[Guide] Fixing ‘We Couldn’t Create New Partition’ Error

[Guide] Fixing ‘We Couldn’t Create New Partition’ Error

/ Andrew Holdeman

The error We couldn’t create a new partition usually occurs when trying to install an operating system on a hard drive. It means that the installer was unable to create a partition for the installation of the OS; this is because either the hard drive does not have enough available space or it has some form of corruption preventing it from being used.

In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix this issue so that you can continue with the installation process. Before beginning, ensure you have all the necessary tools and resources to complete the task properly. With these instructions, you should be able to resolve this issue and move on with your installation easily.

Use Diskpart to Create a New Partition

1. Run the Command prompt as an administrator.

run command prompt administrator

2. Type the following command and press enter:

diskpart

3. Next, type list disk and press enter. You will now see the list of drives under the Disk ### column.

4. Select the disk you want to format by typing select Disk “#.” Since we want to format Disk 1, change the # to 1 and press enter.

diskpart and list disk

5. After selecting the disk, type the clean command and hit enter.

6. To format the disk, type create part pri and press enter.

create part pri

7. The partition is now created; the next step is to mark the drive as active. Type active and press enter.

8. The final task is to specify a file system. As previously mentioned, select ‘NTFS’ for drives with up to 4 GB of storage and FAT32 for those above that limit. Since the drive being formatted has a storage capacity of 16 GB, we will opt for the NTFS file system. Enter the command below and hit the ENTER key to specify the desired file system.

format fs=fat32

To set NTFS as the file system, replace fat32 with NTFS.

format fs

9. Wait for the process to finish; you should see your drive in File Explorer.

Make You Partition Active

1. Run the Command prompt as an administrator.

run command prompt administrator

2. Type the following command and press enter: diskpart

3. Next, type list disk in the command prompt window.

diskpart and list disk

4. Select your hard drive by typing select disk 0. Replace the disk # with the number that represents your hard drive.

5. Type list partition and press enter.

list partition

6. Select the partition where you want to install Windows 10 by typing select partition 4 (replace the # with the number that matches your partition) and press enter.

7. Next, type active and hit enter.

type active

8. Type exit and press enter to close the Command prompt.

How do I fix the new partition error for Windows 10 USB?

Using USB 2.0 Storage Devices

A USB 2.0 storage device can help resolve the partition error because it is a slower and more stable technology than USB 3.0 and above. The slower speed can help prevent data transfer and partition creation issues, leading to a more successful outcome.

Use a Bootable DVD

Using a bootable DVD to fix the We couldn’t create a new partition problem may be necessary if the issue is related to problems with the USB drive or if you cannot configure your computer to boot from the USB drive. Using a bootable DVD, you can bypass any issues with the USB drive and perform the partition creation process using a different medium.

Disconnect additional USB drives from your PC

Multiple USB drives connected to your computer can sometimes cause data transfer and partition creation issues, particularly if the drives compete for system resources or conflicts between drivers. Disconnecting any additional USB drives can help free up resources and reduce these issues’ likelihood.

Reconnect your USB flash drive

When attempting to create a new partition on a USB flash drive, you may encounter an error message that says, “We couldn’t create a new partition.” This error can be frustrating, as it prevents you from being able to use the USB drive as intended. However, reconnecting the USB flash drive is one potential solution.

Reconnecting the USB flash drive can help fix the “We couldn’t create a new partition” problem by resetting the connection between the drive and your computer. Sometimes, a loose or faulty connection can cause data transfer and partition creation issues, leading to error messages like this one. By unplugging and then plugging the USB drive back in, you can establish a new connection that may be more reliable and stable.

Set the Hard Drive as the First Boot Device in BIOS

1. Access the BIOS setup utility or boot menu by pressing a specific key during the boot process. (The key can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your computer, but common keys are F2, F10, Del, or Esc.)

2. Look for a section called Boot or Boot Options and select it.

bios boot options

3. Navigate to the hard drive option and select it.

4. Move the hard drive option to the top of the list using the + or keys.

5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup utility.

Convert the partition to the GPT format

1. Run the Command prompt as an administrator.

run command prompt administrator

2. Type the following command and press enter:

diskpart

3. Next, type list disk and press enter. You will now see the list of drives under the Disk ### column.

diskpart and list disk

4. Select the disk you want to format by typing select Disk “#.” Since we want to format Disk 1, change the # to 1 and press enter.

5. After selecting the disk, type the clean command and hit enter.

7. Next, type convert gpt and press enter.

9. Restart the Windows installation process again.

Use a 3rd party Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive

While a 3rd party Media Creation Tool can be an effective solution for creating a bootable USB drive, it’s important to ensure you download the tool from a reputable source and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential issues. With the right tools and steps, you should be able to create a bootable USB drive and successfully install or repair your operating system.

1. Download Rufus and the Windows Media Creation Tool. If you already have the latter, run it to download the Windows ISO file.

2. Accept the license agreements in the Media Creation Tool and click Create installation media, followed by Next.

windows creation tool license

3. Choose the relevant version and edition of Windows and click Next.

4. Select the ISO File option and click Next.

create installation media

5. Specify where to save the Windows ISO file.

6. Launch Rufus and select the appropriate USB drive under Device.

rufus home screen

7. Under Boot Selection, choose Disk or ISO File and click Select.

8. Browse for the Windows ISO file and click Start.

boot selection and start

9. Wait for Rufus to finish creating the bootable USB drive.

Disconnect Other Hard Drives

When multiple hard drives are connected to a computer, they can sometimes interfere with each other or compete for system resources. This can lead to data transfer and partition creation issues, particularly if the hard drives use different file systems or drivers. By disconnecting any other hard drives and focusing on the SSD, you can simplify the system configuration and potentially create a more stable environment for partition creation.

To disconnect other hard drives, you must shut down your computer, unplug the power and SATA data cables from the drives, and then restart the computer. Once you’ve done this, you can attempt to create the new partition on the Windows 10 SSD.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Error: We Couldnt Create a New Partition

What Causes the Error Message We Couldn’t Create a New Partition?

The most common causes of this error are a damaged hard drive, corrupted boot records, or an incompatible partition style. The disk may be physically damaged due to age and wear and tear. Another potential cause is when malicious software alters the hard drive’s boot record or a configuration change has gone wrong.

Why Do I Receive Error Messages When Trying to Install Windows?

You may receive error messages for several common reasons when installing Windows. The most common reason is that your system does not meet the minimum requirements for installing Windows. To fix this, ensure your system meets the minimum memory, storage, and processor requirements set forth by Microsoft for the version of Windows you are attempting to install.

What is Windows Setup?

Windows Setup is a program used to install, reinstall, and activate Windows on PC devices. It can automate the installation process and allow users to customize their experience. It also helps in connecting available hardware and updating drivers. The user can choose how to set up the system, configure settings, and activate Windows with a valid product key.

Why Can’t My PC Create a New Partition?

There can be several reasons why your PC may be unable to create a new partition. The most common reasons are disk space constraints, corrupted hard drive sectors, faulty BIOS settings, and malware-related issues.

Why Can’t I Access My Log Files on Windows?

Log files are generated by applications, services, and system processes running on your computer. They can troubleshoot errors or performance issues with programs and the operating system. However, accessing these log files on Windows is not always easy as they are often stored in different locations across the system.

What Prevents a New Partition from Being Creates on Windows?

Having a single hard drive partition on your Windows system can be inconvenient and lead to data chaos. Creating multiple partitions allows you to manage your disk space usage better, but several problems may prevent a new partition from being created. The most common issue is insufficient free disk space.

Why Can’t I Install Windows?

When you try to install Windows, several potential issues can arise. In some cases, your system may not be compatible with the version of Windows you’re trying to install. For example, Windows 10 requires an x86 processor and 4GB of RAM, so if your computer runs on an older or less powerful processor or has less RAM, you won’t be able to install Windows 10.

What is a New Partition on PC?

You may be unable to install Windows on your computer for several reasons. For instance, if your computer came pre-installed with Windows, it may not have the license agreement to allow additional installation. If you are attempting to upgrade an existing version of Windows, compatibility issues can arise that make the installation process difficult or impossible.

Andrew Holdeman
Meet the author

Andrew has extensive experience with a wide range of writing platforms and automation systems. He has spent over 6 years creating content and troubleshooting for various companies. He also enjoys spending time with his family and his fiancé, while staying active and healthy.