Windows Server Core – Create a new disk using diskpart

Windows Server has shipped in a Server Core option since 2008, and it remains available today on Server 2019, 2022 and 2025. Without a GUI, even a simple task like adding a new virtual disk can feel unfamiliar the first time you do it — this is the diskpart sequence to get it done from the command line.

Once you’ve booted into Server Core you’ll be presented with a Command Prompt window. Type the following commands:

diskpart

Loads the diskpart utility.

list disk

Shows the disks the server can currently see.

rescan

Run this if the new virtual disk isn’t showing yet, then run list disk again to confirm it’s now visible.

sel disk 1

Selects the disk to work on — replace 1 with the number assigned to your new disk from the list disk output.

create part prim

Creates a primary partition on the selected disk.

assign letter=E

Assigns a drive letter — change E to whichever letter you want to use.

sel part 1

Selects the partition you just created.

format fs=ntfs label="DATA" quick

Formats the partition as NTFS — change "DATA" to whatever volume label you want.

exit

Closes diskpart.

Once that’s done, the new drive letter you assigned will show the disk ready to use.

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Resources

• Microsoft
• server core