Programs for checking and formatting your hard drive. Hard disk service - review of the best programs for working with partitions

Today, many users and computer owners are faced with the need to maintain their hard drive. Most often, this term refers to managing hard drive partitions: creating, deleting, formatting, changing the file system, etc. However, sometimes in practice you have to decide a whole series other tasks. These include, for example, restoring partitions that were deleted or “lost” as a result of failures, cloning hard drives when upgrading a computer, etc.

Today, many users and computer owners are faced with the need to maintain their hard drive. Most often, this term refers to managing hard drive partitions: creating, deleting, formatting, changing the file system, etc. However, sometimes in practice you have to solve a number of other problems. These include, for example, restoring partitions that were deleted or “lost” as a result of failures, cloning hard drives when upgrading a computer, etc.

To perform these operations you need special software, since the operating system is clearly not enough. Which one exactly? Each user will have to answer this question independently, taking into account their own needs, capabilities and features of certain products. We will help you make this choice by describing and comparing utilities for working with hard drives.

To begin with, it is necessary to note one aspect. The fact is that all software designed to solve the described problems can be divided into two unequal groups. The first includes universal products with which you can perform a whole range of various works hard drive maintenance. All the tools in them are integrated with each other and “collected” in a single interface, which, of course, is very convenient. The second group is highly specialized programs designed to perform a single operation. With their help, you can, for example, only manage hard drive partitions.

Why did we call these groups unequal? It's very simple. There are much fewer products belonging to the first group on the market today. The most famous of them are programs and. Naturally, both of them were included in our review today. The second group has much more representatives. For comparison, we selected several of the most typical programs from it and also included them in the comparison.

Today it is one of the most well-known programs on our market for maintaining computer hard drives. Its important feature is that it can work with almost all types of hard drives, including external hard drives and flash cards.

Functionally it consists of four modules (each of which was once a separate software product). The first of them is “Partition Manager”. It is designed to manage hard disk partitions. With its help you can perform almost any operation with them. In particular, the user can create and delete partitions, change their size, convert them to another file system without losing information, change the letter and much more. In addition, in latest version The product in question now has such features as splitting a section into two new ones and, conversely, merging two existing sections into one. These operations are also performed without data loss. Distinctive feature"Partition Manager" has two modes of operation. The first of them, automatic, is intended for inexperienced users. It is as easy as possible to use. And thanks to the use of understandable step by step masters The risk of doing something wrong is significantly reduced. The second operating mode, manual, is intended for more experienced users.

The second module included in the software is called "Download Administrator". It allows you to install various operating systems on your computer and manage the order in which they load. Thanks to it, up to 100 operating systems can “get along” on one PC, not only Windows of different versions, but also various options Linux, FreeBSD, UNIX, OS/2, etc. It is noteworthy that thanks to the “Boot Administrator” you can install and boot the OS from any partition on any hard drive in the future. You can also install several versions of Windows on one partition.

The third module is “Disk Editor”. With its help, you can view and change the contents of the hard drive directly, without using operating system functions. This professional tool, the capabilities of which can be used to solve problems such as recovering lost information, restoring hard disk zones, and backup.

Finally, the last, fourth module is “Partition Recovery Utility”. This is a very easy-to-use tool with which anyone, even a novice user, can literally return to its place a section that was accidentally deleted by him or lost due to a failure, virus or hacker with just a few clicks of the mouse. In addition to automatic recovery, the program also implements manual option this operation. When used, adjusting various parameters allows you to give the operation greater flexibility.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the product has the ability to create your own rescue disk(this could be a CD or DVD, or a USB drive). You can boot from it if the operating system stops starting (or it doesn’t exist at all, for example, on a new computer), and run with hard drive all necessary actions. For example, this is how you can restore the OS if you accidentally delete a system partition.

Like, he is one of the leaders Russian market software for working with hard drives. Once upon a time, this product also began as a relatively simple utility for managing hard drive partitions. However, as it developed, it acquired capabilities and turned into a multifunctional program for maintaining hard drives.

In terms of managing hard disk partitions, it has all the necessary capabilities. Using this program, you can quickly create, delete or format a partition, change its size or letter, convert to another file system, etc. Naturally, all operations are performed without losing information recorded on the hard drive. Additionally, it implements such features as checking the integrity of the file system, testing the surface of magnetic “pancakes” and updating the master boot record. In general, you can use it to perform the entire range of work with partitions.

In addition, the product in question implements a number of additional features. First of all, it is worth noting the download management function. For this, a special manager is used, with which you can create a multiboot environment. This opportunity allows you to install several operating systems on your computer and control their boot sequence.

The next additional feature is defragmentation. The program "can" optimize the placement of information on the hard drive in accordance with the user-selected parameter (for example, creation date or file size). In this case, not only the data itself is defragmented, but also the main file table, which speeds up its operation. In addition, it can optimize the allocation of space for paging and hibernation files in Windows.

Another additional function of the product in question is information backup. To do this, use the procedure for creating complete images of hard disk partitions. The resulting archives can be saved both on a local hard drive and on any removable drives. In the future, the data can be restored in its entirety (including to a new, even undamaged hard drive) or selectively. There are not enough opportunities to create a full-fledged automatic system backup. However, they are more than enough to back up the system in order to restore it after various failures.

Of course, there is also the possibility of creating rescue disks. They can be either CD/DVD/BD media or flash drives. When booting from such a disk, the user can work with hard disk partitions, as well as restore information from a previously created archive.

In addition, the product in question implements a number of other interesting opportunities: copying individual partitions or entire hard drives, two operating modes (for beginners and advanced users), a wizard for installing Windows Vista and Windows 7 on Apple computers and much, much more.

O&O Software GmbH is known for its defragmentation products. However, among its developments there is also a program for managing hard drives. It is called O&O Partition Manager 2. This product can work with internal and external hard drives, USB drives and flash memory cards.

Frankly speaking, O&O Partition Manager 2 does not shine with its functionality. This program allows the user to perform only basic actions with hard drive partitions: create and delete them and change their size. You cannot perform any other operations, such as changing a partition letter or converting it from one file system to another, using this product. Perhaps the only additional feature of O&O Partition Manager 2 is the function of secure deletion of information. It allows you to destroy confidential data without the possibility of recovery using special software.

Among the advantages of the product in question, note the presence of a bootable CD based on Windows PE. Having created it, the user can boot the computer from it and use all the features of O&O Partition Manager 2. In particular, this feature can help if it is necessary to partition the hard drive of a new computer.

One of the disadvantages of O&O Partition Manager 2 is the English-language interface. In principle, program management is quite simple and straightforward, and therefore experienced users will not have any difficulties. But for those who are just starting to master the computer, the Russian language of the interface and help system is still very desirable. Moreover, in such a program, the incorrect use of which can lead to very unpleasant consequences.

Active Partition Manager is a freely distributed, that is, free partition manager. It can work with internal and external hard drives, as well as flash drives. True, the functionality of Active Partition Manager leaves much to be desired. With its help, you can only create, delete and format partitions, as well as view information about them and change some attributes (for example, a letter), but cannot resize them. If the user needs to reduce or enlarge a partition, he will have to first delete it and then create another in its place (of course, if there is enough free space). It is clear that in this case all information will be lost.

Among the advantages of Active Partition Manager, it is worth noting that it is free and has a function for restoring an accidentally deleted partition. In some cases, this procedure can be of significant assistance to the user. Disadvantages, in addition to small functionality, include support for only three file systems (FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS), as well as the inability to work with the program in the absence of an operating system or its failure. More precisely, Active Partition Manager can be included in a special boot disk along with other Active products. But to create it you need to purchase a special program.

Let's sum it up

For ease of comparison of the reviewed products, we have summarized all their features in a single table.


Basic partition management features
Advanced partition management capabilities
Download Manager
Partition recovery
Disc editor
Defragmentation
Creating partition images
Availability of boot disk
Interface	Russian-speaking	Russian-speaking	English-speaking	English-speaking
License	commercial	commercial	commercial	free

Looking at the table, it is very easy to draw conclusions. In terms of functionality, the products and . In addition to directly managing partitions, each of these programs has a whole set of additional service capabilities. It is clear that it is better to purchase such a “kit”, which can be useful for solving a number of problems, than to buy a simple utility with a limited set of functions for the same money. We must not forget about the Russian-language interface with a detailed help system. Their presence makes optimal choice for inexperienced computer users. It is necessary to understand that errors in partition management can lead to undesirable consequences, for example, the loss of important information.

True, it was not possible to identify a clear leader among these two products. Both programs cope well with their tasks and are easy to use. Their cost is almost the same. Therefore, when choosing a solution, we can advise you to pay attention to their additional features. In this regard, they are developing in slightly different directions. If the function of recovering deleted partitions and a disk editor are important to you, then you should choose the first product. If you prefer the presence of defragmentation and the ability to create images, then choose the second option. Boxed versions are published and distributed by 1C in the 1C Distribution line of publications. Buy or can be purchased from 1Soft partners.

Marat Davletkhanov

Programs for hard drives in Russian are collected in this section. All programs can be downloaded for free with activation keys.

Very often new computer comes with ready-made, marked hard drive partitions. The program developers offer users the ideal manager for hard drive partitions. Partition Wizard is a manager that is designed to work with hard drive partitions. Using the program, users will be able to resize a partition, create a new one on the hard drive, format it, and delete existing ones. Download for free MiniTool Partition Wizard 11.0.1 in Russian Password for all archives: 1progs Video on installing and activating the program On…

Hard Disk Sentinel is software that is designed to monitor and test your hard drive. The main purpose of this program is to diagnose, find and fix various problems on the disk. Users have the opportunity to view reports on the current status of the hard drive, its condition, temperature and other characteristics. The Russian version of Hard Disk Sentinel allows you to use the functionality of the program without restrictions. On our website, Internet users can download Hard Disk Sentinel activation keys absolutely free of charge. After…

Many users often encounter the problem of a so-called “braking” computer. Not everyone is able to diagnose problems on their own, and every time they spend money on service centers, to put it mildly, it’s expensive. To avoid advanced cases, sometimes it’s enough just to optimize your computer. You can optimize your computer absolutely safely at home using the simple and convenient Advanced SystemCare program. One of the advantages is that the basic version of this program is free. License key will allow...

PC users constantly experience problems with their hard drive. Over a certain period, the system response to a file request becomes greater, which subsequently leads to slow operation of the OS. In order to correct this situation, it is necessary to defragment the disk. IObit Smart Defrag is an easy-to-use program that is designed to defragment your disk. This application perfectly prevents slowdowns, freezes, and operating system crashes. After users install the program, it will start working in...

PC users know that the defragmentation process is important for regular hard drives because it reduces unnecessary movements and increases data read speed. Developers from different companies are coming up with effective tools for sorting and defragmenting files on disk. Auslogics Disk Defrag is useful program, which improves speed characteristics and also increases the stability of Windows. Given software product surpasses most existing analogs due to its speed and quality of defragmentation. Download AusLogics Disk for free...

AOMEI Partition Assistant is powerful program, which is designed for complete management of partitions on your hard drive. The following functions are available to users: hide, format, copy, align, create, activate, erase. The program has several built-in wizards. They allow you to increase the size of partitions, move the OS to a new disk, copy disks, create bootable disks, and much more. Users of this application can divide sections into several parts, combine them into one, and so on. Download AOMEI Partition Assistant for free…

HDClone is a functional utility that is needed to copy information from one disk (meaning hard disk) to another. On this page you can download this program for free in a couple of clicks. Download for free HDClone 8.0.8 in Russian Free + Basic Edition Download for free HDClone Professional Edition 9.0.3 ISO Password for all archives: 1progs Application: copies information sector by sector (thus, we get an exact copy of the hard drive); is creating...

TestDisk is a functional program from the author Christophe Grenier, which is multifunctional tool for resuscitation of parts of the hard drive. Supplement still coming one application Photorec, which revives lost or damaged information of HDD departments and works with digital cameras. The program: includes the option of completely deleting and duplicating files; resuscitates data after virus attacks; interacts with a wide variety of file types; enriched with MBR rewrite function. Download TestDisk 7.1 Russian version for free Password to all archives:…

If the HDD makes strange sounds or there are problems with writing and reading information, you should use one of the programs to check the hard drive for errors. Depending on the task (checking the disk surface for damage, searching for bad sectors, correcting errors, etc.), different software may be useful.

You can quickly check the disk for errors using standard system tools, but to restore the hard drive you will need special third-party programs. Having learned how to check the health of a hard drive using various utilities, a user of any level will be able to cope with any problems that may arise.

The CheckDisk system service is the simplest program for diagnosing a hard drive, which is not able to find complex errors and fix them bad sectors, but is useful for fixing basic problems. It is available on all versions of Windows OS and can be used to check drives of any type. All users need to know how to check a hard drive for errors with this tool.

The GUI version of the utility is most convenient for novice users. You can launch it through the disk management menu, which can be accessed in two ways:

in Windows XP/Vista/7 - select “Manage” in the context menu of “My Computer”, then go to the desired menu;
in Windows 8/10 - press the Win+X combination and select the appropriate item.

In the window that opens, select the device that needs analysis, right-click on it and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu. By going to the “Service” tab, you need to run the hard drive diagnostic program.

The system will check and automatically correct errors if the disk is not currently busy with read or write processes. Otherwise, the program will offer to test after rebooting the PC. If necessary, in the scan results window you can see detailed information about the HDD status.

The GUI version does not always help, since it is sometimes necessary to check the status of the hard disk safe mode or not launching at all operating system. In such cases, the console comes to the rescue; you can launch it before the system starts using a boot disk.

Once you open the recovery console, you need to run the chkdsk /f command, which will check all connected drives. In some cases, this will help fix the error. However, in most situations, if a HDD failure has made it impossible to start the system, a more in-depth check of the hard drive’s condition will be required.

To use the console command from inside the system you need to:

launch the command line (via Win+X or by entering cmd in the “Run” window);
enter the chkdsk command indicating the letter of the partition being checked and additional flags;
Confirm the operation by pressing Y.

Checking the HDD via the command line will be a little faster than when using the GUI version of the program; the results will be shown here in the console.

The Linux system also has standard tools - hdparm and smartctl, launched from the console.

Simple programs for quickly checking HDD

If standard utilities are not suitable, hard drive diagnostics can be carried out using simple third-party programs. They allow you to get more information about the health status of the HDD, but in case of serious problems they will not be suitable, since they cannot be used to fix the damage.

HDDScan is a free program that performs analysis in two modes:

according to S.M.A.R.T. indicators;
linear processing.

The tool evaluates read and write speeds in various sectors, flagging “slow” cells. During the analysis, the program ensures that the tested hard drives do not overheat; at the end of processing, the user is presented with a full report.

HDDScan good versatility. The utility allows you to check disks for errors regardless of the type of device: it can either check an external hard drive or analyze a RAID array, SSD drive or memory card.

Crystal Disk Mark has only one function - it evaluates the read and write speed. Despite this, it is often used, since it is still possible to check the hard drive for serviceability using just two indicators.

The test uses different algorithms, one of which is sequential recording mode. The program gradually fills all the space on the drive with blocks of a size specified by the user, after which it cleans the HDD. The same technique is used by hard drive manufacturers to check product quality. Its disadvantage is that it accelerates the wear of SSD drives.

CrystalDiskInfo And DiskCheckup They are similar in their set of functions, differing only in the interface. They check the status of the hard drive using S.M.A.R.T. algorithms and compile a history of checks, which allows you to track the dynamics of changes. CrystalDiskInfo has more options for visualizing history. For example, you can create a graph, not just get a written report.

Another feature of these programs is convenient system notifications. In-depth hard drive tests usually take a long time. If the user needs to step away from the computer, he can enable notifications of critical HDD errors via E-Mail.

Programs from hard drive manufacturers

Some HDD manufacturers have developed their own utilities for analyzing the status of the hard drive. They are intended for use with devices of the same name; diagnosing a hard drive from another company is possible with their help, but this must be done carefully. Unlike more simple programs, these utilities have versions on different languages, including in Russian. Which program is better to analyze the HDD status?

The proprietary program from Seagate exists in two versions: a standard version for running under Windows and a DOS version in ISO image format, from which you can make bootable USB flash drive. It is recommended to use the second option, since the check in this case will be more accurate and efficient.

SeaTools uses part of the S.M.A.R.T indicators. to test the hard drive without giving away details about each item. Three tests can be performed:

short self-test of HDD;
short rapid test;
a long-term check in which all sectors are read sequentially.

As the scan progresses, the program automatically corrects any errors found.

Owners of hard drives from WD should know how to check the performance of hard drives using proprietary software from this manufacturer. The range of its capabilities is similar to that of the program from Seagate, but is somewhat expanded and allows for more in-depth work with the affected device.

There are two additional functions:

deep disk formatting - the program writes zeros to all sectors, irreversibly destroying information;
blocking access to bad sectors - the program marks bad blocks, preventing the writing of new information to them.

Unlike SeaTools, this program for diagnostics, the HDD can be freely used with devices from any manufacturer to check the hard drive for errors - no problems were identified with this.

Deep testing software

If you need not only hard check disk for errors, but also correcting bad sectors, one cannot do without sophisticated software that carries out the most in-depth analysis of the HDD state.

Victoria HDD

According to many users, Victoria HDD is the best software for detecting hard drive problems. The program gained this reputation due to its wide range of functions.

Victoria exists in two versions:

with a graphical shell for use from inside Windows;
with a DOS shell to create a boot disk.

It's better to use the second version. HDD diagnostics outside the system allows you to achieve best results, so it is always recommended to follow the principle “if possible, test the disk from the boot disk.” As a last resort, you can use a LiveCD of another OS, for example, a Linux distribution like Ubuntu.

Victoria HDD has a variety of functions:

quick and complete disk scan;
reassignment of bad sectors and their restoration;
checking the status of contacts in the IDE or SATA cable;
equipment performance analysis;
viewing S.M.A.R.T. indicators.

When checking, you need to pay attention to the access time to sectors. It should not exceed 200-600 ms. You can also view the temperature of the disk during operation, but this is not so important.

HDD Regenerator

HDD Regenerator is a program for professional hard recovery disk. It not only marks bad sectors as unused, but also tries to revive them. For this, not the standard deep formatting method is used, but its own algorithm based on transmitting signals to the sector different levels. Despite professional level, even inexperienced users can use this software, since testing a hard drive with its help is easy thanks to its convenient Russian-language interface.

Program features:

ensuring data safety - it works only in read mode;
support for different file systems;
the ability to scan the disk surface;
real-time monitoring.

The program is not suitable for everyone, since you can check your hard drive for functionality for free, but you will have to pay $90 for the sector recovery function.

If you don’t want to pay, you can use TestDisk - free program, which can repair the partition table, boot sectors and MFT. It also detects bad sectors, can recover deleted information and fix file system errors. The only drawback is the lack of a graphical interface; you have to work from the console.

If, after checking the HDD and correcting all problems, the computer does not stop working incorrectly, it is worth checking the registry. Perhaps the failures are caused not by hardware failure, but by internal system errors.

Creating, deleting and formatting computer disk partitions is only part of the possibilities hard drive management applications. Today, they make it possible to securely perform operations that previously required data deletion or other mind-boggling combinations.

Many of the tasks performed through the Partition Manager can, in theory, be accomplished using Windows' built-in Disk Management tool. However, it is not as intuitive as the programs discussed here.

A good disk management application consists of several modules. They are used to create, delete and format partitions. Apart from these functions, they also have functions for copying and moving partitions, creating images and backups.

Additional modules support system migration, merging and splitting partitions. Supported various schemes partitions, dynamic disks, RAID configurations, various systems files and boot records.

Attention! Whenever you work with hard drive partitions, you need to plan everything carefully, back up your data, and make sure you select the correct hard drive or partition before pressing Enter.

Attention! All operations carried out on partitions are fraught with risks. The editors recommend extreme caution and are not responsible for possible loss of data or other damage incurred by readers.

EaseUS Partition Master Disk Management

One of the most popular programs for managing hard drive partitions in Windows. Ensures the allocation of new partitions without data loss.

Benefits of EaseUS Partition Master

Easy conversion of partition type, primary to logical and vice versa
Recovers deleted or non-existent partitions
Supported hard drive capacity up to 8 TB

Flaws

Inability to transfer data from HDD to SSD in free version

License: freeware
Price: free

AOMEI Partition Assistant Disk Management

Also popular. Creates, divides, connects, copies hard drive partitions, changing their size, while saving files. System transfer is possible.

Benefits of AOMEI Partition Assistant

Convenient wizards for every operation
Supports all the most popular file systems
Displays accurate information about supported media
Allows you to create boot disk CD with application

License: freeware
Price: free

Disk Management in GParted

A tool for managing computer hard drive partitions. Distributed as an ISO file. Install it on a flash drive or burn it to a CD and start your computer from it.

Benefits of GParted

Does not require installation and does not take up disk space
Attractive free offer for companies
Wide range of partition management capabilities for almost any file system

Flaws

Mastery takes time
Only available via Live CD

License: freeware
Price: free

MiniTool Partition Wizard

Performs all operations with hard disk partitions and also hides it. Copying the contents of the disk and changing the file system.

Advantages of MiniTool Partition Wizard

Lots of tools, including disk cleaning and checking
Convenient visual wizard for each operation
Allows you to convert NTFS to FAT32 without formatting, change the disk type from MBR to GPT

License: freeware
Price: free

Active@ Partition Manager

Performs operations on disk partitions. Formats the flash drive in FAT32 and NTFS. Fixes MBR disks. Converts MBR to GPT and vice versa.

Benefits of Active@ Partition Manager

Disk Imaging Tool
Convenient wizard for creating and changing partitions
Built-in boot sector editor, allows you to manually make changes
Shows S.M.A.R.T data. for hard drives

Flaws

English only

License: freeware
Price: free

Good day.

Questions regarding work hard disk ( or as they say HDD) - always a lot (probably one of the most numerous directions). Quite often, in order to solve this or that issue, the hard drive needs to be formatted. And here, some questions are superimposed on others: “And how? And with what? This program does not see the disk, which one should I replace it with?” etc.

In this article I will present the best (in my opinion) programs that help cope with this task.

Important! Before formatting the HDD with one of the presented programs, save all important information from the hard drive to other media. During the formatting process, all data from the media will be deleted and it is sometimes extremely difficult to restore something (and sometimes even impossible!).

"Tools" for working with hard drives

Acronis Disk Director

In my opinion, this is one of the best programs for working with a hard drive. Firstly, there is support for the Russian language (for many users this is fundamental), secondly, it supports all Windows operating systems: XP, 7, 8, 10, thirdly, the program has excellent compatibility and “sees” all disks (unlike from other utilities of this kind).

Judge for yourself, you can do “anything” with hard disk partitions:

format (in fact, for this reason the program was included in the article);
change the file system without data loss (for example, from Fat 32 to Ntfs);
resize partition: very convenient if Windows installation, you, say, have allocated too little space for the system disk, and now you need to increase it from 50 GB to 100 GB. You can format the disk again - but you will lose all the information, and with the help of this function you can change the size and save all the data;
combining hard disk partitions: for example, we divided the hard drive into 3 partitions, and then thought, why? It’s better to have two: one system one for Windows, and the other for files - they took it and combined it and didn’t lose anything;
disk defragmentation: useful if you have a Fat 32 file system (with Ntfs - there's not much point, at least you won't gain in performance);
change drive letter;
deleting partitions;
viewing files on disk: useful when you have a file on your disk that is not deleted;
ability to create bootable media: flash drives (the tool will simply save you if Windows refuses to boot).

In general, it is probably unrealistic to describe all the functions in one article. The only drawback of the program is that it is paid, although there is time for a test...

Paragon partition manager

This program is quite well known, I think that experienced users have been familiar with it for a long time. Includes all the most necessary tools for working with media. By the way, the program supports not only real physical disks, but also virtual ones.

Main features:

Using disks larger than 2 TB in Windows XP (with this software you can use larger capacity disks in the old OS);
Ability to control boot of multiple operating systems Windows (very important when you want to install another Windows OS in addition to your first one. For example, to test a new OS before finally switching to it);
Easy and intuitive work with sections: You can easily split or merge the required partition without losing data. In this sense, the program works without any complaints at all ( By the way, it is possible to convert a basic MBR to a GPT disk. Regarding this task, there have been a lot of questions lately. );
Support for a large number of file systems- this means that you can view and work with partitions of almost any hard drive;
Working with virtual disks : easily connects a disk to itself and allows you to work with it as with a real disk;
Huge number of backup functions and restoration (also very important), etc.

EASEUS Partition Master Home Edition

An excellent free (by the way, there is also a paid version - it has several additional functions) tool for working with hard drives. Supported OS Windows: 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bits), there is support for the Russian language.

The number of functions is simply amazing, I will list some of them:

support different types storage media: HDD, SSD, USB flash drives, memory cards, etc.;
changing hard disk partitions: formatting, resizing, merging, deleting, etc.;
support for MBR and GPT disks, support for RAID arrays;
support for disks up to 8 TB;
the ability to migrate from HDD to SSD (however, not all versions of the program support);
the ability to create bootable media, etc.

In general, good alternative paid products presented above. Even the features of the free version are enough for most users.

Aomei Partition Assistant

One more worthy alternative paid products. The standard version (and it is free) has a bunch of functions for working with hard drives, supports Windows 7, 8, 10, and has the Russian language (although it is not installed by default). By the way, according to the developers, they use special algorithms to work with “problem” disks - so there is a chance that your “invisible” disk in any software will suddenly be seen by Aomei Partition Assistant...

Key Features:

Some of the lowest system requirements(among software of this type): processor with a clock frequency of 500 MHz, 400 MB of hard disk space;
Supports traditional HDD hard drives, as well as newfangled solid-state SSDs and SSHDs;
Full support for RAID arrays;
Full support for working with HDD partitions: merging, splitting, formatting, changing the file system, etc.;
Support for MBR and GPT disks up to 16 TB in size;
Supports up to 128 disks in the system;
Support for flash drives, memory cards, etc.;
Support for virtual disks (for example, from programs such as VMware, Virtual Box, etc.);
Full support for all the most popular file systems: NTFS, FAT32/FAT16/FAT12, exFAT/ReFS, Ext2/Ext3/Ext4.

MiniTool Partition Wizard

MiniTool Partition Wizard is free software for working with hard drives. By the way, it’s not at all bad, which only indicates that over 16 million users use this utility in the world!

Peculiarities:

Full support for the following OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1/7/Vista/XP 32-bit and 64-bit;
Ability to resize partitions, create new partitions, format them, clone, etc.;
Convert between MBR and GPT disks (without data loss);
Supports conversion from one file system to another: we are talking about FAT/FAT32 and NTFS (without data loss);
Backup and recovery of information on disk;
Optimizing Windows for optimal performance and migration to SSD drive(relevant for those who change their old disk HDD to a newfangled and fast SSD), etc.;

HDD Low Level Format Tool

This utility does not do much of what the programs listed above can do. In general, it can only do one thing - format the media (disk or flash drive). But it was impossible not to include it in this review...

The fact is that the utility performs low-level formatting of the disk. In some cases, restoring the functionality of a hard drive without this operation is almost impossible! Therefore, if no program sees your disk, try HDD Low Level Format Tool. It also helps to delete ALL information from the disk without the possibility of recovery (for example, you do not want someone to be able to restore your files on a sold computer).

In general, I have a separate article about this utility on my blog (which describes all these “subtleties”):

About 10 years ago, by the way, one program was very popular - Partition Magic (it allowed you to format the HDD, split the disk into partitions, etc.). In principle, you can still use it today - only the developers have stopped supporting it and it is not suitable for Windows XP, Vista and higher. On the one hand, it’s a pity when they stop supporting such convenient software...

That's all, good choice!