Question Getting rid of unallocated hard drive space

[memory]

I have a new machine with windows 10 installed. In the disk management, there is 1 partition that is 5gb on the main drive that is being unused and can't get rid of it, it was something I did that caused it to be there. It is showing unallocated and not sure how to get rid of it. When I right click it, it only gives me the option to make new simple volume. Once I have done that and it only gives me the option of shrink or delete, can't extend it. When I delete it, it goes back to unallocated space. How do I get this back on the main partition? When I right click on the main partition, can only shrink it.

I tried getting rid of it through cmd prompt using diskpart. But can only delete it once it is a new volume but then all deleting it does is take it back to unallocated space. When it is unallocated, it does not show up in diskpart or I am not sure of the command to get it to show up. Since this is the windows drive, is it possible to get this space back on the main partition?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Normally, you can only "extend" volumes to the right. If this unallocated space is to the left of the main partition, I'm afraid that you're basically stuck with it, unless you want to resort to Linux-based partition-moving/resizing tools.

 

[tracerbullet]

The free AOMEI tool can do this. It's the one I use when I'm looking for more than what the Windows Disk Manager can handle.

Just be sure it's not filled w/ something you don't know about. The AOMEI program will show you that as well. Perhaps not exactly what is on it, but if anything is on it.

If there's something on it, it could be a recovery partition. New hard drive or pulled from an older purchased system? Specs look like you built it, but just to be sure. I'm also not super familiar w/ GPT and Windows 10 and it's possible one of those decided to capture the first 5GB for some reason? But if it's empty - go for it.

 

[Muadib]

GParted will fix this. Since you are using win 10, you want to download the live version, and put it on a bootable USB drive.

 

[memory]

Normally, you can only "extend" volumes to the right. If this unallocated space is to the left of the main partition, I'm afraid that you're basically stuck with it, unless you want to resort to Linux-based partition-moving/resizing tools.

The unallocated space is to the far left, the main partition is to the right with the system partition in the middle.

The free AOMEI tool can do this. It's the one I use when I'm looking for more than what the Windows Disk Manager can handle.

Just be sure it's not filled w/ something you don't know about. The AOMEI program will show you that as well. Perhaps not exactly what is on it, but if anything is on it.

If there's something on it, it could be a recovery partition. New hard drive or pulled from an older purchased system? Specs look like you built it, but just to be sure. I'm also not super familiar w/ GPT and Windows 10 and it's possible one of those decided to capture the first 5GB for some reason? But if it's empty - go for it.

I will check out that program. I know there is nothing at all on this. This is something I created myself using diskpart in cmd prompt, don't ask why, kind of complicated. Turned out didn't need that.

GParted will fix this. Since you are using win 10, you want to download the live version, and put it on a bootable USB drive.

I will check that out.

Ty all

 

[dlerious]

MiniTool Partition Manager. I have one of the Pro Ultimate licenses. Comparison between free and paid versions https://www.minitool.com/partition-manager/partition-software-comparison.html
Download link at bottom of list.

Edit to add price is for lifetime license.

 

[mikeymikec]

Back up your data first before messing with partitions!

 

[Tech Junky]

I also use the Linux livecd method as it tends to be quicker and handles all file systems. But I also use paragon hard drive manager when I'm feeling lazy or want windows to just do it in the background while doing other things.