# Directory Partitions/Naming Contexts

Each DC inclues Directory partition. A directory partition is a contiguous portion of the overall directory that has independent replication scope and scheduling data.  Directory Partition in AD, determines the [Hierarchy](https://ldapwiki.com/wiki/Hierarchy) or the [Directory Partition Subtrees](https://ldapwiki.com/wiki/Directory%20Partition%20Subtrees). This is stored in a single **NTDS.dit file** which is logically separated into the following partitions (also called heads):

1. Schema Partition
2. Configuration Partition
3. Domain Partition
4. Application Partition

![directory-tree-hierarchy](/files/-Lzm2KBhlhOXQl6whMvY)

Fore more information :

{% embed url="<https://docs.microsoft.com/fr-fr/windows/win32/ad/naming-contexts-and-partitions>" %}

{% embed url="<https://ldapwiki.com/wiki/Directory%20Partition%20Hierarchy>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.faqforge.com/windows-server-2016/partitions-active-directory/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.ultimatewindowssecurity.com/blog/default.aspx?d=10/2017>" %}


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