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How to create multiple partitions on a USB drive

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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A partition is a specific region of a hard disk or external storage device. The primary partition of a HDD is the C: drive, but some users add new partitions to their hard disks so that they can organize folders and files more efficiently. Partitioning HDDs is especially handy for multi-boot configurations as users can create a separate partition for the additional operating system. So there are numerousthird-party software utilitiesfor Windows that enable you to create new drive partitions.

Windows only recognize the first primary partitions on USB drives, which is a notable restriction. Consequently, additional drives on USB sticks don’t show up in File Explorer. As such, there are seemingly few advantages to partitioning removable USB sticks for Windows users; but Linux platforms do recognize multiple partitions on external storage devices.

However, times are changing; and with the Creators Update, Windows 10 does support multiple USB drive partitions. The Creators Update ensures that Windows 10 users can see multiple partitions on their USB drives in File Explorer. This update also enables you to add new partitions to USB sticks with the Disk Management utility, but you must have Windows 10, Version 1703 with ADK installed.

Set up Multiple USB Drive Partitions With Disk Management

So Windows 10 users with theCreators Update (v1703)can partition their USB drives with the platform’s Disk Management tool. First, back up your USB stick if it has files on it; but it’s better to partition an empty external drive if possible. Then you can add partitions to USB storage with the Disk Management system tool as follows.

Add new Partitions to a USB Drive With Bootice

Bootice also enables you to select the partition Windows displays, which is handy if your laptop or desktop hasn’t had the Creators Update yet. Select the drive for Windows to display on the Partition Manager window, and then press theAssign DriveLetterbutton. Now File Explorer will display the selected partition.

Add new Partitions to a USB Drive With AOMEI Partition Assistant

Partition manager utilities also enable you to create partitions onUSB flash drives. Adding partitions to USB drives is straightforward with AOMEI Partition Assistant. That also has a freeware version you can add to Windows by clicking theDownload Freewarebutton.

⇒Get AOMEI Partition Assistant

So that’s how you can create multiple partitions on a USB flash drive with the Disk Management utility, AOMEI Partition Assistant, and Bootice. Then you can organize your folders more efficiently on the external storage. There are plenty of other third-party programs you can partition USB sticks with, and thisWindows Report articletells you about some of the best partition managers.

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.