How to Merge Hard Disk Partitions in Windows XP & Vista

Because we don't need to install any additional apps, merging partitions in Windows Vista is less challenging than merging partitions in Windows XP. Partitions can be combined using Windows Vista's Computer Management.

Here are the steps to merge hard disk partitions in Windows XP and Vista :

Note : 

Important data should be backed up before combining hard disk partitions to prevent unintentional data loss.

1. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel".

2. In Control Panel, select "Administrative Tools" and then select "Computer Management".

3. Click "Disk Management" under "Storage" in the Computer Management window.

4. You can view a list of the hard disk partitions that are installed on your computer under "Disk Management." Find the partitions you want to combine, and make sure they don't have any essential system files or the operating system on them.

5. Choose "Delete Volume" from the context menu when you right-click the partition you want to merge. Verify your desire to erase the partition.

6. After deleting the partition, right-click the next partition you want to join and choose "Extend Volume."

7. Follow the wizard to merge partitions and once done, the partitions will be merged and ready to use.

Note : 

Both Windows XP and Vista support the procedures above. The procedure for merging partitions may be different if you are using a newer version of Windows, such as Windows 7, 8, or 10. Before attempting to merge hard drive partitions, make sure to consult the appropriate user manual for the operating system version you are running.