Windows 7: What is the recommended partition size for Windows 7 Ultimate?

I want to repartition my HDD which has a capacity of approximately 80 GB, but it is shown as 74.5 GB in windows disk management app. I have split the hard drive into 3 partitions of equal size each of 24.8 GB and installed windows 7 ultimate (32-bit) on one partition, and the other two are for my data (including documents, music, videos, pictures etc.). In my opinion, 24.8 GB partition is not enough for Windows 7 because it is the only OS that I use and as I install updates and service packs etc, it fills up gradually and leaving only a few GBs of free space left on the Win 7 partition.
So, I want to ask you that, what is the recommended partition size for installing windows 7 ultimate (32-bit)?

Your OS partition is definitely too small. In fact, the entire HDD is really too small for practical use. Even if you could cram your OS and all your programs onto a single 24.8 GB partition, the OS would be strangling for room for temp files, etc. I would use just the 80 GB alone for your boot drive (my old XP desktop has a 100 GB partition for the boot drive) and add a second, larger one for your data.


If you can get by with only 80 GB for storing your data (I realize not everyone is data greedy like I am), an even better option would be to add a 64 or 128 GB SSD for your boot drive.


If getting another drive isn't feasable, the easiest fix would be to use one partition for your OS, the second for your programs, and the third for your data. Better would be to delete one of the partitions and expand the boot partition to the remaining space on the HDD. I personally feel 64 GB is a bare minimum for a boot partition but, if you don't run too many programs, you could do fine on a 49-50 GB partition.

I personally always use NO less than 100gb for a OS partition.

I don't use a lot of programs, so, can i use 50 GB as boot partition and the remaining for my data?

It doesn't cost anything to try it. Depending on how few programs you use, it could work.

Thanks, i'll try it then.

I would use one partition for that size HD.

I have to agree with Greg here.

Normally it is a good and recommended idea to use separate disk or at least separate partition to your data, but in your case the HDD is so small you'd better use it all for one partition only.

Kari