How to Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic without Data Loss in Windows

Why convert dynamic disk to basic?

Dynamic disk is not widely used among the common users since they are not so familiar with its benefits as the basic disk. However, compared with basic disk, dynamic disk is much more powerful on storing and protecting data.

Tip: You can click Dynamic Disk VS Basic Disk to know the differences between dynamic disk and basic disk.

Nowadays, how to convert dynamic disk to basic become a hot topic among the tech forums. But before converting dynamic disk to basic, you should figure out why people usually convert dynamic disk to basic. Here are several reasons:

✦ Compatibility: Dynamic disks are primarily supported by Windows operating systems, while basic disks are more universally recognized and compatible with different operating systems. If someone wants to use their hard drive with an operating system other than Windows, such as macOS or Linux, they need to convert it to a basic disk to ensure seamless compatibility.

✦ Software and Hardware Limitations: Certain software applications and hardware devices may not be fully compatible with dynamic disks. Converting to a basic disk ensures that these applications and devices can access and interact with the hard drive without any compatibility issues or limitations.

✦ Reinstalling Operating System: When installing a different operating system that doesn't support dynamic disks, it becomes necessary to convert the disk to a basic disk. By doing so, the new operating system can be installed and function properly on the converted basic disk.

✦ Simplified Management: Dynamic disks offer advanced features such as disk spanning, fault tolerance, and software RAID. However, for users who do not require or utilize these features, managing dynamic disks can be more complex and unnecessary. By converting to a basic disk, users can simplify disk management tasks and have a straightforward disk structure.

✦ Improved Performance: While dynamic disks provide features like disk striping to enhance performance, these benefits may not be significant for all users. Converting to a basic disk can help eliminate any overhead associated with dynamic disk management and potentially improve overall system performance, particularly for users who do not require the advanced features of dynamic disks.

It's important to note that converting a dynamic disk to a basic disk involves a data conversion process that can result in data loss. Therefore, it is crucial to back up all important data before initiating the conversion to ensure data integrity and minimize the risk of permanent data loss. Ultimately, the decision to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk depends on individual needs, operating system requirements, and compatibility considerations. It is recommended to refer to this post for specific instructions and guidance when performing disk conversions.

How to convert dynamic disk to basic free

Here, you are going to learn how to convert dynamic disk to basic disk for free. Two options will be provided, including Disk Management and Command Prompt.

▶ Option 1. Convert dynamic disk into basic by Disk Management

As we know, we can convert dynamic disk to basic on Windows 10 or 11 with Disk Management. Unfortunately, this operation is a one-direction way, you can’t convert dynamic disk to basic as easily as converting basic to dynamic. Because you could only convert dynamic disk to basic when there’s no partition on the target disk. In other words, you must delete all the partitions first before making the conversion.

Step 1. Open Disk Management, right-click each dynamic volume and select “Delete Volume”. Repeat this operation until you delete all volumes.

Step 2. Then right-click on the dynamic disk and choose “Convert to Basic Disk”.

▶ Option 2. Convert dynamic disk to basic using CMD

Apart from Disk Management, you can also convert dynamic disk to basic using CMD DiskPart.exe. However, this method also requires you to delete all volumes on the dynamic disk and is suitable for users with a computer background.

Step 1. Right-click the "Command Prompt" icon at the search menu, and choose "Run as administrator".

Step 2. Type the commands and press Enter after typing each command.

● diskpart
● list disk
● select disk n ("n" is the disk number of the dynamic that you want to convert)
● list volume

● select volume m("m" is the number of the volume on the dynamic disk)
● delete volume (repeat these two commands to delete all volumes)
● select disk n
● convert basic

Convert dynamic disk to basic without losing data

As you can see, to convert a data disc from a dynamic to a basic disc, you can try Disk Management or CMD. However, if the disc you want to convert to a basic disc contains a Windows system, they will not be able to convert it to a basic disc. This is because Windows does not allow deleting volumes that contain the operating system. Fortunately, you can use the third-party software Aomen Partition Assistant to convert dynamic discs to basic discs without affecting the operating system.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Server is a reliable and efficient dynamic disk and volume management software for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012(R2)/2008(R2)/2003. Its Dynamic Disk Converter feature can help you convert dynamic disks to basic disks without losing data.

In addition, it comes with a "Dynamic Disk Manager", enabling you to manage dynamic disk and volumes conveniently. Let's see how it works:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. Click “Convert” in the top toolbar, and choose “Dynamic Disk Converter”.

Step 2. In the welcome screen, click "Next".

Step 3. Two methods are available for you to choose: "Convert a dynamic disk back to basic disk" and "Convert any dynamic volume to basic partition". Here we choose Method 1. Click "Next".

Step 4. Select the dynamic disk that you want to convert to basic disk. Click "Next".

Step 5.  When it is done, you will be informed to reboot PC, click "OK".

Sum up

How to convert dynamic disk to basic? After seeing this, I believe you have a clear understanding. If you are in need of converting dynamic disk to basic disk or converting basic disk to dynamic disk, this article will definitely help you a lot. As mentioned in the article, to convert dynamic disk to basic disk without losing data, your best choice is AOMEI Partition Assistant.