partitions with PowerShell in Windows Server 2016/2019/2022. It also explains a better way to resize server partitions using safe software.

How to Shrink a Partition Using PowerShell in Server 2016/2019/2022

How to Extend a Partition Using PowerShell in Server 2016/2019/2022

Before extending a volume with PowerShell, you must delete the adjacent partition to its right. If there is no right adjacent volume, or if you cannot delete it, you cannot extend the volume with PowerShell in Windows Server 2016/2019/2022.

Steps to Extend Partition C With PowerShell in Windows Server 2016/2019/2022:

1. Transfer all files in the adjacent partition on the right (D:) (which may be E: on some servers) to another location.
2. Type diskpart and press Enter in the PowerShell window.
3. (Optional) Type list volume and press Enter.
4. Type select volume D and press Enter.
5. Type delete volume and press Enter.
6. Type select volume C and press Enter.
7. Type extend and press Enter.

Within moments, the system C drive is increased from 40GB to 110GB. (Note: If there is 20GB of unallocated space behind the D drive, this type of space will not be listed in DiskPart.)

A Better Way to Resize Partitions in Windows Server

There are many limitations when resizing partitions with PowerShell in Server 2016/2019/2022. For example:

1. Only NTFS partitions can be shrunk and extended; FAT32 and any other types are not supported.
2. Unallocated space can only be generated on the right side while shrinking a partition.
3. If there are some "unmovable" files in a partition, PowerShell can only free up a small amount of space, even if there is a large amount available.
4. Unallocated space can only be used to create a new volume; it cannot be moved or used to extend other partitions.
5. All operations are executed immediately without preview.

With NIUBI Partition Editor, there are no such limitations. You can generate unallocated space on either the left or right side when shrinking a partition. Furthermore, you can extend a partition using contiguous unallocated space from either side. If the unallocated space is non-adjacent, you can move it and combine it with another partition on the same disk.

Download NIUBI Partition Editor and follow the steps in the videos below to shrink and extend volumes in Windows Server 2016.

Unlike many other tools, NIUBI Partition Editor features innovative technologies to protect your system and data.

• Virtual Mode - All operations will be listed as pending for preview; real disk partitions won't be changed until you click "Apply" to confirm.
• Cancel-at-will - If you applied incorrect operations, you can cancel the ongoing operations without destroying partitions.
• 1-Second Rollback - If any error is detected while resizing a partition, it automatically reverts the server to its original status instantly.
• Hot Clone - Clone disk partitions without server interruption. You can clone the system disk before any operations or regularly as a backup.

Besides shrinking, extending, moving, and copying disk partitions, NIUBI Partition Editor helps you merge, convert, defrag, wipe, optimize, and hide partitions, as well as scan for bad sectors, and much more.

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