[2022] How to Convert Primary Partition to Logical Partition

Some users may encounter the following problem:

The hard disk has limitations on creating partitions due to its MBR (Master Boot Record) system. It can only have up to four primary partitions or three primary and one extended partition. To create more than four partitions, a primary partition must first be converted to a logical partition. This is because the MBR system does not allow for a fifth primary partition to be created.

With the help of partition manager software, you can easily convert a primary partition to a logical partition without losing any data, using Qiling Partition Master.

Quick Navigation

How to convert primary partition to logical partition with Qiling Partition Master
How to Convert Primary Partition to Logical Partition Using CMD
How to Change Primary Partition to Logical with Windows Disk Management

How to convert primary partition to logical partition with Qiling Partition Master

To convert a primary partition to a logical partition, download and install Qiling Partition Master on your computer, and then follow the guide below to do so with ease.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Step 1. Download and run Qiling Partition Master.

Step 2.Right-click the partition you want to convert and choose the convert options to change its file system type, such as from FAT32 to NTFS.

1. Convert to Logical
2. Convert to Primary

How to Convert Primary Partition to Logical Partition Using CMD

To convert a primary partition to a logical partition using Diskpart, input command lines one by one. This method is only compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, so if you're using Windows XP, you'll need to go back to Part 1.

TIP: Please backs up your partition before you convert the existing primary partition.

Step 1. To access the Disk Management utility in Windows, open the search box, type "diskpart", and right-click the result, selecting "Run as administrator". This will launch the Disk Management utility with elevated privileges, allowing you to perform advanced disk management tasks.

Step 2. Type the following commands in sequence, pressing Enter after each: `list disk`, `select disk*`, `create partition extended`, `create partition logical`, `format quick`, `assign letter=*`, and finally `exit`.

diskpart convert primary to logical partition

How to Change Primary Partition to Logical with Windows Disk Management

Windows Disk Management, a built-in Windows utility, does not require downloading third-party software. However, it has a significant flaw: when converting a primary partition to a logical partition, it will completely erase all data.

 Warning: To avoid data loss, back up all your data before conversion. You can try Qiling Backup free or refer to part 1 for assistance.

Step 1. Press Windows + X and click Disk Management.

Step 2. Right-click your primary partition and choose Delete Volume.

disk management delete partition

Step 3. Choose the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.

Step 4.To create a new partition, move to the interface of the New Partition Wizard, where you will see three types of partitions. Select the option for a Logical drive.

Apply the Best Solution

To convert a primary partition to a logical partition, the Qiling Partition Master is a useful tool to accomplish this task. You can contact support@idiskhome.com for assistance.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Extra Tips about Primary Partition and Logical Partition

1. Logical V.S. Primary?

A couple of articles only cover the steps to convert partitions. Do you want to know more details about logical vs primary partition? Fortunately, we already mentioned the difference between primary and logical partition.

You also interested in: primary partition vs logical partition

2. How to Change Logical Drive to Primary Partition?

Step 1. Install and open Qiling Partition Master.

Step 2. To change a drive to primary, select the drive you want to modify, right-click it, and choose "Convert to Primary". This will add a pending operation that needs to be confirmed or cancelled.