3 Best Solutions ‘There isn’t enough space available on the disk’

The error message ‘There is not enough space on the disk to complete this operation’ is caused by when you are trying to create a new partition, shrink or extend a volume using the Disk Management. This error can be caused by the MBR partition limit, while sometimes it also occurs because the Disk Management utility isn’t able to detect the operation performed. If you are trying to extend a volume without having sufficient space, you will be given the said error message. Being able to shrink, create a new or extend a volume without having to reinstall the operating system is a blessing.

There is not Enough Space Available on the Disk

There are times, however, where you will be left with just an error message. Errors as such are usually not a big deal and can be easily dealt with by using a few solutions. Thus, we are here to show you how to isolate your issue easily — without having to go through many ordeals.

What causes the ‘There is not Enough Space on the Disk to Complete this Operation’ Error Message on Windows 10?

Well, the said error message can often appear due to one of the following factors —

  • Not Enough Space for the Specified Operation: If you are trying to extend a volume without having enough unallocated space, you will be prompted with the said error message.
  • Disk Management Utility Error: In some cases, the error message appears because the Disk Management utility is not able to detect the changes made to the partitions. In such a case, you will have to rescan the disks.
  • MBR Partition Limit: By default, Windows uses the MBR partition system. The MBR partition system is an old system that can allow only 4 partitions at a time, therefore, if you already have 4 partitions, you won’t be able to create a new one.

You can fix your issue by implementing the solutions given down below. Please make sure to follow them in the same order as provided in order to deal with the error message quickly.

Solution 1: Rescan Disks

As we have mentioned above, the error message, sometimes, is because the Disk Management utility is not able to detect the actions that you have made i.e shrink a volume etc. In such a case, you will have to just rescan the disks and you will be good to go. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Disk Management from the list to open the Disk Management utility.
  2. Once it loads up, go to Actions in the menu bar and select Rescan Disks.
    Rescanning Disks
  3. Wait for it to complete.
  4. Check if it isolates the issue.

Solution 2: Check Current Partitions

In some cases, the error message appears because you have already reached the limit of the allowed partitions. Windows, by default, use the MBR partition system which is an old system. There’s a new partition system called GPT that you can use in case you want to have more than 4 partitions on your hard drive. Hence, if you already 4 partitions, you won’t be able to create a new one while using the MBR partition system.

In case you want to convert MBR partition system to GPT, you can do so by referring to this guide published on our site.

Solution 3: Extend Volume using Third-Party Software

In case you are receiving the error message while trying to extend a volume, you can do so by using third-party software. You will have to free up some space if you don’t already have in order to extend a volume. Here’s how to do it:

  1. First of all, download the EaseUS Partition Manager from here and install it.
  2. Once installed, launch the EaseUS Partition Manager.
  3. Now, to create some free space, you will have to shrink a volume. If you already have unallocated space, skip this step. Right-click on the partition that you wish to shrink and select ‘Resize/Move’. Drag the partition ends or just type in the new size of the partition in the Partition Size box. Click OK.
    Freeing up Space
  4. Afterward, right-click on the partition you wish to extend and click ‘Resize/Move’.
  5. Drag the right handle towards the unallocated space and then click OK to extend the volume.
    Extending Volume
  6. Finally, click on ‘Execute 1 Operation’ at the top-left corner and then hit Apply.
    Applying the Changes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.