By PURPLELEC | 17 January 2025 | 0 Comments
How to partition an external SSDs
External SSDs are a convenient and compact way to carry your important files with you wherever you go. The process of splitting an SSD into two partitions, effectively turning it into two storage drives. In this example, one partition is used to back up data and the other is used to transfer files.
How to partition an external SSD on a PC
Step 1: Connect the external SSD to your computer
Use the USB-C cable that comes with your Crucial portable SSD to connect it to the USB port on your computer. If you only have a USB-A port, connect via a USB-A adapter (sold separately).
Step 2: Select the portable SSD
Click on the Start menu. Type in: “create and format hard disk partition.”
Step 3: Select the SSD
The name of your SSD should appear as an option. Right click on it and select Delete volume, then confirm that you want to delete it.
Step 4: Create the first partition
An unallocated space will replace your SSD on the list of storage locations. To create your first partition, right click on that unallocated space and select New simple volume.
Step 5: Select a size for the new storage location
Choose the amount of storage space you want to allocate to the new partition. For example, if you want to split a 1TB SSD into two equal partitions, choose 500GB.
Step 6: Assign a volume letter to the new storage location
The list of storage locations will show the letters assigned to each drive (C, D, etc.). Assign the new partition a letter not already assigned elsewhere.
Step 7: Select a file system
The filing system, NTFS, is a good option for a backup drive. Next, create a volume name 。
Step 8: Create second partition
There will still be unallocated space on your portable SSD. Click on it and repeat the previous steps to assign a letter, name , and filetype to the volume.
Step 9: Complete and check
Click Finish. You should now be able to save files to either storage location.

How to partition an external SSD on a Mac
Step 1: Connect the external SSD to your computer
Connect your external SSD to your Mac with the enclosed USB-C cable. If your Mac only has a USB-A port, you'll need to use a USB-A adapter (sold separately).
Step 2: Open Disk Utility
Using Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, then open Disk Utility.
Step 3: Create the first partition
Select Drive, then select the Create partition option.
Step 4: Name the new partition
Create a name for the new storage location。
Step 5: Select a filesystem type
Select a filesystem type from the options (The filing system, APFS, works well for backing up files).
Step 6: Select a size for the new storage location
Choose the amount of storage space you want to allocate to the new partition. For example, if you want to split a 1TB SSD into two equal partitions, choose 500GB.
Step 7: Create the second partition
Click the plus sign (+) to create the second partition.
Step 8: Set up your second partition
Repeat previous steps to name, size, and create a filesystem type for the second partition. (exFAT works well as a read/write filesystem type and is compatible with both Mac and PC.)
Step 9: Complete
Click Apply when prompted. After, a warning will alert you that all current files will be deleted from the portable SSD. Select Partition. Two storage locations will appear on the desktop.
We hope this guide has helped you easily partition your Crucial portable.
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