In this manner, as many partitions can be created as is desired. While these two partitions can be primary partitions, more flexibility is afforded when logical partitions (within the extended partition) are used. Linux operating systems need a minimum of one partition: one for the OS itself (and data files) and optionally one for a swap area (to be used as an extension for RAM memory) if preferred over a swap file. Windows systems commonly assign a drive letter to each individual (Windows) partition. Search these pages for UEFI to learn how to tell which scheme your system is using applying techniques for one scheme to a system that uses the other will definitely lead to possibly serious problems.Įach Windows installation will need to be installed on a primary partition. However, many recent (since 2011) machines use a different and incompatible scheme known as 'gpt' which allows many more primary partitions. When present, an extended partition can then be divided into any number number of logical partitions. It also places a limitation for four primary partitions or three primary partitions and one extended partition. Most PC operating systems still work with an ancient disk partition scheme that historically makes distinction between primary and extended partitions. Partitioning Scheme for Multiple systems.Basic Partitioning Scheme for a 2TB Desktop HDD.Use Gparted to create/manage partitions.
