Splitting files in Windows is a valuable technique for overcoming file size restrictions, whether you’re facing limitations when sending files via email, encountering upload caps on cloud storage, or needing to distribute large files across various devices. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover several effective methods for splitting files, utilizing both built-in Windows tools and third-party solutions.
Method 1: Online File Splitter
Difficulty: Easiest
Online file splitters provide an effortless solution for quickly dividing files without requiring software installation. This can be a significant advantage if you lack admin access on your computer. However, caution is advised when using these services, as uploading files might expose sensitive information to third-party servers.
Among the various online options available, PineTool’s online file splitter stands out for its user-friendly experience. Just follow these simple steps:
- Click the Choose File button to upload your desired file.
- Set your splitting parameters, such as the number of parts or the maximum size of each segment.
- Hit the Split File button and wait for the process to finish.
- Download your split files, and to reunite them later, use the Join files tool.
Method 2: Download a Dedicated File Splitter Tool
Difficulty: Easy
If you prefer to maintain full control over your file splitting without compromising your data privacy, consider using a dedicated file splitter tool like the FileFracture app. This software offers a simple interface and keeps all operations local to your machine.
To use FileFracture:
- Open the app and click the Browse button to select the source file.
- Choose your destination folder for the split files.
- Select your preferred method for splitting: by parts or by size.
- Once settings are configured, click the Split Files button.
- To merge files back, navigate to the Merge tab in the application.
Keep in mind, the free version limits you to splitting files into five parts or less. To enjoy more options, consider upgrading to the premium version.
Method 3: Use a File Archiver Utility
Difficulty: Medium
Chances are, you might already have a powerful file archiver utility installed on your system, such as 7-Zip or WinRAR. These programs aren’t just for file archiving; they are also capable of splitting files efficiently.
To split a file with 7-Zip:
- Right-click the file you want to split and choose Show more options (only for Windows 11 users), then navigate to 7-Zip -> Add to archive.
- Customize the Archive name and choose a compatible Archive format, preferably ZIP.
- In the Split to volumes, bytes field, input the maximum size for each segment, or select a preset from the dropdown menu.
- Click OK and let 7-Zip perform the splitting process.
To reconstruct the original file, right-click on the first part (typically the. 001 file) and select 7-Zip -> Extract files. Ensure all parts are within the same folder for this to work seamlessly.
Method 4: Use Windows Command Prompt
Difficulty: Hard
Advanced users familiar with command-line operations might prefer leveraging the FileSplitter PowerShell script. This command-line tool offers a robust solution for splitting large files into manageable segments.
To utilize this method, execute the following steps:
- Open Windows Terminal and paste the entire script into the window, then press Enter to register it for use.
- Use the command below to split the file into multiple parts, each up to 100 MB in size, while creating a self-extracting script:
Be sure to adjust the path to the actual location of your file. You can also change the PartSizeBytes parameter to match your specific needs.
While these techniques offer viable solutions for file splitting in Windows, remember that sometimes compressing a file can be a simpler and more effective option if your file exceeds a limit marginally. Compressed files, especially those of formats like uncompressed images, can greatly reduce in size.
Images and screenshots by David Morelo.
Additional Insights
1. What is the best method for splitting files in Windows?
The best method depends on your needs: if you prefer convenience, an online file splitter like PineTool is excellent. If data privacy is essential, a dedicated tool like FileFracture or using 7-Zip is more suitable. For advanced users, Windows Command Prompt provides powerful options.
2. Are there risks associated with using online file splitters?
Yes, there are privacy concerns when using online file splitters since your files are uploaded to third-party servers. Sensitive information could be at risk, and some services may retain copies of your files after the splitting process.
3. Can I restore split files easily?
Absolutely! Most file splitting tools and methods allow you to easily rejoin split files. For instance, with 7-Zip, simply right-click the first part and choose to extract the files, and the tool automatically knows how to reassemble them, provided all parts are in the same location.
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