How to delete a partition in Windows

Updated: 12/31/2020 by Computer Hope
Windows 10

Deleting a partition in Windows helps free up space for your other programs on a specific drive or prepare your computer to extend another partition. Also, OEM computers often come with unnecessary partitions that take up space. However, keep in mind that a partition on a hard drive can only be deleted if it's not currently in use. For example, if Windows is installed on the partition you want to delete, you can't as you are logged in to Windows. To delete a primary partition, you'll need to erase your hard drive and start over.

How to delete a partition in Windows


Deleting a partition effectively erases any data stored on it. Do not delete a partition unless you are certain you do not need any data currently stored on the partition.

To delete a disk partition in Microsoft Windows, follow these steps.

  1. Press the Windows key or click Start.
  2. Type Create and format hard disk partitions and press Enter.
  3. You should see a window open similar to the one below.Windows Disk Management

In the Disk Management window, you see a list of available hard drives. Hard Disk space labeled as Unallocated is space not yet partitioned. If hard disk space has a drive letter associated with it, that space is partitioned.

  1. Locate the partition you want to delete.
  2. Right-click that partition and select the Delete Volume option from the drop-down menu that appears.

Delete volume selector in Windows 10


If the Delete Volume option is grayed out when right-clicking, the partition cannot be deleted.

  1. A pop-up message appears to confirm that you want to delete the partition; click Yes.

Confirmation prompt for deleting a volume in Windows 10

  1. Once the partition is deleted, it is listed as Unallocated space.

Unallocated volume