How to Fix: Move System Partition to C

Infopackets Reader Jean P. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

Last week my PC tried to update, but now Windows 10 boots to a black screen. I read your article on Windows 10 boots to black screen with mouse, but was unsuccessful. I decided to format and reinstall Windows 10. Unfortunately, now the system reserved partition is on the second hard drive. This is a problem because when I do a disk image backup of my C drive, the system reserved partition is on the wrong drive. Do you know how I can move the system reserved partition to another disk? I want to move system reserved partition to C."

My response:

I asked Jean if he would like me to connect to his machine using my remote desktop support service in order to have a look look, and he agreed.

Below I will discuss my findings.

How to Fix: Move System Reserved Partition to C

There are a number of tutorials on the Internet that discuss how to move system partition to another disk using disk management, but this is incredibly tedious, risky, and prone to error. A much easier option to move the system partition in Windows 10 (or any other version of Windows, for that matter) is to use a program EasyBCD. This is done using a graphical user interface, so there is no command line involved.

To do so:

1. Boot from the computer as you normally do (where the system reserved partition is on the wrong drive).
    
2. Make a disk image backup of the system as a precautionary measure. For this task I recommend Macrium Reflect (free).
    
3. Download EasyBCD (free) and install it, then launch EasyBCD.
    
4. The EasyBCD window will launch. On the left side of the window, click the "BCD Backup/Repair" option.
    
5. In the middle of the window and under the heading "BCD Management Options", place a dot next to "Change boot drive", then click "Perform action".
    
6. A new window will appear with the heading "Select new boot partition". Using the drop down box, choose the C drive and click "OK".
    
7. Now it's time to test the changes. Reboot the machine and make your way to the desktop. Next, click Start, and type in "diskmgmt" (no quotes); wait for Disk Management or "diskmgmt" to appear in the list, then click it. The Disk Management window will appear. You should now have successfully moved system partition to C.

I hope that helps.

Additional 1-on-1 Support: From Dennis

If all of this is over your head, or if you need help to move the system partition to another disk, I can help using my remote desktop support service. Simply contact me, briefly describing the issue and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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About the author: Dennis Faas

is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.