How to Remove an Unallocated Partition

By J.S. Copper

Remove an Unallocated Partition
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When you delete a partition from a multi-partitioned drive, the result is unallocated free space. The new available space isn't automatically allocated to remaining partitions on the drive. Not only does it sit there, but it remains unusable because it lacks proper file formatting. To recover that extra space, removing the unallocated space and adding it to the remaining partitions, you must extend the partitions into the free space.

Click the "Start" menu, right-click "Computer" and select "Manage."

Click "Storage" and select Disk Management." The Disk Management utility is the built-in Windows utility to handle basic drive and partition tasks, such as create, delete, resize and format.

Right-click the remaining partition on the drive with the unallocated space and click "Extend Volume..."

Set the desired partition size in the Extend Partition Wizard. The original partition size will be displayed, along with the total available space. Click "Next" to finish the extension. If you select to use all available space, the unallocated space will be completely gone -- now part of the remaining partition.

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