3tb Thumb Drive

• 3tb Usb Drive
• 3tb External Hard Drive
• 3 Tb Flash Drive
• 3 Terabyte Flash Drive
• 3tb Usb Thumb Drive

Summary :

3TB hard drive only uses 2TB? If this is the trouble you encounter, you can never miss out the best solutions in this post. Now get MiniTool Partition Wizard to convert MBR disk to GPT disk without losing data.

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Only 2TB Disk Space Shows in Disk Management

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While browsing the Windows forums, I find many people are asking about why their 3TB hard drive only uses 2TB and how to address this issue. See a true example below from discussions.virtualdr.com:

I successfully installed my new Western Digital 3TB SATA drive, and since I have a HP p6654y computer with an AMD Athlon II X4630 and a 64-bit operating system, Windows 7 Home Premium, my computer should be able to handle the full size of the disk.
However, in Disk Management the new drive appears as a 2Tb drive with a 748 GB 'unallocated' segment which cannot be accessed. I have found many articles online which describe why this happens, but nothing that suggests how it can be corrected or if it can. Any guidance greatly appreciated.

To give a clearer description of 3TB hard drive only uses 2TB, I have prepared a picture for you to show this issue. See Disk 2 has a 3TB storage space, on which there is a partition F that takes up 2TB disk space and still 746GB disk space is shown as unallocated.

The strange thing is that the unallocated space is neither available to be used for extending partition F, nor to be used for creating a new volume. Both options are grayed out.

Here are the possible reasons for Extend Volume grayed out in Disk Management, and users will be given corresponding solutions at the same time.

Have you ever encountered this kind of hard drive issue? Have you finally worked it out? If you are still confused, you should never miss out this article. Detailed explanations and solutions to 3TB hard drive showing as 2TB are given consecutively.

Why 3TB Hard Drive Showing as 2TB

Simply put, this is caused by the MBR (Master Boot Record) partition table. You must use GPT (GUID Partition Table) rather than MBR to format a drive over 2TB.

Take a look in Disk Management utility and see what type of partition your drive has, it's easy:

1. Right-click the 3TB hard disk drive and go for Properties.
2. Then navigate to Volumes and see what partition style you get. If it shows Mater Boot Record (MBR), your 3TB hard drive is an MBR disk. And if it is an MBR, repartition using GPT.

About MBR and GPT

MBR is short for Master Boot Record. MBR disks use the Legacy BIOS and support up to 4 primary partitions or 3 primary partitions plus 1 extended partition. MBR disks enjoy great compatibility and are supported by all Windows operating systems.

GPT is short for GUID Partition Table. GPT disks use UEFI BIOS and support up to 128 primary partitions in Windows. Compared with MBR, GPT enjoys better reliability and protection:

• First of all, there is no actual limit to the size of hard drives with GPT partition structure. For disks with 3TB and larger capacity, GPT is the first choice.
• Secondly, boot data and partition data are stored in multiple places in GPT partition structure. Hence, there are methods for recovery if something happens to one.
• Thirdly, GPT-based drives will perform Cyclic Redundancy Checks for the booting and partition data stored. If the main data is being corrupted, the drive will try to do the recovery by copying data from other locations. But in MBR, you have to do that manually.

MBR VS GPT, which one is better for your SSD? Focus on the exact difference to get the answer and safely convert your disk to MBR or GPT.

Now you know what exactly causes 3TB hard drive showing as 2TB, and the 3TB hard drive must employ GPT partition style, you may ask how to do that. Next, I will give you detailed instructions on how to convert 3TB MBR disk to GPT.

3 Ways to Resolve 3TB hard drive showing as 2TB

In this part, 3 ways are introduced to convert MBR to GPT. Please read the note carefully before you choose a way to start.

1. To convert MBR boot drive to GPT disk, make sure your computer motherboard supports UEFI/EFI firmware. And, make sure your operating system accepts GPT partition.
2. Way 1 is the only choice if you want to convert MBR to GPT without data loss. Way 2 and Way 3 require partition deletion before the conversion.

Way 1: Convert Disk from MBR to GPT without Data Loss

First and foremost, I recommend using MiniTool Partition Wizard to convert MBR to GPT, because it will keep your data safe and intact. This means you can directly convert the hard disk instead of deleting/formatting any partition. Besides, it not only deals with data drive but also is valid for the system disk.

Now get this powerful partition manager which works for Windows 10/8/7 both 32 bit and 64 bit.

Step 1. Install and launch MiniTool Partition Wizard to the main interface.

Step 2. On disk map, select the 3TB hard drive and choose Convert MBR Disk to GPT Disk from the action panel or right-click the 3TB hard drive and choose Convert MBR Disk to GPT Disk from the context menu.

Step 3. At the top menu bar, click Apply to start the conversion. If you are converting the system disk, a reboot is required.

When the conversion is completed, you can make full use of 3TB external hard drive by extending the existing partition or creating a new partition.

Way 2. Convert Disk from MBR to GPT Using Command Prompt

Windows Command Prompt is a common way to convert MBR disk to GPT disk. But you have to delete all partitions on the 3TB hard drive first. Now follow the steps below and you can change the MBR disk to GPT disk.

Step 1. Run Diskpart as administrator.

Download rar for pc 64 bit windows 10. Step 2. Run the following command one by one:

• Type list disk and press Enter. It will list all the disks connected to the computer.
• Type select disk n (n is the number of the target disk you want to convert) and press Enter.
• Type list partition and press Enter. It will list all the partitions on the selected disk.
• Type select partition n (n is the number of the volume you need to delete) and press Enter.
• Type delete partition and press Enter.
• Repeat the former two to delete all the rest partitions if you have more.
• Type convert gpt and press Enter.

Step 3. Now the 3TB hard drive becomes all unallocated. To make use of all the disk space, you can continue creating a primary partition on the 3TB hard drive.

• Type create partition primary and press Enter.
• Type assign letter=N (N can be replaced by any letter that is not occupied currently) and press Enter.
• Type format fs=ntfs quick and press Enter.
• Type exit and press Enter.

By doing so, you have finished converting MBR disk to GPT disk. Now since the 3TB hard drive uses a GPT partition table, you shouldn't have any problems formatting the whole 3TB as an NTFS partition.

Way 3. Convert Disk from MBR to GPT Using Disk Management

I believe most people are more familiar with using Windows Disk Management. With concise interface, this utility is also easy to handle. However, I have to remind you that this way also leads to data loss unless a backup is made in advance.

Step 1. Right-click the volume on the 3TB hard drive and choose Delete Volume.

Step 2. You will see a prompt saying that deleting this volume will erase all data on it. If you have made a backup, you can click Yes to go on.

Step 3. Now you get two unallocated space on the 3TB hard drive. At this time, right-click the disk and choose Convert to GPT Disk from the context menu.

When you get only one unallocated space on the drive, you can right-click the unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume to create a new volume that occupies all 3TB disk space.

Do you know how to solve the '3TB drive shows 746GB' issue? This article shows three reasons as well as corresponding solutions to deal with this problem.

Now you have got the best skills to convert MBR disk to GPT when your 3TB hard drive only uses 2TB. By comparison, you know MiniTool Partition Wizard is the top choice because it is easy to use and can keep all data intact. If you are interested, why not have a try?

Top 10 Features of Partition Wizard for 3TB Hard Drive Management

MiniTool Partition Wizard not only helps to convert MBR disk to GPT disk, it also enables to do a lot of hard drive management. No matter what features you need to maintain your hard drive partitions, you can always turn to this tool to get help. In my experience, the top 10 important functions we can find in MiniTool Partition Wizard are the followings. Please do not hesitate to use MiniTool Partition Wizard if you have such needs:

1. Copy Disk: Copy hard drive to another 3TB drive so as to make a disk backup or to upgrade hard drive.
2. Partition Recovery: Recover partitions lost by various reasons like accidental deletion or diskpart clean.
3. Convert Dynamic Disk to Basic Disk: Convert dynamic disk to basic disk to regain simpler hard drive management.
4. Migrate OS to SSD/HD: Migrate OS to another hard drive if you want to back up system or upgrade system disk.
5. Convert MBR <=> GPT: Convert MBR to GPT to make full use of huge capacity disks when your 3TB hard drive only uses 2TB or convert GPT to MBR safely to get better compatibility.
6. Convert FAT <=> NTFS: Convert FAT to NTFS to enjoy higher security or convert NTFS to FAT without formatting to get better compatibility.
7. Extend Partition: Extend partition using disk space on the same drive regardless of whether there is unallocated space on the adjacent right side of the target partition.
8. Format Partition: Format partition with other file systems like FAT16/32, exFAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, and Linux Swap.
9. Surface Test: Check 3TB hard drive partitions to see whether there are bad sectors or not.
10. Bootable Media Builder: Create a bootable media to manage 3TB hard drive when your computer fails to boot.

Closing Word

Here comes to the end of this post. Reading here, I guess you know the reason that leads to 3TB hard drive only uses 2TB, and the skills to resolve this issue. Besides, we also introduce 10 key features of MiniTool Partition Wizard to help you manage 3TB hard drive better.

Now, it is your turn to have a try. If you have any questions or suggestions on how to use MiniTool software, let us know by typing your questions in the comment section below. Or you can contact us via [email protected]. All ideas are welcome.

Summary :

Are you using a 3TB hard drive but it is only showing 746GB in Windows 10? Read this post to search the reasons for this issue and solutions to fix 3TB HDD not showing full capacity issue right now.

3TB Drive Only Shows 746GB

I'm sure that many people like me have encountered the following issue: when I install a new 3TB hard disk into the computer, I can only see 746GB (not 745GB or 747GB, but exactly 746GB) in my Windows Explorer as well as Disk Management.

And here, if we Google '3TB drive only shows 746GB', we will find many users have encountered the same issue.

Let's see one true example. Flash drive erase.

'I bought the Seagate barracuda 3TB and it shows as 746GB on my Windows Vista SP2 32-bit in GPT mode. I have asked this problem at Seagate forum and the one guy who replied didn't know how to solve it. I am using the 3TB Seagate drive in my Rosewill RX-358-U3B enclosure, and I have read that a Hitachi 3TB had no compatibility issues in that particular enclosure. Does anyone know how to have my computer realize that the Seagate drive is 3TB?'

What's going wrong here?

Why we cannot see the full disk of the 3TB hard disk?

Is it possible to solve this problem effectively and easily?

Need the data back from Seagate hard drive? Please follow the advice given in this Seagate data recovery article.

How to Fix: 3TB Drives Only Shows 746GB

According to a survey, we find many users don't know what causes this to happen. And most people blame on their drive manufacturers since they think they bought the wrong hard drive.

In general, whether you are using Hitachi, Western Digital, Seagate, or Samsung drives, you might encounter this problem. It is a fairly common issue. However, do you know how to solve this issue in Windows 10?

Here, please take a look at free western digital hard drive recovery to be well prepared for any data loss accidents.

Now, 3 major reasons, as well as corresponding solutions, will be introduced. Knowing the exact reason, you can solve the problem with ease.

Reason 1: You Format 3TB Drive in MBR by Mistake

Hard drives are, as you know, typically formatted in MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (GUID Partition Table). However, do you know the difference between MBR and GPT? For instance, MBR disk can only support 2TB hard drive.

Here, you can see this post MBR Disk VS. GPT Disk to get more information about the two kinds of disks.

Now, in order to use and manage the 3TB hard drive, you should change it to GPT disk. Detailed steps are shown below.

Solution:

When it comes to converting MBR disk to GPT, you can turn to Windows built-in disk management tool as well as third-party free partition tool.

Method one: turn to Windows built-in disk management tool

Step 1: Right-click 'My Computer' and choose 'Manage -> Storage -> Disk Management'.

Step 2: If the MBR hard disk which you want to convert to GPT disk contains any volumes, right-click any volumes on the disk and then click 'Delete Volume' to delete all volumes.

Step 3: Right-click the MBR disk that you want to change, and then click 'Convert to GPT disk' to fix 3TB hard drive only showing 746GB in Windows 10.

However, is it possible to convert MBR disk to GPT without data loss?

Want to know the best part?

Method two: turn to third-party partition tool

Here, to complete this conversion without data loss, you can try using MiniTool Partition Wizard since it offers high security as well as excellent performance. This professional partition is compatible with many operating systems including Windows 7/8/10, and Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016.

Before you start to fix 3TB drive only shows 746GB issue in Windows 10, please download MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition (only free works for the conversion on data disk) and install it on the computer. If your OS disk meets 3TB drive not showing full capacity issue, its Professional Edition should be chosen. Click to learn the edition comparison.

Here take MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition as an example.

3tb Usb Drive

Step 1: Launch this free partition manager to its main interface. Right-click the MBR disk, and choose 'Convert MBR Disk to GPT Disk' function from the pop-up menu or from the left action panel.

Step 2: Click on 'Apply' button and tap 'Yes' in the pop-up prompt interface to start converting.

Thus, all work has been done. After that, you might make full use of the 3TB storage space in Windows 10.

Reason 2: You are Using The Old Version of Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver

A study saying that Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (RST) version of 10.0.0.1046 is the culprit behind the 746GB available of the 3TB drive issue.

For 3TB drive support, one should look to Intel RST 10.1 and newer. However, before you upgrade Intel® Rapid Storage Technology driver to the latest version, you had better know more information about RST.

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (RST), a program developed by Intel, can offer new levels of protection, performance, and expandability for desktop and mobile platforms.

Besides, this program has added support for next generation PCIe storage devices with transfer speeds up to 1 GB/s that maximizes storage performance and improves response time for everyday usages like photo editing, video loading, and office productivity.

3tb External Hard Drive

And, Intel Rapid Storage Technology provides Intel® Smart Response technology to recognize and automatically store your most frequently used applications and data into a high-performance SSD while giving you full access to the large storage capacity of a hard disk drive (HDD).

In a word, with this program, you can take advantage of enhanced performance and lower power consumption when using one or multiple hard drives.

Solution:

Step 1: Download the latest version of Intel's Rapid Storage Technology (Intel RST) drivers from Intel's site.

Step 2: Install the Intel RST drivers on the computer. If your computer is unable to connect to a network, you can turn to the manufacturer's installation media which often have older versions of things like Intel RST drivers.

Step 3: After upgrading to the latest RST version, you can open Computer Management again, and now you can see all free space of your drive in Windows 10.

What if you are using AMD instead of Intel? Suppose that you are using AMD and here are the specs:

• AMD Phenom II x4 925 @ 3ghz w/corsair H50 water cooler
• Gigabyte 770TA-UD3 mobo
• 400GB SATA HDD for OS
• Windows 7 ult x64

In this case, what should you do since Intel RST would be senseless for you? At this time, if you want to solve this issue, you might try updating the chipset and any SATA/ RAID drivers you can find.

Reason 3: SATA ports

Some users who connect their internal hard drive to a computer via a USB enclosure might encounter the 746GB available of the 3TB drive issue. What should they do to fix 3TB drive only shows 746GB issue?

Solution:

In general, there are some USB enclosures have a 2TiB limit, irrespective of the partition type. At this time, users can try connecting external hard drive to a computer via SATA.

3 Tb Flash Drive

Bottom line

After seeing the three major reasons, you might have a basic understanding of how to solve the 746GB available of the 3TB drive issue.

In a word, if a new 3TB hard drive only shows 746GB, you may convert it to GPT disk, or upgrade your Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (RST). Besides, if it's an external disk, you had better connect it to the computer via SATA.

However, if you want to perfectly make full use of the 3TB storage space, you had better do some corresponding partition management like create partition, extend partition, clone partition, etc. Here, we will show a free partition management program which might be unfamiliar to you but can help you a lot.

3TB Hard Drive Management

As is well known, we can divide our hard drive into several independent partitions to protect data, keep running multiple operating systems on the same disk, and improve performance. However, how to manage partitions to maximize the performance of our computer?

Here, you can try using MiniTool Partition Wizard to perfectly manage hard drive partitions.

With this professional partition management freeware, you can easily and quickly create partition, move/resize partition, extend partition, delete partition, format partition, copy disk, and more.

And, we take 'Copy Disk' for example to show more information about this tool.

Disk Clone

If you want to upgrade small old hard disk to larger newer one without reinstalling Windows and all other installed programs or make a backup for the disk which saves significant files, you can turn to the 'Copy Disk' feature.

Detailed steps are shown here.

Step 1: In the main window of MiniTool Partition Wizard, select the disk which needs copying and then click 'Disk > Copy,' or activate 'Copy Disk' function from left panel to continue.

Step 2: Select the disk that will save the copy of the source disk as the target disk and then click 'Next' button.

• The target disk should be large enough to hold all content on the source disk.
• It is recommended to backup all important data on this target disk in advance because all its data will be deleted.

Step 3: Choose a copying method to decide the layout of target disk and then click 'Next' button.

Step 4: Click 'Finish' button to go back to the main interface.

Step 5: Click 'Apply' button on the top left corner to apply all pending operations. Note: if you are copying system disk, you will be asked to restart the computer. Just do as told.

In a word, if you are troubled by partitioning problems, you can ask MiniTool Partition Wizard for help.

Next, we want to show another excellent feature of this tool.

3TB Hard Drive Data Recovery

No doubt, users store massive important data including business data, working documents, precious pictures and some personal data on their hard drive.

3 Terabyte Flash Drive

However, data stored on the hard drive are not safe all the time, and data loss caused by various subjective or objective reasons happens from time to time.

Fortunately, if you have no idea about data recovery solution, you can try using MiniTool Partition Wizard.

How to Recover Lost Data from Hard Drives | MiniTool Partition Wizard Tutorial.

• Select Data Recovery feature in the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard.
• Scan the drive containing lost data.
• Save all needed data.

3tb Usb Thumb Drive

In a word, MiniTool Partition Wizard offers many excellent features to help you perfectly manage 3TB hard drive. For instance, you can use the Space Analyzer function to scan the 3TB hard drive and give you a better view of the hard drive space usage, you can use the Disk Benchmark feature to test disk speed, etc.

Conclusion

Now, I guess you might know how to solve the 3TB drive only shows 746GB issue! Besides, you know how to perfectly manage hard drive partitions and carry out hard drive data recovery.

Like this post? Share it with more users.

Should you have any question about using MiniTool Partition Wizard, please feel free to contact us.

Windows 3TB Drive FAQ

1. Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard.
2. Select the disk where partition loss appears and choose Partition Recovery from the toolbar.
3. Choose a scanning range and then click on the Next button.
4. Set a scanning method to scan the specified range and click Next.
5. Check all needed partitions and click Finish.
6. Assign a drive letter.
7. Click Apply to perform all changes.