I originally installed Windows and Linux in a dual-boot setup, mainly keeping Windows for a few games. My Linux partition is now nearly full, while most of the Windows partition is unused. I already reduced the Windows partition from about 1 TB to 400 GB, but Windows Disk Management will not shrink it any further because of files located near the end of the partition. Is it safe to use GParted from a live USB to shrink the Windows partition further and then expand Linux, or would it be better to move some games and files to Windows instead?
3 Answers
Another option is reinstalling or migrating Linux onto a larger partition, but that is usually more work than necessary. Compressing files or switching to a filesystem with compression can help in some cases, but it will not replace freeing actual partition space if Linux is running out of room.
A third-party partition tool can also resize the Windows partition, but the same risks apply. If the Windows installation is not backed up, moving files and changing partition boundaries can cause data loss. It may be simpler and safer to move a few games or large files to Windows unless you have a good backup and are comfortable recovering the dual-boot setup.
GParted can often shrink an NTFS partition farther than Windows Disk Management, because it can move files that Windows treats as immovable. Before doing it, make a verified backup, disable Windows Fast Startup and hibernation, and ideally temporarily disable the page file and system restore. Boot from a live USB, shrink the Windows partition from its right side, then expand the Linux partition into the unallocated space. Do not interrupt the operation, and let Windows run a disk check when it starts again.
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