How to partition an external SSD

External SSDs are a convenient and compact way for you to take your important files wherever you go. The Crucial external SSD portfolio includes a wide range of options for every use case and every budget, from everyday options to professional performance, in capacities up to 4TB. If you want to expand the use of your Crucial external SSD even further, it may be time to try partitioning.

These instructions will guide you through the process of splitting your Crucial SSD into two partitions, effectively turning it into two storage drives. For this example, one partition will be to backup data, and the other for transferring files. However, you can format your Crucial external SSD into any number of drives.

If you’re unsure about any of the technical jargon, check out the Crucial SSD glossary. For more SSD resources, go to the Crucial website for step-by-step guides on how to install an SSD or how to use a portable SSD as a boot drive.

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).

Click on the Start menu. Type in: “create and format hard disk partition.”

The name of your Crucial SSD should appear as an option. Right click on it and select Delete volume, then confirm that you want to delete it.

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.

Choose the amount of storage space you want to allocate to the new partition. For example, if you want to split a 1TB Crucial X9 SSD into two equal partitions, choose 500GB.

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.

The filing system, NTFS, is a good option for a backup drive. Next, create a volume name (such as Crucial X9 Backup.)

There will still be unallocated space on your Crucial portable SSD. Click on it and repeat the previous steps to assign a letter, name (such as “X9 Transfers”), and filetype to the volume.

Click Finish. You should now be able to save files to either storage location.

Connect your Crucial 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).

Using Finder, go to Applications, then Utilities, then open Disk Utility.

Select Drive, then select the Create partition option.

Create a name for the new storage location (such as “X9 Backup.”)

Select a filesystem type from the options (The filing system, APFS, works well for backing up files).

Choose the amount of storage space you want to allocate to the new partition. For example, if you want to split a 1TB Crucial X9 SSD into two equal partitions, choose 500GB.

Click the plus sign (+) to create the second partition.

Repeat previous steps to name (such as Crucial X9 Transfers), 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.)

Click Apply when prompted. After, a warning will alert you that all current files will be deleted from the Crucial portable SSD. Select Partition. Two storage locations (for example, Crucial X9 Backup and Crucial X9 Transfers) will appear on the desktop.

We hope this guide has helped you easily partition your Crucial portable.

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