How to Fix 'No Usable Free Extent Could Be Found' Error When Running Diskpart
By Timothy Tibbetts |
Diskpart is a feature of Windows that allows you to manage, create, or delete partitions using the Command Prompt or Powershell. One error you may encounter reads "No usable free extent could be found." Here are the steps you can try to resolve this error.
We do know this particular error can appear if a drive was partitioned with the MBR disk partitioning format, or if you're creating a fifth partition (only four are supported), and drive problems including the drive being low on space, not recognized, or even bad sectors.
Because Diskpart is for advanced users, we'll skip the multiple screenshots and get to the point.
1: Run as Administrator
We prefer to always run the Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator. Odds are you already knew this, so we got this one out of the way first.
2: Free up Drive Space
If you think you need more disk space, try using Storage Sense. You could also use a third-party cleaner. Suggestions include Wise Disk Cleaner or Privazer.
3: Run DISKPART Clean Command
The clean command can fix potential problems with your drive. Clean will remove all partition or volume formatting from the disk you select. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator and type in each of the following:
list disk
diskpart
select disk # You may need to try all available disks (partitions).
clean
4: Run Windows USB Troubleshooter
Another option would be to try and run the Microsoft Windows USB Troubleshooter. In the next step, we might need to update the drivers or uninstall USB devices, so we'd try this step before proceeding because this can save you some time.
5: Update USB Hub Driver
Oddly enough, a USB drive could cause this error. Press the Windows Key + X and click Device Manager. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. If you see a yellow exclamation point, right click and try Update driver. If that fails, right-click and try Uninstall device and reboot.
Finally, you might try a third-party driver installer. Our favorite three are Driver Booster, Snappy Driver Installer, or Snail Driver'
6: Use a Freeware Third-Party Partitioning App
Diskpart gets the job done, but it lacks an interface that a few free apps provide. One problem is many apps are Shareware or Freemium. Freemium can often be OK because you're looking to do a few basic things. Based on our needs for this situation, we'd consider Parted Magic, GParted Live, or Partition Logic
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We do know this particular error can appear if a drive was partitioned with the MBR disk partitioning format, or if you're creating a fifth partition (only four are supported), and drive problems including the drive being low on space, not recognized, or even bad sectors.
Because Diskpart is for advanced users, we'll skip the multiple screenshots and get to the point.
1: Run as Administrator
We prefer to always run the Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator. Odds are you already knew this, so we got this one out of the way first.
2: Free up Drive Space
If you think you need more disk space, try using Storage Sense. You could also use a third-party cleaner. Suggestions include Wise Disk Cleaner or Privazer.
3: Run DISKPART Clean Command
The clean command can fix potential problems with your drive. Clean will remove all partition or volume formatting from the disk you select. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator and type in each of the following:
list disk
diskpart
select disk # You may need to try all available disks (partitions).
clean
4: Run Windows USB Troubleshooter
Another option would be to try and run the Microsoft Windows USB Troubleshooter. In the next step, we might need to update the drivers or uninstall USB devices, so we'd try this step before proceeding because this can save you some time.
5: Update USB Hub Driver
Oddly enough, a USB drive could cause this error. Press the Windows Key + X and click Device Manager. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. If you see a yellow exclamation point, right click and try Update driver. If that fails, right-click and try Uninstall device and reboot.
Finally, you might try a third-party driver installer. Our favorite three are Driver Booster, Snappy Driver Installer, or Snail Driver'
6: Use a Freeware Third-Party Partitioning App
Diskpart gets the job done, but it lacks an interface that a few free apps provide. One problem is many apps are Shareware or Freemium. Freemium can often be OK because you're looking to do a few basic things. Based on our needs for this situation, we'd consider Parted Magic, GParted Live, or Partition Logic
comments powered by Disqus
