About to format Dell partitions to install vanilla W11, can you tell me what each partition is for?


Sephirote

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Windows 11
Hey everyone,

Bought an XPS15 that came with Windows 11 pre-installed with a bunch of bloatware.
I'm about to format everything and reinstall a fresh/vanilla version of Windows 11.

Before moving forward, I just wanted to make sure I understood what each partition was to be safe.

BM3PTvZ.png


#1,2,3= These are your regular Window partition right? On top of my head when you install a new copy of Windows, Windows automatically create these 3 partitions.

#4= I'm not familiar with this WINRETOOLS partition. I've never seen it in the past. What does it do? Can I delete it or should I keep it?

#5= I'm guessing it's a recovery image? Was this image generated by Windows 11 or Dell?

#6= This is my first Dell laptop. Does anyone know what the DELLSUPPORT partition pertains to? Should I keep it?

Thank you
 
Windows Build/Version
21H2 (OS build 22000.434)

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Gefore RTX 3050 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED
For any partition in question download and install Mini Tool Partition Wizard > click launch > right click on any partition > left click explore

If you clean install Windows 11 on a computer that is BIOS UEFI there will be four default partitions.

One of the partitions will be hidden.

Partition layout​

The default partition layout for UEFI-based PCs is: a system partition, an MSR, a Windows partition, and a recovery tools partition.

diagram of default partition layout: system, msr, windows, and recovery


This layout lets you use Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption through both Windows and through the Windows Recovery Environment.


 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4800MQ CPU @ 2.70GHz
    Motherboard
    Product : 190A Version : KBC Version 94.56
    Memory
    16 GB Total: Manufacturer : Samsung MemoryType : DDR3 FormFactor : SODIMM Capacity : 8GB Speed : 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K3100M; Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio CODEC; PNP Device ID HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76E0
    Hard Drives
    Model Hitachi HTS727575A9E364
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Mobile Workstation
#1,2,3= These are your regular Window partition right? EFI, Microsoft System Reserved & OS partitions

#4= I'm not familiar with this WINRE partition. WinRE Recovery partition

#5= I'm guessing it's a recovery image? Dell System Recovery Image partition

#6= This is my first Dell laptop. Does anyone know what the DELLSUPPORT partition? Dell System Diagnostics partition
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Doesn't matter. If you're doing a fresh/clean install, delete them all.

You could back up your drivers but really, if by the most obscure circumstances any are required, they can either be got from Dell, or a reputable, legitimate, trustworthy driver program. About the only driver I usually have handy on a USB is the network/wi-fi driver (and that's a clear case of "if you're got it, you'll never need it").

EDIT : Use Macrium Reflect to create an image of the existing/old system. An alternative to this is get a new blank drive and do the install on that - keeps the existing/old drive intact for fall back.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-9400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1TB SSDs
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Classic Australian w.a.p.
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro (latest upadte ... anally always)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
#1,2,3= These are your regular Window partition right? EFI, Microsoft System Reserved & OS partitions

#4= I'm not familiar with this WINRE partition. WinRE Recovery partition

#5= I'm guessing it's a recovery image? Dell System Recovery Image partition

#6= This is my first Dell laptop. Does anyone know what the DELLSUPPORT partition? Dell System Diagnostics partition

Hey Kyhi, are you the same person who created Windows 10 Recovery Tools - Bootable PE Rescue Disk?
Windows 10 Recovery Tools - Bootable Rescue Disk - Windows 10 Help Forums
It's been my go-to recovery tool for years. If that's you, thank you so much for your work and contribution to the community.

Anywho, thanks for your reply and for breaking down each partition for me. I think they can all go.

Backup the drivers, before you do anything.


Thanks for your message, just completed a full image backup with Macrium that I stored on a separate HD.
Doesn't matter. If you're doing a fresh/clean install, delete them all.

You could back up your drivers but really, if by the most obscure circumstances any are required, they can either be got from Dell, or a reputable, legitimate, trustworthy driver program. About the only driver I usually have handy on a USB is the network/wi-fi driver (and that's a clear case of "if you're got it, you'll never need it").

EDIT : Use Macrium Reflect to create an image of the existing/old system. An alternative to this is get a new blank drive and do the install on that - keeps the existing/old drive intact for fall back.

Thanks, yeah it sounds like I can delete them all. Drivers won't be an issue, Dell support website is great and I will be able to download all drivers from there easily.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Gefore RTX 3050 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED
Drivers won't be an issue, Dell support website is great and I will be able to download all drivers from there easily.
What happens when you discover that Windows does not have the driver for the network card and you find out that you can't connect to the internet? When working with a new/unfamiliar computer I always create the Windows 10/11 installation USB flash drive. Then I create a Drivers folder on it. Then export the drivers to it. Why not? Takes 1 command and less than 5 minutes to do.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
Hey Kyhi, are you the same person who created Windows 10 Recovery Tools - Bootable PE Rescue Disk?
One and the Same.... Some where within your Dell Support - you can create Dell Recovery Media - Create that Media to USB - then save to a Data Drive you safe keeping.... Before you wipe the Drive.....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
What happens when you discover that Windows does not have the driver for the network card and you find out that you can't connect to the internet? When working with a new/unfamiliar computer I always create the Windows 10/11 installation USB flash drive. Then I create a Drivers folder on it. Then export the drivers to it. Why not? Takes 1 command and less than 5 minutes to do.
I'll use my 2 other machines connected to the internet to download any drivers I may require.
Thought what you're saying is absolutely relevant if you don't have a 2nd PC handy to access the internet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Gefore RTX 3050 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED
One and the Same.... Some where within your Dell Support - you can create Dell Recovery Media - Create that Media to USB - then save to a Data Drive you safe keeping.... Before you wipe the Drive.....
Ok, thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at the Dell support app and try to create a Dell Recovery Media. Never too safe.

Hey I had another question if you don't mind, I just booted up Windows Install and in the windows setup, where usually all partitions are listed out, none could be found and it said at the bottom "We couldn't find any drives. To get a storage driver, click Load driver"
Does this have something to do with Windows Bitlocker? How should I proceed to display my partitions in the Windows installer setup?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Gefore RTX 3050 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED
Open command prompt admin
Code:
md %userprofile%\Desktop\Win11-Drivers

dism /online /Export-Driver /Destination:"%userprofile%\Desktop\Win11-Drivers"
That will Export the Third Party (Dell) drivers into a Folder on your Desktop... Now if you need a Driver you will have it....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
You need to export the Host Drivers to a folder - then point to that folder to "Load" the Storage Driver
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI Custom build
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Edge AC
    Memory
    64GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 TI
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes
If you are going to do a clean install and you have saved any necessary data, then I would delete ALL the partitions and start afresh.
The Windows 11 installation process will give you the option to delete them. I always get rid of them all. That's a proper clean installation.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Stigg's Build
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-10900X
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE X299X DESIGNARE 10G
    Memory
    Corsair 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) CMW64GX4M4C3000C15 Vengeance RGB Pro 3000Mhz DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1660 Super Mini ITX 6 GB OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" FHD LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor (LS27F350FHEXXY)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Pro Series 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
    Western Digital Red Pro WD8003FFBX-68B9AN0 8 TB, 7200 RPM, SATA-III
    Western Digital Red Pro WD8003FFBX-68B9AN0 8 TB, 7200 RPM, SATA-III
    PSU
    Corsair HX1200 1200W 80 Plus Platinum
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7 Black Solid Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
    Keyboard
    Razer Ornata V2
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Essential
    Internet Speed
    FTTN 100Mbps / 40Mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    N/A
    Other Info
    Logitech BRIO 4k Ultra HD USB-C Webcam
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Zephyrus M GM501GS
    CPU
    Core i7-8750H
    Motherboard
    Zephyrus M GM501GS
    Memory
    SK Hynix 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) HMA82GS6CJR8N-VK 16 GB DDR4-2666 DDR4 SDRAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC294
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AU Optronics B156HAN07.1 [15.6" LCD]
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung MZVKW512HMJP-00000 512 GB, PCI-E 3.0 x4
    Samsung SSD 860 QVO 4TB 4 TB, SATA-III
    PSU
    N/A
    Case
    N/A
    Cooling
    N/A
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Essential
    Keyboard
    PC/AT Enhanced PS2 Keyboard (101/102-Key)
    Internet Speed
    FTTN 100Mbps / 40Mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    N/A
    Other Info
    USB2.0 HD UVC Webcam
Ok, thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at the Dell support app and try to create a Dell Recovery Media. Never too safe.

Hey I had another question if you don't mind, I just booted up Windows Install and in the windows setup, where usually all partitions are listed out, none could be found and it said at the bottom "We couldn't find any drives. To get a storage driver, click Load driver"
Does this have something to do with Windows Bitlocker? How should I proceed to display my partitions in the Windows installer setup?
And what is really amazing - if you had exported the drivers to a folder on the Windows 10/11 installation USB flash drive, then guess where the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver that you need could be found? I rest my case. You need the IRST driver on a USB flash drive and then you need to click on the load driver link to load the IRST driver from the USB flash drive.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
As said, if you are going to clean install, format the entire disk and let Windows set the partitions. Get the RST drivers from Intel and put them on the same flash drive as the Windows ISO you are using (if that's how you are doing it)

When set up says it cannot detect your drive, click load drivers and select the same flash drive you are using and select the RST driver folder.
The drivers are here:

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Beta, 11 Dev, W11 Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Alienware M15 Ryzen Edition R6
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HX
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 8GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    1 x Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
Before clean installing, here the steps you need to follow.

1. Create a Windows 11 ISO from MCT

2. Create a bootable Windows 11 from the created ISO

3. In another USB drive, create a Dell Recovery Media so you can go back if anything goes wrong.

4. Create a image using Macrium Reflect (only your needed files that don't have any backup)

5. Get a spare or another device and follow this while on the Windows 11 Setup.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    EndeavourOS, Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom PC
    CPU
    Core i5 8400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B360M-HD3
    Memory
    8gb DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    iGPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    some generic 1080p 75hz monitor * 2
    Screen Resolution
    1080p * 2
    Hard Drives
    GIGABYTE NVMe SSD 256GB (GP-GSM2NE3256GNTD)
    Internet Speed
    200MBit/s
    Antivirus
    WD
- So I've successfully created a Dell Recovery and restore USB Drive following Dell's instructions

- Followed Kyhi's instructions and I created a Windows 11 drivers folder on the desktop (1st command)
- Then I think it successfully extracted host drivers to the folder using the 2nd DISM command

Cm1UrwI.png


I think it looks good. I'm going to boot up Windows installer and see if I can get it now to see my partitions
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Gefore RTX 3050 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED
I think it looks good. I'm going to boot up Windows installer and see if I can get it now to see my partitions
Get a another USB drive, then put the drivers on the another USB drive, and plug it in while on Setup. Press Load Driver while on the Partition page.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    EndeavourOS, Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom PC
    CPU
    Core i5 8400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B360M-HD3
    Memory
    8gb DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    iGPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    some generic 1080p 75hz monitor * 2
    Screen Resolution
    1080p * 2
    Hard Drives
    GIGABYTE NVMe SSD 256GB (GP-GSM2NE3256GNTD)
    Internet Speed
    200MBit/s
    Antivirus
    WD
As said, if you are going to clean install, format the entire disk and let Windows set the partitions. Get the RST drivers from Intel and put them on the same flash drive as the Windows ISO you are using (if that's how you are doing it)

When set up says it cannot detect your drive, click load drivers and select the same flash drive you are using and select the RST driver folder.
The drivers are here:


How do you go about adding the host drivers on the same flash drive as the bootable flash drive I created with Windows 11 Media creation tool?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-11800H
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Gefore RTX 3050 Ti
    Monitor(s) Displays
    OLED

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