PARTITION YOUR DRIVE

You need a secondary (not backup) drive if you want to separate data from Windows. If you don’t have one, you can partition your main drive in two to split Windows and your apps from your documents, photos, portable apps, and any files not directly tied into Windows.

It is possible to partition using the Disk Management tool (type “diskmgmt.msc” into the “Run” dialog box), but if files are situated at the end of the drive, you won’t be able to partition it to the size you want. Instead, download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant ( www.aomeitech.com/aomeipartition-assistant.html).

Ascertain how you wish to split your drive in two—typically look to allocate 64GB or more for your Windows partition, depending on the number of apps and games you use, leaving the rest for your data. If space is currently at a premium, temporarily move your data off the drive while you create the second partition.

Launch Partition Assistant, select your Windows drive (typically drive C), and click “Check Partition.” Choose “Scan and Repair,” and reboot to let it do its work. Once complete, restart Partition Assistant, select drive C again, and this time choose “Resize/Move Partition.” Use the slider to shrink the drive by the amount you wish to free up for your data partition. Be sure to leave at least 5GB (preferably more) of free space for your system drive. If partitioning an SSD drive, click “Advanced,” and select “Allow partition alignment.” Click “OK.”

Next, select the unused space, and click “Create Partition.” Leave all available space allocated, and “File System” set to “NTFS.” Click “Advanced” to set a label (such as “Data”), but leave all other settings alone. Click “OK,” then “Apply.” Review the changes, then click “Proceed.” Reboot when prompted—when done, your new drive shows up in Windows, ready for your data.