Windows 10 has a recovery partition that holds critical files required to recover your system in case of any software failures or system crashes. This partition is essential, and Windows keeps it hidden by default to safeguard it from accidental deletion. However, if you need to extend your system disk, these partitions may stand in the way. Windows 10 recovery partition is not movable by default, but there are some methods that you can use to move it to another area.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why you might need to move your recovery partition and how to do it. We’ll provide you with comprehensive guidance on how to move your recovery partition using various methods without missing any critical files.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Move Healthy Recovery Partition in Windows 10
The recovery partition in Windows 10 is crucial in maintaining your system’s safety and security. You may need to move this partition to another area for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is that you need to extend your system’s partition. Most modern systems come with SSD drives that can quickly run out of space, making it necessary for you to relocate the recovery partition if you want to expand the C drive.
Another possible reason why you would want to move the recovery partition is that it’s taking up too much space on your hard drive. Windows 10 requires a minimum of 16GB of space for the recovery partition, but some manufacturers may designate more space for it. If you don’t need all that space, it can be repurposed for other uses.
Method 1: Using Windows Built-in Tool – Disk Management
Windows disk management is one of the built-in tools that you can use to move your recovery partition. The following are the steps to take when using this method:
1. Press the Windows key + X, then select Disk Management.
2. Right-click on the recovery partition and select the "Change Drive Letter and Paths" option.
3. In the next window, select the remove button to remove it.
4. Next, right-click on the system’s drive and select "Extend Volume."
5. Follow the prompts to allocate the appropriate space to your system drive.
6. Once you have extended the volume, you can now create a new partition from the unallocated space.
7. Assign a letter on the newly created volume.
Pros:
– No additional software required
– Easy to use
Cons:
– Not an ideal solution for novice users
– Risk of data loss if the wrong partition is selected.
Method 2: Using Third-party Disk Management Software – EaseUS Partition Master
EaseUS Partition Master is a third-party disk management tool that you can use to move your recovery partition. This tool is suitable if you are not comfortable using the inbuilt Windows disk management tool.
Here are the steps to use EaseUS Partition Master:
1. Install the EaseUS Partition Master on your system.
2. Launch the program and right-click on the recovery partition.
3. From the dropdown menu, select "Resize/Move Partition."
4. In the next window, adjust the partition size by dragging the slider with your mouse or specifying the exact size in the box.
5. Once you have adjusted the partition, click the OK button to save your changes.
6. Next, locate the unallocated space, right-click on it, and select the option "Create Partition".
7. Assign a letter to the new partition.
8. Finally, click on "Apply" to complete the process.
Pros:
– Ease of use
– Additional features for advanced users
– Minimal risk of data loss
Cons:
– Not a free software
– You have to download and install third-party software
Method 3: Using Windows Pre-installation Environment (Windows PE)
In this method, we will use the Windows Pre-installation Environment to move your recovery partition. The Windows Pre-installation Environment is an operating system for system recovery and troubleshooting that you can run from a bootable CD or DVD, USB flash drive, or network.
Here are the steps involved in using Windows PE:
1. Use the Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool to download the Windows 10 ISO file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive using the ISO file using Rufus USB.
3. Boot your system directly from the USB drive.
4. Select the language, time, and other preferences you prefer, then click on the "Next" button.
5. Click on the "Install Now" button, then accept the license terms by checking the checkbox.
6. Next, choose the "Custom" option during installation.
7. Select the drive you want to use and click on the option "New".
8. Enter the size of the partition you would like to create, then click on the "Apply" button.
9. After Windows has been installed, you can then restore your files, settings, and apps using either a backup or an image backup.
Pros:
– Suitable for advanced users
– Complete control of partition placement
Cons:
– Risk of data loss if you’re not sure what you’re doing
– It involves downloading another software
What to Do If You Can’t Move Healthy Recovery Partition in Windows 10
If you are unable to move your recovery partition through any of the above methods, you can try the following fixes:
– Use an external hard drive to store your data
– Reinstall Windows and the programs you had installed.
– Purchase a bigger hard drive for your system.
Bonus Tip
When moving your healthy recovery partition, make sure you check if there is enough space on the new partition. Ensure that you also back up your data before commencing the move.
5 FAQs
Q: Can you move the healthy recovery partition without external storage?
A: Yes, it is possible to move the healthy recovery partition without external storage, but this is not recommended.
Q: Do I need to take any special precautions when using third-party software?
A: Yes, when using third-party disk management software, ensure that you backup your data and read through the documentation support.
Q: What happens to the data on the disk after moving the healthy recovery partition?
A: No data is lost in the process.
Q: Should I delete the old recovery partition after moving it?
A: Yes, it is advisable to delete the old recovery partition after moving it as it can prevent accidental deletion.
Q: Is moving the healthy recovery partition reversible?
A: Yes, moving the healthy recovery partition is reversible.
Final Thoughts
Moving your healthy recovery partition is not as complicated as it seems. With the methods listed in this article, you can move your recovery partition with ease. However, before moving your recovery partition, ensure that you create a backup of your data. If you encounter any problems, use the fixes listed in the article. Hopefully, this article has resolved your issues, and you can now move your healthy recovery partition without any concerns.
