Solved: System Partition and Boot Partition on Different Drives

You can learn user case of the system partition and boot partition on different drives and the best way to move system partition to boot partition. Keep reading to know more detailed information.

Clytze

By Clytze Updated on December 5, 2024

Share this: instagram reddit

System Partition and Boot Partition on Different Drives

“I have two hard drives (C: and E:). Normally I have windows 10 installed on C: and just my documents on E: drive. I had to reinstall windows. The reinstall put the Boot on C: and the System on E: drive. So, the system partition and boot partition on different drives. I want to change boot partition in Windows 10. Is there any way of putting the system back on C: drive? (I didn't want to reformat both drives and reinstall windows again if I can avoid it.)”

– Anonymous user

If you also encountered this problem, it must be inconvenient in daily usage. In general, it’s usually recommended to keep the system and boot partitions on the same drive to simplify system management and minimize these potential issues. Don't worry, this article will introduce the best way to move the system partition to the boot partition. You can keep reading for more details.

The Best Way to Move the System Partition to the Boot Partition

If you want to move the system partition to the boot partition without reinstalling, then the safe and reliable cloning software AOMEI Backupper Professional will be your best choice. You can clone the system directly to the disk that contains the boot partition.

After cloning is complete, you can boot your computer successfully from the cloned disk. You won't lose any data, and you can use the system, and related software directly, as well as access any data you want. The software also has the following advantages.

AOMEI Backupper
Easy PC Partition Clone Software
  • Secure Boot: You can securely boot the system from the cloned disk after cloning.

  • Intelligent Clone: It can only clone the used sectors by default. If it has bad sectors, the software will skip them automatically.

  • Live Clone: It supports the clone tasks in the background, so you don’t need to suspend your computer activities while cloning.

How to Move System Partition to Boot Partition Step by Step

Before you start cloning the system, you need to finish some preparation work. And follow the graphic tutorial below. Keep reading for more detailed information.

Tips: Please backup the important files on the target disk in advance, because the cloning process will erase all the data on the target disk.

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper Professional. Select Clone > System Clone.

Choose System Clone

Step 2. The source drive is selected by default, you just need to choose your target disk as the destination disk.

Choose Destination Partition

Step 3. If your target disk is an SSD, you can tick SSD Alignment to let the SSDs read and write faster. Confirm your operations and click Start Clone.

SSD Alignment

Notes:✎...
Make full use of disk space: It can add unallocated space to the system partition to maximize the use of space on the target partition.   
Sector by sector clone: If your target disk is the same as or larger than the source disk, you can choose this option. It will clone all sectors whether used or not.

Bonus: System Partition and Boot Partition

Now, let's learn more about system partition and boot partition for future problem-solving and prevention.

What Are System Partitions and Boot Partitions?

  • System Partition: The system partition is a critical area on your hard drive where the Windows operating system and essential boot files are stored. If your system partition is located on a separate disk, your computer may face booting issues.
  • Boot Partition: The boot partition holds files required for booting up your computer. This is typically a smaller partition, and having it on a different disk from the system partition can cause system performance problems.

Common Issues After Cloning and How to Fix Them

If you face problems after cloning your system partition to a different drive, here are some troubleshooting steps:

  • Boot Errors After Cloning: If your computer doesn’t boot after cloning, you may need to repair the bootloader. Use Windows Startup Repair or a bootable USB to fix the issue.
  • Cloning Fails or Takes Too Long: Ensure that the target disk is properly connected and that it has no bad sectors. If cloning takes too long, consider using the Live Clone feature to clone in the background without interrupting your work.
  • Cloning Software Issues: If the cloning software doesn’t work as expected, update to the latest version or try sector-by-sector cloning if the partition is smaller than the target disk.

How to Prevent Partition Issues in the Future

To avoid encountering issues with system and boot partitions in the future, follow these best practices:

  • Avoid Splitting System Files: During OS installation, always choose to install Windows on a single drive to avoid partition confusion.
  • Monitor Disk Health: Regularly check your partitions for errors or fragmentation using tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant  or Windows Disk Management.
  • Backup Regularly: Set up regular system backups and create system restore points to prevent data loss.

Summary

This article shows how to move the system partition to the boot partition when the system partition and boot partition are on different drives. The best way is to use the professional cloning software AOMEI Backupper Professional to clone the system to the disk containing the boot partition.

During the cloning process, the cloning task can run in the background without affecting your normal use of the computer for office or study. This method not only helps you to achieve the goal but also doesn't need to reinstall the system. What's more, after cloning you can successfully boot your computer from the cloned disk.

Besides, it also provides Disk Clone and Partition Clone functions. If your computer does not boot, this software can also help you create bootable media. You can download this software to explore more useful features.

Clytze
Clytze · Editor
Clytze, an editor at AOMEI Technology, is passionate about safeguarding your digital world. She dedicates her expertise to empower users like you in data security and recovery. She firmly believes that everyone should have the tools and knowledge to protect their digital assets through computer backup, seamless disk cloning, and efficient file synchronization. Clytze is your trusted guide on the journey to data safety.