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 Sep 13, 2023

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

Can I Merge Two Partitions Separated by a Recovery Partition?

Are you looking for an effective way to merge two partitions separated by a recovery partition? Then, you don't want to miss this helpful guideline that provides a practical way to merge two non-adjacent partitions.

Roxanne

Sep 07, 2023

How to Change USB Flash Drive From Read Only or From Being Write Protected

Have you met a situation in which your disk is read-only or write-protected on a USB flash drive? Reading on, this article will help you learn how to change USB flash drives from read-only or write-protected.

Sherly

Aug 09, 2023

USB Drive Is Write Protected, How to Fix

How to fix the USB drive is write-protected? What is write protection? This article will introduce what write protection is and how to deal with this problem by providing detailed steps.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023

How Do I Write Protect My USB Flash Drive, Help

This article will help you learn how to write-protect your USB drive, preventing your data from being changed or written. Two solutions were provided.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023

Why Should I Create Partitions on a Portable Hard Drive? And How?

There is an increasing need for creating partitions on a portable hard drive. People usually ask why I should create partitions on a portable hard drive and how. This post will contain everything you need to know about the two questions.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023

Unable to Create Partitions Because the Disk Already Contains the Maximum Numbers of Partitions

Have you ever encountered the error message: the disk already contains the maximum number of partitions? If you are having a hard time with this problem, you should read this article that contains a solid way to fix it.

Roxanne

Aug 09, 2023