Question

I started using One Big Partition for everything and separating data out with folders when I got my current computer years ago. I'm preparing to upgrade my system from Windows XP to Windows 7 and I thought I might go back to putting my data on a separate partition.

Most likely I'll just use the default OS install. My current Program Files tree has ~16 GB of stuff.

Thinking ahead though, I've had XP installed for years. Who knows what apps I'm going to install down the line?

This, of course, begs the question: How big do I make my Windows 7 install partition?

Answer 1

Make the OS partition at least 60GB and install your apps in a separate DATA partition.

I've done half a dozen Win7 installs this week and the "base" install takes nearly 20GB in my experience. I'm writing post this on my new Win7 Ultimate rig, I've installed literally nothing but drivers and 20GB is used up already on my OS partition.

Answer 2

I have a 36 GB partition and my Program files folder is 4 GB. Currently I have 12 GB free. Doing the math you should have a partition around 50 GB if you want don't want a crowded system partition.

Answer 3

In a related question, Win7's base install was reported as weighing in at about 6GB, compared to about 1.5GB for a WinXP install.

I've gotten by pretty well with a 20GB partition for XP, but I've been installing the big apps (games) to a separate drive. I estimate 40GB should be all you'd need for a Win7 system partition.

Answer 4

The minimum requireed partition size for windows 7 is about 9GB, that said, most people that I've seen recommend at MINIMUM 16GB, and 30GB for comfort. Naturally you'll have to install programs to your data partition if you go too small, but that's up to you.

Answer 5

It changes due to your needs.For example if you are a mid-level computer user you need 50GB.But if you like to install tons of apps. you can have 100 GB also it's up to your needs and your total space.For example I got a HDD of 120GB and using 55GB for Vista Home Premium.