How to Fix the Windows 11 Extend Volume Greyed Out (5 Ways)

Description: Have you ever faced any error where the message of 'Windows 11 extend volume greyed out' pops on the screen, and you have no clue what to do next? Do not worry; we are here to guide you with five effective ways to fix the issue instantly in quick steps.

Background Introduction:

You often see a warning indicating low disk space on your PC, leaving you with the trauma of insufficient storage space for installing any new program or saving any new update using a selective drive. Sometimes, Windows cannot carry out expanding or shrinking partitions in the format of FAT files. As a user, you may need to delete or reformat it to extend it to get more space.

At such times, extending the volume is a handy response to the issue. For example, you can use multiple ways to carry out this function quickly and lead by creating additional storage space on your PC.

When doing so, you may find that having a hard drive of fundamental nature may lead you to adjoin unallocated space on the right side of the extendable volume. For this purpose, the unloaded space on the left side of the volume is insufficient for extending it. 

Several times as a user, you may also see a message of Windows 11 extend volume greyed out in the console for the Disk management area of your screen. Due to this, you may feel restricted from moving ahead. Multiple reasons might result in the occurrence of the issue.

Why Extend Volume Greyed Out?

You cannot make room for newer files when you see a warning for lower disk space on your Windows PC. So the disk management utility comes as a built-in feature for extending the volume to enlarge a partition. However, when Windows disk management right click function 'Extend volume' greyed out on your screen, you must know why.

For Basic Disks:

1. Sometimes you have to ensure that the partition you are looking for enlarging is a partition other than an NTFS partition. It is so because, as per Microsoft, the feature of extending Volume in Disk Management works with an NTFS or RAW partition.
2. The primary partition neither offers any unallocated space behind it nor is any continuous space at the back of the logical drive you want to expand.
3. You may find that the MBR partition is not expanding beyond 2TB.

For Dynamic Disks:

1. You will not find any continuous space that is unallocated and present at the back of the C drive.
2. You'll not find any blank area unallocated on dynamic disks.
3. You will also not find any unallocated space at the back of mirror volume, spanned Volume, striped, or even RAID Volume. In other cases, you will not be seeing any continuous area not allocated at the back of only a segment of the mentioned volumes.

Any reasons mentioned can work behind triggering the issue of 'Windows 11 extend volume greyed out. However, the great news is that we have come up with practical solutions to solve the problem instantly.  

Method 1 - Fix Extend Volume Greyed Out Windows 11 With IM-Magic Partition Resizer

Suppose you wish to fix the 'Windows 11 extend volume greyed out' issue but found that your data is on the verge of getting lost or deleted. So while you are working on removing or creating unallocated space on your hard drive, IM-Magic Partition Resizer which is a totally free tool seems like a magic application to work wonders for you. Even with zero technical knowledge, you can operate the software well.

The tool helps you with the following:

1. Resizing, formatting, deleting, or moving partitions.
2. Wiping any disk or partition along with no downtime availability for servers.
3. Straightforward extension of C system drives to give you more space.
4. Easy conversion of MBR to GPT.
5. Safety of 100%, along with no data loss.

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1: First, you must download IM-Magic Partition Resizer freeware, then install it.

Download Partition Resizer

Step 2: Now locate the volume you are looking to extend and tap on the drive given next to it. You will be able to observe the options of 'Resizing or Moving.' Tap on it.

Step 3: Go ahead by shrinking the D in the right direction. For that, you've to move your cursor. You'll reckon some free space available.

Step 4: Now, returning to the main UI, you must locate C and right-click it to 'Resize or Move.' To extend its borders, you must use the cursor.

Step 5: Make sure all the changes are applied.

Method 2 - Convert FAT to NTFS

If, as a user, you find out that your partition is formatted in FAT or FAT32 format, you cannot expand it. So, you need to reformat the whole partition in NTFS format. However, before proceeding with the steps, you must ensure that you have properly backed up the data on your partition.

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1: You must start by right-clicking on the Disk Management Console partition, and then from the context menu, you must click the 'Format' option.

Step 2: You'll be able to observe a new window for the process of formatting. From there, make a selection of 'NTFS' given in the drop-down menu. You can search for the choice in the File system. Then you've to proceed by tapping the 'OK' option.

Step 3: Now, to give your confirmation on the action, you've to tap the 'OK' option.

After completing the process, you will notice the formatting of partitions in NTFS format. You can extend the partition and find out if your issue gets resolved. In case you find that your problem is persisting, move to the following method.

Method 3 - Remove Adjacent Volume

If you find out that 'Windows 11 extend volume greyed out,' you must move ahead with deleting the partition present on the RHS of the Volume you want to extend. As soon as you delete the volume, you will find that the data present also gets erased. So before moving ahead, make sure you have taken a backup of your important folders and files.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Go ahead with typing diskmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box by opening the Console for Disk Management.

Step 2: You will find volume up on the extendable partition's right side; right-click on the same. Then you've to go ahead with tapping on the 'Delete Volume' option given in the context menu.
 
Step 3: You must tap on 'yes' to confirm the dialog box.

Step 4: You will see that deletion of volume is now confirmed and is present as 'Unallocated.' You must proceed with the volume you have to create an extension of by clicking on the option of 'Extend Volume' present in the context menu.

Step 5: You will see the wizard of Extend Volume facility has launched. You must click the 'Next' option to see the welcome screen.

Step 6: As soon as the following screen appears, you must ensure that the selected category has unallocated space. Now you have to make an entry for the required space in MBs and proceed with clicking on the 'Next' option once you get done.

Step 7: You will see the final screen where you have to tap on the 'Finish' option.

Method 4 - Extend to another dynamic Disk by building raid array

Windows cannot make an extension of volume if there is unallocated space on the primary disk. However, if your disk is dynamic, you can create a partition that will look presentable in a single place but will have distribution across more than two disks. In case you cannot spare additional space on the disk of your current usage, you can also attach a separate one onto your computer to extend the partition.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: You have to shut down your PC and go ahead with attaching a new hard drive. You can also attach a Virtual Hard Disk if you are working on a VM.

Step 2: As soon as you get done, you have to switch on your PC and type in diskmgmt.msc in the Run command by opening the console for Disk Management.

Step 3: You will notice that you have successfully attached the new hard drive to your PC. If you see any partitions pre-existing on your system, go ahead by deleting them so you have some unallocated space on your device.

Step 4: Now, on the disk of your choice, go ahead by right-clicking and tapping on the option of 'convert to dynamic disk.'

Step 5: You will see a pop-up window where you have to recheck whether you have selected the suitable disks and then tap on the 'OK' option.

Step 6: On the next screen, you must tap the 'convert' option.

Step 7: On the confirmation box, tap on 'Yes.'

Step 8: You will find that your disk converts to dynamic, and the option of 'extend volume' will appear in the expandable volume's context menu. Tap on it.

Step 9: You can see the wizard for the Extend Volume. On the welcome screen, tap on 'Yes.'

Step 10: Tap on the option of Available unallocated space on the next screen, then tap on the 'Add' option.

Step 11: Now, enter the space required in MB and tap on 'Next.'

Step 12: Tap on 'Finish' on the final screen to complete the task.

Method 5 - Use Shrink Volume

If you think none of the abovementioned options are working on getting the allocated or accessible space, you can use the facility to shrink the partition volume. You'll see that it will instantly solve your Windows 11 extend volume greyed out issue.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Start by clicking on the option of 'Disk Management' using the 'X+ Windows' keys.

Step 2: Move ahead with a right-click on the neighboring partition. Make sure the partition has enough space. Then proceed by tapping the option 'Shrink Volume.'

Step 3: You must mention the space you require for shrinking. For this, you must tap on the option of 'Shrink' and then tap on 'Ok' for confirmation.

FAQs

What are the popular reasons for Windows 11 extend volume greyed out?

You may see:

1. No support for particular partitions.
2. No support for the File system.
3. Restriction of 2TB on MBR disk.

 

Which is an easy way to solve the 'Windows 11 extend volume greyed out' issue?

IM-Magic Partition Resizer software can fix the issue quickly and instantly.

How should I add unallocated space to C drive when there is no extended volume?

You can apply the methods mentioned earlier. Use any one or all of them. But for a hassle-free experience, we will suggest you use effective software.  

How can I convert MBR to GPT?

You can use the IM-Magic Partition Resizer to convert MBR to GPT easily.

What should I do if, after using the Convert FAT to NTFS method, I cannot fix the extended volume greyed issue?

We have mentioned many other options to try to fix the issue. You can try any of them. Or, if you have a limited time in hand, follow the steps mentioned under IM-Magic Partition Resizer.

Conclusion

To solve your issue of 'Windows 11 extend volume greyed out,' we have suggested five suitable methods. So feel free to apply any or all of them per your situation and feasibility. However, we think that using an able software like IM-Magic Partition Resizer can do your task in minutes and not drain you out of energy. Using this tool, you can delete any partition, making enough room even in the absence of allocated space. IM-Magic Partition Resizer also ensures you are not losing any data during or after the process is complete. So, you can blindly rely on it.

 

Step 5: Proceed with the next. The wizard will begin the extension procedure.

Step 6: Press Finish to close the Disk management tool.

Example: No free space next to c drive -> create free space from another volume at first. Follow the steps in case of no allocated space in your Windows 11 PC:

Step 1: Look for the start menu.

Step 2: Select Disk management and operate it.

Step 3: Right-press on the drive, which has free available space. Click on Shrink volume from the given list.

Step 4: Finalize the shrinking size in terms of MB; it's the space amount required to add to your C drive. For confirmation, click on the shrink icon. (1024MB=1GB)

Step 5: Right-tap on the C drive. Select the number of disks from the section.

Step 6: Go to Next, and the extension will begin through the wizard.

Step 7: Tap on the finish to close the disk management tool.

Note: If the free unallocated space is from another drive which is not close to the c drive, you may follow these steps:

Eg: when there was volume C, D, E, F and F is the large volume that you want to shrink

• 1, Shrink volume F to create unallocated space at first (with disk management or free tool Partition Resizer)
• 2, Move the free space from F to c by moving the E, AND D partitions with free tool Partition Resizer which can help move in between partitions without data loss by a right clicking the partition and the move option will show up
• 3, Add free space to C drive with disk management or Partition Resizer when the free space is just next to the c drive

Method 3. Increase C Drive Space With CMD

Being a trusted and helpful tool, Diskpart is used for extending C drive space. Moreover, this method is more convenient for advanced users only. Go through the step-by-step guide below to learn how to extend C drive in windows 11 through this tool.

Step-by-step guide:

Extending C drive space when you have available unallocated space

Step 1: Enter Windows + R keys and proceed with cmd. Click ctrl + shift + Enter to run it like an administrator application.

Step 2: Go with diskpart and type Enter. Proceed with the below commands. Tap on 'enter' so that command starts functioning

1. type list disk
2. type select disk 0 (replace the number 0 with your system disk letter)
3. type list partition
4. type select partition n (replace the number n with your system C drive letter)
5. type extend
6. type exit

Extending C drive space when you don't have available unallocated space

The key: You need to delete some volume at first when there were no available unallocated spaces.

You might experience virtual disk service issues while you try to extend partition volume. For example, it might occur since you missed leaving enough room near your system drive, indicating your system drive is full or the disk partition is corrupt.

In times of such errors, you can apply the following steps to increase the C drive when you lack unallocated space.

Step 1: Click on Windows+ R keys and enter cmd. Tap ctrl + shift + Enter. Ensure that it is running as an administrator.

Step 2: Type diskpart and move further with the 'enter' key. Proceed with the following commands and tap on 'enter' to run them:

1. list disk
2. select disk 0 (replace the number 0 with your system disk letter)
3. list partition
4. select partition n (replace the number n with your partition number that you want to delete)
5. delete partition
6. select partition n ( replace n with your C: drive letter)
7. type extend
8. type exit

Part4 - Extend c drive when there were no unallocated space

Case1: Disk *, c volume as a whole drive in the disk, no other volumes or unallocated space

Solution: When the c drive is a whole volume that is running out of space, you may add space from other disks by building RAID arrays, and then redistribute the free space to c drive with free tool Partition Resizer Free.

Case2: Disk has c drive, and other volumes E, H, G on the same disk

Solution: Shrink other large volume to get unallocated space and then move the unallocated space to c drive with free tool Partition Resizer, and then claim the unallocated space to c drive

Case3: Disk has c and D drive

Solution: Shrink d drive with free tool Partition Resizer by moving its border to the right side, and then unallocated space will be created just next to drive c, and then it's easy to add the space to c drive with Partition Resizer or disk management or diskpart cmd.

Case4: Disk has c, d and e drive that you want to delete one to create unallocated space

It's easy to delete a volume in disk management that you may create unallocated space on the disk, and then it's free to move the unallocated space to c drive by moving the partition in between with free tool Partition Resizer, and then it's free to add space to c drive with the three ways on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Q1. What does the term 'unallocated space' mean?

A: It means that none of the programs can write to space. There is no space left in the operating system for practical purposes. To access unallocated space, you either create a new partition with the help of space or consider expanding the existing one.

Q2. Is it possible to merge two disk partitions?

A: It's feasible to merge two partitions at once. Instead, users are free to combine two or more parts of unallocated space into the partition. However, it's significant to merge the data partition into your system boot drive, but it's not possible to join the system boot drive into the data partition.

Q3. Is it safe to extend the C drive?

A: Extending your C drive into the D is safe, provided you take the help of third-party partition tools in the process. Ensure to have a complete backup before doing so. Don't mess up with the partitions since it might lead to severe data loss.

Q4. How to resolve when your C drive is full?

A: Execute three simple steps:

Step 1: Go to My Computer, right-tap on the C drive, and choose "Properties."

Step 2: Tap the 'Disk Cleanup' icon in the disk properties section.

Step 3: Choose the log to recycle bin, temporary files, log files, and all other trash files that need to delete. Press 'OK.'

Q5. Does deleting partitions wipe your data?

A: When you delete a partition, it erases your stored data on it. It's recommended to refrain from deleting it unless you don't require the already stored data on it.

Conclusion:

When your C drive partitions don't have space and run out of disk space, you may have difficulty performing any task on your PC. Moreover, you won't be able to operate your Windows without sufficient space.

While operating Windows 11, you might question whether to use that partition to extend the C drive on your PC if you have come across little compacted space available next to your C partition.

When you look forward to knowing how to extend C drive in Windows 11, this article deals with solutions for both allocated and unallocated space in Windows 11 to guide you on such issues.