The Windows Recovery partition is a partition or section specifically dedicated to storing system files and other tools needed to restore the operating system to its original state (factory settings) without needing external media like USB drives or installation discs.
Some users consider the Recovery partitions unimportant and unnecessary. They prefer creating custom recovery solutions using external or cloud backup for data recovery.
One might also consider deleting the Windows Recovery Partitions. Some of the most common reasons include freeing up valuable disk space and redundant data, especially if you have bootable USB drives or other cloud-based recovery systems, and upgrading or changing the operating system. One might also erase recovery partitions when considering replacing or upgrading a Hard Drive, boosting system performance by reducing the number of partitions, removing unwanted bloatware, etc.
The next section talks about wiping the recovery partition from your internal drive.
How To Delete Windows Recovery Partition?
Deleting a recovery partition can be done in two ways: using the Command Prompt or reliable third-party tools.
Method 1: Delete Recovery Partition in Windows 10 and Other Versions Using Command Prompt (Diskpart)
Diskpart is a command-line disk partitioning tool that allows Windows users to manage their systems’ disks, partitions, and volumes.
This tool lets Windows users view their disks, partitions, and volumes. Additionally, one can use it to create, delete, and format partitions and volumes. Assign and remove drive letters. Extend and shrink volumes. Convert partition types of styles. And clean or remove the entire partition data.
One can follow the steps below to remove or delete Windows recovery partition using DiskPart.
1: Launch the Command Prompt utility and run it as an Administrator.
2: Type the “diskpart” command and hit the Enter key.
3: Type “list disk” and hit Enter. This will display a list of all available disks.
4: Select the disk that contains the recovery partition by typing select disk # (replace # with the disk number).
5: Type “list partition” to list all partitions on the selected disk.
6: Select the recovery partition by typing select partition X (replace X with the partition number).
7: Type “delete partition override” and press Enter to delete the recovery partition.
I am sure you have safely deleted the recovery partition from the drive.
If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can try the next solution, which discusses third-party tools for deleting the recovery partition in Windows 10 and other older and newer versions.
Method 2: Erase the Recovery Partition in Windows Using Third-party Tools
Various third-party software and applications offer graphical interfaces, making it easier for Windows and Mac users to manage disk partitions and volumes.
This is an ideal solution for users who prefer a graphical interface over a command-line interface. These tools also offer additional disk management options and features.
Now that you have deleted your Recovery Partition. You might be wondering about the storage space.
What Happens When You Erase or Get Rid of the Recovery Partition?
The moment you delete a recovery partition, the space becomes unallocated. This space can be used to create new partitions or extend existing ones. This unallocated space doesn’t contain any file system. The space or the volume is unusable unless and until you allocate it by formatting it with a new file system or merging it with an existing partition.
1: Merge Unallocated Disk Space with the Existing Partition
Merging partitions increases the disk’s storage space, reduces the overall number of partitions, and simplifies the disk management process.
1. Hit the Windows key + R Key simultaneously, type in diskmgmt.msc, and click on the OK button.
2. Right-click on the partition adjacent to the unallocated space and select the “Extend Volume” option.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Extend Volume Wizard to add the unallocated space to the existing partition.
You need to keep a few things in mind. First, the unallocated space must be next to a partition you want to extend. Second, the partition and the unallocated disk space should be on the same disk and have the same file system.
2: Format and Create a New Partition
This solution is helpful when creating a separate storage device to save different data types. Thereby facilitating easier data management and better data organization.
1. Hit the Windows key + X Key simultaneously and click on Disk Management.
2. Right-click on the unallocated disk space. Click on the “New Simple Volume” from the drop-down options menu.
3. The next screen will ask you to assign a drive letter, choose a file system with which you want to format it, etc. Follow the on-screen instructions to use the new storage space quickly.
Conclusion
Deleting a Windows recovery partition is a good way to reclaim your valuable disk space. This solution can be vital, especially if you are running out of storage space or your system has limited storage space.
You can use the Diskpart command-line utility or any reliable third-party disk management software. These solutions allow users to manage their disk resources more effectively.
Deleting Windows Recovery Partitions is an irreversible action. This results in permanent loss of recovery tools and restore points.
Understanding the methods and consequences of deleting a Windows recovery partition. Users can make more informed decisions to help them optimize their system’s performance and storage capabilities while protecting important data.
