How to Delete a Hard Drive or SSD Partition in Windows 10
Deleting a partition on a hard drive or SSD in Windows 10 may be necessary if you need to free up space, merge partitions, or reinstall the operating system. You can do this using Windows' built-in tool, Disk Management, without the need for third-party software.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting a Disk Partition in Windows 10
Open Disk Management
To access Disk Management, press Win + X and select «Disk Management» from the menu. A window will open, showing all the disks and partitions connected to your computer.
Select the Partition to Delete
In the list of disks and partitions, locate the one you want to delete. It’s usually labeled as a partition (e.g., “Disk 1 - Partition 2”). Be cautious: avoid deleting the system partition unless you plan to reinstall Windows.
Delete the Selected Partition
Right-click on the chosen partition and select «Delete Volume…». A warning will appear, notifying you that all data on the partition will be erased. Click «Yes» to confirm the deletion.
Check for Unallocated Space
After deleting the partition, the disk space will be marked as “Unallocated.” You can create a new partition in this space or merge it with an existing one if supported.
Create a New Partition (Optional)
To create a new partition, right-click on the unallocated space and select «New Simple Volume…». Follow the volume creation wizard to complete the setup for the new partition.
Tips and Warnings
- Deleting a partition will erase all data on it. Ensure you have backups of important files.
- Avoid deleting the system partition unless you are prepared to reinstall Windows.
- If the built-in Disk Management options feel limiting, you can use third-party tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard or AOMEI Partition Assistant for more control over disk management.
Following these steps will allow you to safely delete an unwanted partition on your hard drive or SSD in Windows 10, freeing up space for new data or a system reinstall.