To delete a partition in Windows 10, back up anything you want to keep, then right-click Start and select Disk Management. Right-click the partition, select Delete Volume, and select Yes. The space becomes Unallocated, and everything that was on it is erased.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Before you start
- Deleting a partition erases all its files. Copy anything you need to another drive first. See how to back up Windows 10.
- Don’t delete the C: drive or small system partitions, like ones labeled Recovery or EFI System Partition. Windows needs them to start.
- You need to be signed in as an administrator.
Delete the partition in Disk Management
- Right-click Start and select Disk Management.
- Find the partition in the lower part of the window. Check the drive letter and size so you pick the right one.
- Right-click it and select Delete Volume.
- Read the warning, then select Yes.
The partition turns into a black Unallocated area.
Delete a partition with DiskPart
Use this if Disk Management won’t do it, for example on a USB drive with several partitions. Be careful, because DiskPart doesn’t ask before it erases.
- Select Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Type diskpart and press Enter.
- Type list disk and note the number of your drive by its size.
- Type select disk followed by that number, such as select disk 1.
- Type list partition, then select partition followed by the number you want to delete.
- Type delete partition and press Enter. Type exit when you’re done.
In PowerShell (Admin), Get-Partition lists partitions, and Remove-Partition -DiskNumber 1 -PartitionNumber 2 deletes one after asking you to confirm.
Use the free space
- Add it to the partition next to it. Right-click that partition and select Extend Volume. It only works if the unallocated space is directly to its right. See how to extend the C drive in Windows 10 and how to merge partitions.
- Make a new partition. Right-click the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.
If you can’t delete or reuse the space
- A Recovery partition sits between C: and the free space. Extend Volume won’t work across it. Deleting it removes Windows recovery tools, so only do it if you’re comfortable re-creating them. Making a new partition from the free space is the safer choice.
- The partition is on a USB drive. Windows 10, version 1703 and later can manage several partitions on a USB drive in Disk Management. On older versions, use DiskPart.
- Disk Management shows an error. Close File Explorer windows and apps using the drive, then try again. Restarting the PC often helps.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Delete Volume grayed out?
Windows protects partitions it needs, like C:, Recovery and EFI partitions. It’s also grayed out when the partition holds the page file. Leave these partitions alone unless you’re reinstalling Windows.
How do I see all my partitions first?
See how to view partitions in Windows 10 and how to open Disk Management.
Can I get a deleted partition back?
Sometimes, if you stop using the drive right away and nothing new is written to it. Partition recovery apps can scan for the old partition, but there’s no guarantee. That’s why a backup comes first.
Will deleting a partition make my PC faster?
No. It only changes how the space on the drive is divided. To free up space for Windows, add the space to C: or clean up files you don’t need.
Does deleting a partition remove Windows?
Only if you delete the partition Windows is on, which Disk Management won’t let you do while Windows is running. Deleting a separate data partition doesn’t affect Windows.
What’s the difference between deleting and formatting?
Formatting erases the files but keeps the partition, so it still has a drive letter. Deleting removes the partition itself and leaves unallocated space.
Can I delete a partition on a second drive?
Yes, as long as Windows isn’t installed on it. The steps are the same, but double-check the disk number so you don’t erase the wrong drive.
Microsoft’s references are Disk Management in Windows and delete partition. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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