Extend volume is not enabled in Windows 11

Question

Hi,

I want to extend volume size of C: in Windows 11 but Extend volume is not enabled in Windows 11.

Please let us know, what I can do for it?

With Regards
NndnG

Answer 1

Hi @NndnG ,

In order to do this natively the unallocated space must be adjacent, i.e. next to the drive you want to extend.

One way would be to use Diskpart to delete your recovery volume (the 508 MB one) and then you should be able to extend your C-drive, once done, re-create your Recovery partition.

• How to Delete a Windows Recovery Partition
• Capture and apply Windows, system, and recovery partitions

The other method is to use third-party software which may offer the option to extend right away.

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If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you!

Best regards,
Leon

Answer 2

This is not unique to Windows 11.

It is related to the Microsoft disk management feature.

Extend volume is available when there is unallocated space immediately to the right of C:

When there is not free space extend volume appears grey in disk management.

The extend volume cannot be performed when grey in any Windows edition / version (11, 10, 8.1, 7, etc.)

""You can use Disk Management to add space to an existing volume, extending it into empty space on the drive, but only if the empty space doesn't have a volume on it (it's unallocated) and comes immediately after the volume you want to extend, with no other volumes in-between, as shown in the following image. The volume to extend also must be formatted with the NTFS or ReFS file systems.""

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/disk-management/extend-a-basic-volume#:~:text=To%20extend%20a%20volume%20by%20using%20Disk%20Management,-Here's%20how%20to&text=After%20Computer%20Management%20opens%2C%20go,and%20then%20select%20Extend%20Volume.

The volume may be able to be extended using third party software.

Some third party software are:
Mini Tool Partition Wizard Free
EaseUS
Diskgenius
etc.

Mini tool partition wizard has a Change Partition section: Move/resize, extend, merge, split

If you wanted to only use disk management it may be able to be accomplished by deleting the recovery partition and then later recreating the recovery partition.

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Answer 3

Hello,

Here is the same query with a tutorial videos',

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-insider-program/i-can-t-extend-volume-in-windows-11/m-p/2550404

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Thanks,

Mohammed S

Answer 4

If the unallocated space is nonadjacent, Extend Volume will be disabled. Follow the method in the video to move your recovery partition to the end, then the unallocated space will be next to C drive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-xYu27zS80