The Windows operating system allows users to manage partitions by themselves. Therefore, users can delete one partition and expand another partition. In this article, we'd like to introduce three free and easy methods to delete partitions on Windows 11/10.
The common demands for deleting a partition in Windows 11/10 are usually as follows:
Whenever you need to remove a partition in Windows 11/10, you can start with any one of the three ways within this page: [1] Windows Disk Management; [2] Diskpart command and [3] Qiling hard drive partitioning software.
Note: All methods mentioned will erase the data stored in the partition. Back up your important data before proceeding. Then, follow the step-by-step guide to remove any unwanted partition and reallocate your Windows 11/10 disk space.
Applies to: remove data storage drive like D, E, F in a Windows 11/10 computer; delete one partition each time
To remove partitions in Windows 11/10 using Disk Management, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Search "Disk Management" at the Start Menu.
Step 2: Right-click the drive or partition by clicking "Delete Volume" in the Disk Management panel.
Step 3: Select "Yes" to continue the removal process. Then you've successfully deleted or removed your Windows 11/10 disk.
After doing so, the deleted partition becomes unallocated space. You can apply further operations to the unallocated space.
Applies to: delete data partition, recovery partition, or EFI partition in Windows 11/10 (require a recovery disk); delete all partitions one time
Here is the step-by-step guide for deleting partition in Diskpart:
Step 1: Press the "Windows" + "R" key simultaneously to bring up the Run box. Type cmd and hit Enter.
Step 2: Type the following commands each after to delete a partition from your computer.
Step 3: Type exit to close the Command Prompt window.
Applies to: delete data partition, recovery partition, or EFI partition in Windows 11/10; delete all partitions one time
If you delete the partition in order to expand other partitions. Then the free hard drive partitioning software - Qiling Partition Master would be a better choice. It is an all-in-one partition management tool that supports users to delete and resize partitions with ease. Compared with the diskpart method, it's able to delete one or more partitions at a time, yet is more user-friendly, without requiring a solid computer skill.
Now download Qiling Partition Master and follow the detailed guide below.
Guide: How to delete partition in Windows 11/10
Step 1. Launch Qiling Partition Master on your computer.
Step 2. Select to delete partition or delete all partitions on hard drive.
Make sure that you've backed up the important data on the selected partition because this manner will compeletely remove data.
Step 3. Click "OK" to confirm the deletion.
After doing so, you can enlarge other disks or do more operations using Qiling Partition Master for free.
Can't delete a partition in Windows 11/10? It's because you're attempting to delete a protected partition using the default Disk Management, like a C drive, boot drive, recovery drive, or an OEM partition. When you can't delete a partition Windows 11/10 install, you can try solutions as follows.
Step 1: Boot up with Windows installation media (USB/DVD).
Step 2: On the first screen. Press SHIFT + F10 and type the below commands:
Step 3: Continue with Installation, select custom, select the unallocated partition then click Next (Do not create partition/format. Let Windows create the needed partitions.
Step 4: When prompted for a product key. Click on "I don't have the product key" or "Skip this step".