Alex Ruben
How to Fix the “This Partition is Too Small” Error While Installing Windows
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to resolve the “This partition is too small” error that may occur during the installation of Windows. By following the methods outlined, you will learn how to verify your partition selection, clean partitions, and check for potential hardware issues.
Step 1: Check the Right Partition
When beginning the installation process, ensure that you are selecting the correct partition for Windows installation. Follow these steps:
- Review the available partitions displayed during the installation.
- Select the Primary Partition, as some partitions (like the System Reserved partition) may not contain enough free space.
- If all partitions are empty, you have the option to delete any unnecessary partitions:
- Select a partition and click on Delete.
- Repeat until all partitions are deleted, which will leave you with Unallocated Space.
- Click on New to create new partitions, then select the Primary partition to install Windows.
Step 2: Clean the Partition
If the issue persists, you may need to clean the partition. Follow these steps:
- Exit the Windows installation screen and press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
- Type in the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
Diskpartlist diskselect disk #cleanExit
- Note that
#is a placeholder for the disk number corresponding to the hard drive you wish to clean. Ensure you enter the correct disk number.
Step 3: Check Your SSD or HDD
If you continue to face installation issues, your storage device may be faulty. Here’s what to do:
- Check if your SSD or HDD is displaying the correct capacity during installation.
- If not, consider sending your laptop for repair or purchasing a new SSD or HDD.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To ensure a smoother installation process:
- Double-check that you have selected an empty and sufficient partition.
- Avoid using System Reserved or Recovery partitions for Windows installation.
- If unsure about partition management, you may want to consult a professional.
Conclusion
By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the “This partition is too small” error during Windows installation. Ensuring the correct partition selection, cleaning the partition, and checking for hardware issues are key factors in a successful setup. For more guides related to Windows installation and troubleshooting, consider checking our additional resources.
