How to Convert Simple Volume to Primary Partition

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Jean 

Updated on Apr 22, 2024

Simple Volume VS Primary Partition

The simple volume is dynamic storage which functions as a primary partition in Windows NT 4.0 and its older versions, can only be created on a dynamic disk.

The primary partition is a partition which can be used to boot an Operating System, can only be created on a basic disk with MBR or GPT partition table under all Windows systems.

Hence, simple volumes are based on dynamic disk while primary partitions are based on basic disk. To convert simple volume to primary partition, it equals to a switch from dynamic disk to basic disk. 

How to Convert Simple Volume to Primary Partition

As we know, Windows Disk Management allows users to convert a basic disk to dynamic disk, but you cannot convert the dynamic disk back to basic disk directly unless you delete the volumes first. That is to say, as long as you choose Windows Disk Management to convert to basic disk, you must create a hard drive backup if data is concerned.

It's not available to Convert dynamic disk to basic in Windows Disk Management as shown below.

In this case, third-party disk management alternative software - EaseUS Partition Master will save your energy to change the simple volume to primary without deleting or removing any data. It provides a "convert to basic disk" feature to complete this task with easy clicks without any data loss. 

3-Step Tutorial to Convert Simple Volume to Primary Partition with Easeus Partition Master

The following is a step-by-step instruction for you to try with dynamic disk converting software - EaseUS Partition Master Professional.

Step 1. Install and open EaseUS Partition Master and go to Disk Converter.

Step 2. Select the disk conversion mode that suits your need:

• Convert Basic to Dynamic: change a Basic disk to Dynamic.
• Convert Dynamic to Basic: change a Dynamic disk to Basic.

Step 3. Select the target disk - Basic or Dynamic, confirm you've select the correct disk and click "Convert" to start.

0:00 - 0:18 Convert Basic to Dynamic Disk; 0:19- 0:36 Convert Dynamic to Basic Disk.

The program will automatically convert all these simple volumes in the dynamic disk to primary and logical partitions.

Must-read tips:

1. If your dynamic disk is an MBR disk and there are more than 4 simple volumes, after the converting, you'll get 4 primary partitions, and the rest will become logical partitions. When you haven't reached the upper limit, you can use EaseUS Partition Master to convert logical to primary. But if your dynamic disk is GPT, all simple volumes will turn into primary partitions after processing the above steps.

2. This Convert to basic disk feature can only work on a dynamic disk with simple and mirrored volumes. Spanned volume, striped volume in the dynamic disk are not supported.

3. All other operations are not available when "Convert to basic disk" is applied.

FAQs About Convert Simple Volume to Primary Partition

Here we also listed some hot topics about switching simple volume to primary partitions, and if you are interested, follow and find answer to the listed questions below:

1. How do I make a simple volume to primary partition?

To make a simple volume to primary partition, you'll need to turn to reliable primary partition conversion software like EaseUS Partition Master as recommended on this page for help. It enables you to simply switch a logical simple volume to primary in only a few clicks.

2. How do I convert basic data partition to primary?

• Launch EaseUS Partition Master.
• And right-click the target basic data partition and, select "Advanced", select "Convert to primary".
• Click "OK" and click "Execute Task".

3. Is simple partition better than primary volume?

The primary partition is a volume that is designed to install the boot OS, and apps, programs on the computer, while the simple partition is mainly used for data storage on an extended partition.