How to Shrink C drive on Windows 2022 2025

#1 Shrink C Server Create Partition with Partition Resizer Server

The following video shows how to use Partition Resizer to shrink C drive and create partition.

#2 Shrink Server C Add Space to Another

This following video shows how to shrink C drive in Windows Server and then add space to another drive including moving the unallocated space in the procedure.

Note: Windows may display a false alarm error stating that your PC has encountered an issue and needs to shut down after Partition Resizer finishes shrinking the C: drive, moving, and extending other partitions. This occurs due to a service conflict in Windows Server Disk Management. Simply ignore the error, restart your computer, and the system will function normally—the partitions have been successfully modified.

IM-Magic Partition Resizer Server Edition – Safe Partition Management for Windows Server

With IM-Magic Partition Resizer Server Edition, you can effortlessly resize, merge, or manage partitions on Windows Server 2022, 2025, and earlier versions—without data loss. The process is fast, secure, and designed for server environments.

Key Advantages for Windows Server:

✅ Roll-Back Protection – Safeguards your system even during unexpected interruptions (e.g., power failures) to prevent corruption.
✅ Resize System Partitions (C: Drive) – Works where Disk Management or Diskpart fails.
✅ Non-Destructive Operations – Adjust partitions without losing data.

Steps to Resize C Partition on Windows Server:

1. 1. Download & Install: Get IM-Magic Partition Resizer Server Edition.

2. 2. Launch & Select: Open the tool and choose the partition (e.g., C: drive) to modify. (Right-click the partition and select Resize/Move.)

3. 3. Shrink: Drag the border of the C partition, reduce c drive size by narrowing its border, and click OK.

4. 4. Apply Changes: click Apply to execute safely.

Why Choose This Over Built-in Tools?

• No limitations on shrinking system partitions (unlike Disk Management).

• Guaranteed safety with transaction-based operations.

• Supports RAID, dynamic disks, and GPT/MBR.

Ideal for Windows Server administrators who need a reliable, risk-free way to optimize disk space.

#2 Shrink C Drive Using Disk Management (Server 2019/2022/2025)

Steps:

1. Open Disk Management - Press Win+X > Disk Management - Or: Run diskmgmt.msc
2. Select C: Drive - Right-click C: > Shrink Volume
3. Enter Shrink Size (MB) - Example: 10240 (10GB) - Note: Limited by unmovable files
4. Confirm - Click Shrink > Creates unallocated space

Limitations:

• ❌ Can't shrink old system files
• ❌ Can't shrink C when it has the pagefile
• ❌ Can't shrink when there are immovable system files at the very end of the volume such as the hibernation file, paging file, system restore files, shadow copies
• ❌ Can't shrink when the C drive has other unknown errors
• ❌ Can't move space from one to another
• ❌ Can't move partition
• ❌ No crash protection

Alternative:

For full flexibility, use IM-Magic Partition Resizer Server.

How to Shrink C Drive Using Diskpart (Server 2022/2025)

When Disk Management can't shrink your C drive, try Diskpart for more control.

Simple Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin (Win+X > Terminal Admin)
2. Run these commands one by one:
   diskpart
   list volume
   select volume C
   shrink desired=20480
   (Change 20480 to your desired MB size - 20480 = 20GB)
3. If it fails, try:
   shrink querymax
   shrink desired=[smaller number]

Limitations:

• ❌ Can't shrink old system files
• ❌ Can't shrink C when it has the pagefile
• ❌ Can't shrink when there are immovable system files at the very end of the volume
• ❌ Can't shrink when the C drive has other unknown errors
• ❌ Can't move space from one to another
• ❌ Can't move partition
• ❌ No crash protection
• ❌ Not easy to operate

Pro Tip: For easier resizing with no limits, try IM-Magic Partition Resizer Server.