Can't Shrink the 3 TB USB Drive, How to Fix?

I have a 3TB USB drive with a single partition, and I want to shrink it to create a second partition. However, I can only shrink 700 MB, while the hard drive showed 1.2 TB is available to shrink. What should I do?

Best Answered by

Roxanne· Answered on May 16, 2024

The Windows built-in tool will not let you shrink the disk as there are system files, which you need to seek the help of third-party software. EaseUS Partition Master is the expert in coping with the inability to shrink volume issue. Its "Resize/Move" tool allows users to extend, shrink, and remove partitions easily.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Follow the instructions below to shrink the 3 TB USB drive:

Step 1. Locate and select the target partition by right-clicking it and selecting "Resize/Move".

Step 2. Drag your mouse to adjust the shrink size of the target partition. Click "OK" to check the warning.

Step 3. Execute the operation by clicking "Execute Task" >"Apply."

Beyond the Windows limitations, the bad sectors on your USB drive can also lead to the "can't shrink the 3 TB USB drive" problem. In this case, you can run CHKDSK commands in the Command Prompt to repair:

  • Click the Start button, enter cmd, and run it as an administrator.
  • In the command prompt window, write chkdsk DriveLetter: /r and hit "Enter" to locate and repair bad sectors on your USB drive.

Read and learn the passage below to explore more information about CHKDSK commands.

Read More: Run CHKDSK to Repair Hard Drive

People Also Ask

How to Convert Bootable USB Back to Normal With Full Capacity?

How can I turn the bootable USB back to normal? Read on! This tutorial will show you how to convert it back to normal with full capacity.

Roxanne

May 22, 2024

Can I Create Two Partitions From the Drive I Currently Have Without Erasing Data?

Can I create two partitions from the drive I currently have without erasing data? If you don't know the answer, read on and find it in this article. Moreover, this page contains a specific guide on how to do that.

Roxanne

May 16, 2024

Why I Cannot Extend C Drive with Unallocated Space?

Is your C drive out of storage space? Do you want to extend it but only find the Extend Volume option greyed out? Read this post, and you will find the answer to 'why I cannot extend C drive with unallocated space' and its solution.

Oliver

Apr 18, 2024

Is There Any Way to Fix Google Play Insufficient Storage Error

Have you ever encountered the Google Play insufficient storage error? Don't worry. This page will teach you how to fix Google Play's insufficient storage error in some reliable ways.

Roxanne

May 16, 2024

Is It Safe to Delete the OEM (Reserved) Partition?

Have you noticed that there's a special partition called OEM (reserved) partition on your disk? Do you know what it is and what role it plays in your system? Is it safe to delete the OEM (reserved) partition? Keep reading, and you'll have all the answers in this post.

Oliver

May 31, 2024

Unable to Shrink the C Drive Beyond 455 GB- Help

Did you find yourself unable to shrink the C drive beyond 455 GB? This guide can help you solve this problem with an effective way.

Cici

Jun 17, 2024