If you used Windows 7, 8 or 10 to partition your hard drive, your partitions are likely to be already aligned. But this article will be useful for you if you edited volumes in Windows XP or cloned them using various third-party software. Here is how to check the alignment of HDD or SSD and align a partition using free utility without formatting and risk of data loss.
How to Check if the Partition is Aligned and Align it if Necessary
We recommend to use AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard for this purpose. This program is able to align a volume without formatting it and all your information will not be deleted. But it should be said that alignment can take a long time depending on the size and used disk space of each volume.
- Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard which is freeware: www.disk-partition.com/download-home.html :
- Launch the program.
- Select the partition you are interested in (left click on it).
- Click on Partition Alignment in the left pane:
- Click OK to optimize the partition:
Attention! If the current one is already aligned you will see “The current partition is already optimized thus there’s no need to align it again”. In this case just click Cancel: - Click Proceed to start the alignment:
Your data won’t be lost! - Wait. If you align the system disk your PC will reboot:
System partition is being aligned in PreOS Mode Your computer will restart when done and you will be able to work again.
Attention! If the current one is already aligned you will see “The current partition is already optimized thus there’s no need to align it again”. In this case just click 
Your data won’t be lost!
Feel free to ask questions and tell us about your experience in the comments below! We’d also be happy if you shared this guide with your friends! Thank you!