Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk in Windows 11 without Losing Data

Why convert dynamic disk to basic disk in Windows 11?

Dynamic disks and basic disks are two different types of disk storage. Although compared with basic disks, dynamic disks have some advantages (Click here to know more about dynamic disk). But for compatibility, our personal PCs use basic disks most of the time. Generally, we need to convert dynamic disks to basic disks in Windows 11 in the following situations:

☞  Install dual systems. Windows cannot be installed directly on a dynamic volume unless it is converted from a basic disk.
☞  The user converts a basic disk to a dynamic disk by accident, hoping to convert the dynamic disk back to a basic disk without damaging data.
☞  Other aspects are not compatible, such as dynamic disk does not support FAT file system.

Convert dynamic disk to basic disk in Windows 11 via Disk Management

Disk Management is a built-in tool of Windows. It can help you convert dynamic to basic disk for free, but Disk Management can only convert an empty dynamic disk to a basic disk. So you must delete all data on the dynamic disk.

Note: Please note that if there are important data on the dynamic disk, please back it up before deleting it.

Step 1. Click the “Start” icon at the bottom of the Windows 11 desktop, select “Disk Management” and open it.

Step 2. In Computer Management interface, click Disk Management under Storage and right-click every volume on the dynamic disk to choose “Delete Volume”.

Step 3. Wait for the process to complete, and then right-click the dynamic disk and select “Convert to Basic Disk”.

Convert dynamic disk to basic disk in Windows 11 Command Prompt

You can also use the Command Prompt to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk, but for computer beginners, entering the command line makes things more complicated.

Remember that when you convert a Dynamic disk to a Basic disk, all data on the Dynamic disk is erased without notice. If you decide that now is the time to convert your Dynamic disk to a Basic disk, please make a backup of any data before proceeding. Never convert a Basic disk that contains your operating system or other software you may need for daily work. Here are the details.

Step 1. Enter diskpart into the search box.

Step 2. Type list disk and note the disk number of your volume you want to convert to basic. It goes like this:

list disk.
select disk x (You can Replace x with your dynamic disk number).
detail disk
select volume x (Replace x with dynamic disk number you want to delete).
delete volume x 

You will need to delete all existing volumes on the disk to convert it from dynamic to basic.

Step 4. After deleting all the disk volumes, run the below commands and press Enter every time.
select disk x 
convert basic 
select disk x
convert basic

Repeat the procedures for any number of drives until all volumes on Windows 11 are changed from dynamic to basic.

Step 5. When you're finished converting the dynamic drive to a simple drive, type exit and press Enter.

It's easier to use third-party disk utilities than to use Command Prompt. If you want to change a dynamic disk to a basic disk, fortunately, you can use the third-party software AOMEI Partition Assistant to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk without deleting any data.

Convert dynamic disk to basic disk in Windows 11 without losing data (recommend)

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a powerful dynamic disk management utility, suitable for Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP. Its built-in function dynamic disk converter allows you to convert dynamic disks into basic disks without deleting volumes. Most importantly, its operation is very simple, no complicated command line is required, and the whole process is controlled by the mouse only.

In addition, Dynamic Disk Manager in it allows you resize/shrink/delete/format dynamic volume. Please download the demo to see how to achieve Windows 11 convert dynamic disk to basic disk.

Note: If you want to use it on Windows Server, please upgrade to AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. It is specially designed for Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, 2008, 2003 users and can solve many of your disk partitioning problems.

Step 1. First of all, install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

Step 2. In the top toolbar, click "Convert" > "Dynamic Disk Converter".

Step 3. In the next screen, select Method 1 and click “Next” to continue.

Step 4. Check the dynamic disk you want to convert to basic and click Next. Then check the confirmation option and click “Proceed” to execute.

Step 5. When the conversion is done, Click OK to restart your computer. Then you’ll see that the disk has been converted to basic disk.

Conclusion

Did you see? If you are experiencing problems with the conversion between dynamic disks and basic disks, then AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional must be your first choice. With the help of this partition magic, it is easy to convert dynamic disk to basic disk in Windows 11 without damaging data. What’s more, move application from one partition to another, migrate OS from MBR disk to GPT is also a favorite feature of the majority of users.

FAQs about converting dynamic disk to basic disk in Windows 11

What is the difference between a dynamic disk and a basic disk?
A basic disk uses basic disk storage types and supports only four primary partitions or three primary partitions and one extended partition with multiple logical drives. A dynamic disk provides features like software-based RAID, spanning volumes, and striping.

Why would I want to convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk?
Basic disks are more widely supported, and some operating systems and utilities may not recognize dynamic disks. Converting to a basic disk can make it easier to manage your disk space.

Can I convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk without losing data?
The conversion process usually involves deleting all volumes on the dynamic disk. Backup your important data before attempting the conversion to avoid data loss.

Can I convert a system disk or a disk with the operating system installed?
Converting a system disk may require additional steps and may not be supported directly through Disk Management. Always backup your data before attempting any conversion on a disk with the operating system.

What if the "Convert to Basic Disk" option is grayed out?
You may encounter this issue if the dynamic disk contains volumes or system/boot files. In such cases, you might need to use third-party partitioning tools or consider backup, format, and restore options.