Paragon Partition Manager 2013 Free debuts new interface, adds Windows 8 support

Paragon Software has released a major new version of its free partitioning tool for Windows with the launch of Paragon Partition Manager 2013 Free. The new build introduces full support for Windows 8, a new user-friendly ribbon-based interface and removes the requirement for free registration.

The 2013 build also adds two new features -- including non-destructive partition conversion from NTFS -- but remains a cut-down version of the company’s more fully functional Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12.

Version 2013’s headline new feature is support for Windows 8. This is seen with the new opening screen, which sports the Windows 8 tile-based Modern UI look. From here, users can quickly access key functionality, or opt to open the program’s main interface.

The main interface also gets a major redesign, switching to the ribbon UI increasingly favored in applications since its debut in Microsoft Office. Although tools have been split across three tabs -- Backup & Restore, Partitioning, and Copy & Migration -- most are non-functional in the free version, with an unlock button providing a link to Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12.

The new build also offers a couple of new features, including the ability to convert both NTFS and HFS file systems without formatting the drive. It also supports configuration for newer GUID Partition Table (GPT) drives.

Paragon Partition Manager 2013 Free is available now as a free download for PCs running Windows XP or later. A trial of Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12 is also available, and you can purchase the full version through the Downloadcrew Software Store for $39.96, a saving of 20 per cent on the MSRP.