Users who have deleted the Ubuntu or Linux partition from Windows have faced a problem with extending their hard drive to merge that unallocated or free space which was previously occupied by Ubuntu or other Linux operating system. In most cases the option to �extend� a primary hard drive is greyed out. Fortunately, after a lot of searching, I have found a sure fix for this issue.
Since you are about to delete the Ubuntu or Linux partition, I am assuming you are trying to completely remove Ubuntu or Linux and just want to boot from the Windows 7,8 OR 10 operating system. To do this in a safe manner, follow the below steps:
How to remove GRUB Ubuntu/Windows dual boot
Before deleting the Ubuntu or any Linux partition you need to make sure your boot loader is repaired via Windows.Here are the steps for it:
- For this you will need to boot into Windows setup via DVD or a bootable USB. You can easily create bootable USB using a program called Rufus.
- Insert the bootable DVD or bootable USB. Press F10 or F12 to boot from USB/DVD.
- After booting into Windows setup via DVD or USB,, select the language
- Click on �repair your system�.
- Now find and open command prompt and type bootrec /fixboot >> Press Enter
- Again type bootrec /fixmbr then hit enter.
You�ve successfully remove the Ubuntu-linux/ Windows GRUB boot loader and you will boot directly into Windows 7. Now, to safely delete the partition occupied by Ubuntu follow these steps :
Delete Ubuntu/Linux partition in Windows and merge it with primary drive
- First Download & install MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition
- Open the MiniTool Partition Wizard
- Then right click on the unallocated or ubuntu partition and select wipe partition/delete >> Click on �Apply� (top left )
- Close Minitool Partition Winzard
- Now press windows key + R and type diskmgmt.msc >> press enter
- Alternately, press windows key and search for disk management and select �create and format hard disk partitions�
- Now the disk management utility will open
- Right click on the unallocated or free partition >> Select �Delete Partition�
- Now right click on the disk drive you want to expand and select �extend� and then choose the unallocated space. Now the unallocated or free space will be merged to that drive. In the third image below, C: is the drive I extended after deleting the unallocated/free Ubuntu partition.
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Deleting Ubuntu partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard |
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Running Disk Management Utility in Windows |
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Deleting Ubuntu Partition to merge it with Drive C: |
If you've followed the above steps correctly, all of the free space previously taken by Ubuntu or Linux will be allocated to your primary Windows drive.