How to Recover a Deleted Disk Partition in Windows

Accidentally deleting a disk partition can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. You can restore a deleted partition in Windows using built-in tools and third-party software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recover lost data and restore access to your partition.

Checking the Disk in Windows Disk Management

First, ensure that the partition is indeed deleted and not just missing a drive letter. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
  2. Check if your deleted partition is visible among the displayed disks. If it’s marked as Unallocated, data recovery might still be possible.
  3. If the partition has simply lost its letter, right-click on it and select Change Drive Letter and Paths to assign a new letter and make it accessible again.

Using Command Prompt and DiskPart

If the partition isn’t showing in Disk Management, you can try using DiskPart via Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type diskpart and press Enter.
  3. Enter list volume to display a list of all partitions and volumes on your disks.
  4. Find the partition you want to restore, then use the command assign letter=X (replace X with the desired drive letter) to regain access to it.

Recovering with Third-Party Software

If the built-in tools didn’t work, you can try specialized partition recovery software. Some popular options include:

  • EaseUS Partition Recovery: A user-friendly tool that can recover deleted partitions with just a few clicks.
  • MiniTool Partition Wizard: The free version allows partition recovery and even repairs damaged file systems.
  • Active@ Partition Recovery: A professional tool for restoring deleted partitions and recovering lost data.

Download and install one of these programs, run a scan, and follow the instructions to recover your partition. Make sure the software is compatible with your Windows version and file system.