Basic storage uses normal partition tables supported by all Windows versions right from MS-Dos, while Dynamic disk storage has the feature that basic disks do not have, such as support for volumes spanning multiple disks, RAID 1 or RAID 5 disk arrays. It was introduced to give those who want to disk redundant but couldn’t afford the hardware cost. Since the hardware array components are getting cheaper and cheaper, the use of dynamic storage has become less and less. But Windows 7 still supports it and you can benefit from it greatly.
The downside of using Dynamic storage is that once the disk converted to Dynamic and being partitioned and used it can not be converted back to Basic without losing data, as the Convert to Basic Disk option will be grayed out once it’s been used. You will need a 3rd party tool to break it, for example, EASEUS Partition Master.
The Home Edition of EASEUS Partition Manager, which is FREE for home use, provides a feature that can easily convert a being used Dynamic disk back to Basic disk without losing any data that are stored on the disk.
To convert, simply download the software and install it on your computer. The downloading and installation process is very easy and straightforward. Just follow the wizard and you will be fine.
Then, launch the program, which scans and lists all partitions that are available, whether it’s dynamic or basic.
Right-click on the Dynamic Disk you would like to convert and choose Convert to basic disk.
Click on Apply button at the bottom right side of the window.
Click on Yes button in the popup message box.
Click on Yes button in the next window to agree to reboot the computer to perform the operation. You should save and close all other applications you still have open in case of losing any data.
The computer then will be rebooted and the EASEUS Partition Master will launch itself automatically and perform all the changes.
Depending on how big the partition you are converting, it may take a long time to get the job done. Once it’s finished, it will reboot again to your Windows 7 desktop.
Finally, congratulation, you have successfully converted your long-used dynamic disk back to basic disk.
It looks fairly easy, doesn’t it?
/Update on March 19, 2018/
Unfortunately, the tools that are used to be free for converting a dynamic disk to basic are no longer free. If you are still looking for a tool that can do a dynamic-basic conversion job without losing data, here are a few to start with, MiniTool Partition Wizard, EASEUS Partition Master, Aomei Partition Assistant, etc. The price for these tool is ranging from $30 – $50.
Many thanks for this, It worked and saved my data.
It also saved the need to spend money on a 3rd party software for a one off use.
cheers
I have an 800GB partition that I stupidly converted to Simple Volume, which took only a few seconds. How long will it take to convert it back to Basic?
It won’t be that fast. pretty much depend on how much data on the drive. The more data, I believe the longer it takes.
Cheers.
hi sir my laptop hard disk partition is go to dynamic. how to change basic with out data lossing plz help me…….
Thank you so much for this! Very easy to understand instructions and very easy to use program, not to mention its free. Thanks again!
Finally I found a way, thanks! 😀 But can I convert a partition from dynamic to basic on which the operating system is installed on (Local disk C), without losing or damaging the OS?
it shouldn’t be the problem. The same tool mentioned in the post should be working too.
Superb work man thanks a lot.
Thumbs up for you.
doesn’t work in the new version of easeUS partition master??
most of the easeus editions are trial or shareware versions. they don’t work so far as you mentioned in the post.
Just downloaded the Free version of EaseUS Partition Master and it will NOT do any disk conversions UNLESS I BUY the professional version!!! Free my ass! Liars! Hate bait ‘n switch companies.
Yes, I hate that too. The link to tThe EaseUS free edition should be http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm. Please see if it works.
Also, there is another alternative that you can try as well, AOMEI Free Partition Assistant (https://nextofwindows.mystagingwebsite.com/aomei-partition-assistant-4-0-home-edition-freeware)
I tried to get this program. The company says they no longer offer the home edition. Only pay for editions and trial edition. All their current editions let you choose to convert it but then will tell you you have to pay $60 and up to do it. In all editions I tried, If you don’t activate the software by purchasing it, it will not complete the conversion. So this program will not do this for free any more and $60 is way too much to pay for one time use of this program.
Try this updated link for the free version. Please comment back if it works.
http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm
I can confirm. The current free version doesn’t convert dynamic to basic anymore. As of today, 11/23/2016, the Pro version is $39.95. See comparison page:
http://www.partition-tool.com/easeus-partition-manager/comparison.html
Thanks for the info. Guess we should keep our eyes open for a free one that does then.